Run Heaton 10k – 22 January 2023

It was a bright and cold morning for the first of the 2023 Road Championship races held at Heaton Park in Manchester.  Nine Harriers made it across t’hill to find a very well organised and busy set up.

There were three races on the card, a 5k, the 10k which was on our champs and a half marathon, all running a different number of 5k loops of the park.  Whilst they started at different times, this made for an interesting and entertaining race as you didn’t really know which racers you were overtaking or being overtaken by.  Lap races can sometimes be a bit boring but the number of runners and supporters made it interesting.

As I say, the course was (in the 10k’s case) two laps of the park – all on surfaced paths.  There were a few patches of ice which had mostly been gritted and one very short section which had been coned off.  Only one hill to speak of and that was quite short and of course we got to run up it twice.

An organised warm up with a very enthusiastic instructor was followed by us being asked to line up in expected finish order and the start was bang on time at 10:00.

The course was well and enthusiastically marshalled and directions were very clear about when to go round again and when to peel off for the finish.  A medal and bottle of water was given to each finisher and there were three or four stands selling (and giving away) snacks.  Dunkin’ Donuts even had a stand which was doing a roaring trade (no give aways there unfortunately).

This was an excellent start to the year and if anyone fancies a 5k or 10k later in the year, keep an eye on their website as this looks to be a regular event.

The winners were            Men:      James Brice (unattached) in 35:53

Ladies:  Julia Thomas (Holmfirth) in 42:52

So massive congratulations for Julia for being the overall ladies winner.

Harriers times are

Well done to Jack for coming 4^th overall and to John, Anthony and Noreen for being 1^st in their age groups.  An excellent morning’s work for Holmfirth.