Parlauf Final – 1st of July 2025
July was welcomed in at Holmfirth Harriers by the running of the 2025 Parlauf Finals which turned out to be a historic first.
The ten teams who had qualified lined up at 7:45pm, one of each pair on opposite sides of the track.
The start time allowed many Harriers to complete their training sessions before watching the final, with many parents, siblings and other supporters of the runners ensuring a good crowd with plenty of support for each pair.
As the whistle sounded to set the teams off at the start of the ten minutes Tom Heap and Otis Huscroft set the early pace with Leighton Moxon and Ernie Mayes.
As the race developed these two pairs continued to be at the head of affairs with the places behind them chopping and changing as the runners handed over to their partners.
As the final minute whistle approached Tom was still in the lead but the pairings of Pat Needham and Dorothy Jones and Michael Sanderson and Florence Turner were gradually closing in, with both the girls who were two of the smallest and youngest in the final running with great determination giving great support to their partners.
Florence was trying to emulate her brother William who had won the event in 2024.
AS the whistle for the final minute sounded Tom was still leading but ominously both Pat and Michael were moving through to throw down a challenge.
Leighton and Ernie had started to fade slightly but Ernie, the younger and much smaller of the pair gamely kept the baton and tried to mount a challenge but the others were too strong and experienced and they finished fourth.
At the 30 second warning Michael had moved onto the shoulder of Tom and then went past him closely followed by Pat.
Michael Sanderson was leading and just managing to hold Pat Needham off having the inside of the final bend and as the two runners entered the straight Pat moved alongside Michael and was ready to pounce when the final whistle sounded.
After consultation with the judges who had been marking off the laps it was decided that the pair could not be separated and for the first time in history the Parlauf Race was declared a dead heat.
Everyone agreed it had again been a fantastic club event enjoyed by all who took part, young and old and by the large crowd of spectators.
Afterwards the trophies were handed over to the winning pairs with Florence and Dorothy beaming as John McFadzean handed over them the plagues.
Michael and Florence on the left with Pat and Dorothy on the right receiving the winners plaques