Pictured above are the Ladies Team Winners – Holmfirth Harriers (Sophie Cromwell, Helena Croft & Fran Whitworth).
Race Report by John Ewart
Event date – Thursday 8th August 2024
Despite the inclement weather, there was a decent turnout of 51 for the race, 22 of which were Holmfirth Harriers.
Not surprisingly, Holmfirth took all the team prizes. With nine runners in the first thirteen there was no competition for the men, while the ladies had the only two complete ladies teams.
Richard Anderson was a deserved race winner, though he was pushed hard all the way by a fast improving Tommy Holroyd and only opened a gap on the last climb to the cricket club. Patrick Needham ran well for fourth place, while Tim Brook, suffering from sore Achilles tendons, finished fifth and took the trophy once again for first Holmfirth vet.
Helena Croft finished a fine fifteenth, and first lady, well supported by Sophie Cromwell and Fran Whitworth to bag the First Ladies team.
There was a lot of eyeing up of the prizes beforehand, with the large box of teabags and the huge toilet roll pack being the most desired items. Debbie Beck, who has been after a prize for years, finally got in there with third f50. Her wish for the sweeping brush was scuppered by Neil Midgley, second v70, who was up just before Debbie, and who walked off triumphantly waving the brush. Debbie was distraught, but after stamping her feet for a while Neil did the gentlemanly thing and handed it over.With the reduced numbers, everyone who stayed for the prize giving ended up with something, so I hope they all went home happy.
Full results can be found here.
Without all the helpers, the race wouldn’t happen, so a big thank you to everyone who did their bit. The marshals got a soaking, with only a few saying I should organise the weather better for next year. I’ll do my best.
As ever, we must thank the cricket club for hosting us. The chilli went down well as usual. My pre race request for everyone to support the club by buying a chilli and a couple of beers was so successful, that when I went for my post race beer, once everyone had left, they had sold out. P P. P. P. P. P. I was distraught.
14th August is the provisional date for next year. Put it in your diaries.
Thanks everyone.
John Ewart
