Liversedge Half Marathon

Eight Harriers tackled the Liversedge Half Marathon on Sunday 13^th February – the first race in the 2022 Road Race Championship.

Although there are certainly more difficult half marathons out there – Buxton, Ashbourne and Oldham spring to mind – the Liversedge Half Marathon is still definitely a challenge as it features just over 1000ft of climbing on a course that has very few flat sections. That it occurs so early in the year makes it even more interesting, as the weather is often terrible; Sunday was no exception, although the rain had abated somewhat over the course of the weekend.

The race started promptly at 11:00, at which point 322 runners thundered down through Roberttown in what is a very quick first mile. After that, the course climbs steadily for around 3.5 miles before suddenly descending into Bailiff Bridge; almost half an hour’s hard work undone in less than five minutes! A very runnable mile follows as the course turns towards Brighouse before leaving the main road, crossing a ford and then gradually climbing for another 3 miles. The last few miles then undulate steadily, although the final run-in tests your legs as it heads back uphill into Roberttown.

Joe Sagar of Spenborough AC won the race in a hugely impressive 1:09:01; a record for the course. First back for the Harriers was Michael Sanderson, whilst Amy Smith was the first female as both claimed PBs. Anthony Waring continued his good form as he finished third MV50, whilst Kevin Dessoy was not far behind and claimed third MV55.

The race is organised by Roberttown Road Runners and has been held since 1995; this shows, as the event is expertly organised and incredibly well supported by friendly, supportive volunteers. Many thanks to them, and well done to all the Harriers that turned out for the club!