On the 23rd of April we ventured out to Woodburn stadium, Sheffield for the 3k race which formed part of the RJT & NMAC Series Sheffield 2023. It was grey but still and quite temperate. Good conditions for a marathon but we were here for a 3k. Last time I had run here was 1989 and the Yorkshire 5k. Back then I did a 15.28 on a new track and what was then a pleasant and impressive venue. I remember getting off the train at Sheffield that day and walking a mile to the venue memorable for the pit-bulls that roamed the streets near the venue. I certainly moved quick up Stadium Way that’s for sure. It had now declined the stadium quite a lot. It was barbed up everywhere too. Yep we’re back in the 1980s again!!
The race had a small but quite talented field at the front end. Looking at the young guys at the start line they certainly looked thoroughbred track runners. For Holmfirth, myself (Gary Graham) and Claire (Leaver Hewitt) dug in and tried to work our way through the field. I managed to split the brother and sister Fearn combo in 10.30 for 6th place and Claire ran well for 8th in 11.49 (2nd Women). This time puts me back in 9th in the UK for 3k (M55 class). With Alwyn’s coaching so far so good. We went for a good run after down the canal for quite an enjoyable event once I’d got my 2023 bearings back.
Full results are here:
Men’s winner: Euan Brown 8.30; Women’s winner: Alice Fearn 10.37.
Then on the 26th April we had three athletes out at the Leeds 5k run at the Brownlee Centre.
Jack Sunderland was first back in 11th place in 17.51; Gary Graham was first vet 55 and he came back 18th in 18.21 and Adam Sunderland who had run the point to point the night before was rewarded with a PB of 19.07. Well done Adam. Jack ran a good race and came through well as the race progressed. Looks a good future talent for the club.
Men’s winner: Mark Bolland Cage – 15.59; Women’s winner: Stella Cross – 18.19.
