Harriers rise to the occasion in Thirsk

In the Under-13s Boys C.Pascoe finished 12th in a time of 16.13 and in the Under-15s Boys Ralph Pearse was 10th in 13.41 and M.Mitchell was 13th in 14.25.

In the Under-15s Girl's race A.Stephen was 17th in 17.45 and V.Elliott 19th in 17.49. In the Under-17s Men Harriers' athletes did brilliantly to finish 1st team with Adam Blowers 5th in 28.29, Elliot Hills 6th in 28.42 and Elliott Jackson 9th in 30.02. In the ladies they had Jessica Russon 9th overall in 27.09 and 1st in Under-17s, Rebecca Chislett 30th in 31.11, Abi Topliss 32nd in 31.23, Andrea Henderson 35th in 31.50, Michelle O'Grady 39th in 32.18, Sandra Jemson 49th in 35.43, Cheryl Hepples 50th in 36.46, Barbara Kettle 51st in 36.51 and Diane Hall 52nd in 36.55.

The Senior men were Lewis Gamble Thompson 4th overall and 1st Under-20s in a time of 32.20, Mark Gamble Thompson 26th in 35.53, Andrew Sugden 59th in 39.56, Wade Goodall 67th in 40.33, Iain Povey 75th in 41.24, Ronnie Sherwood 90th in 43.52, Doug Scott 106th in 45.21, J.Smith 118th in 48.55, Colin Scollay 126th in 51.57 and Barry Wells 130th in 55.08.

In the North-East Championship's Mark Shaw got Harriers under way retaining his Under-13s title. This was followed by Katy Templeman winning Gold and Lizzie Templeman Bronze in the Under-13s girls. Lewis Gamble-Thompson won an individual Bronze, and led the team to a bronze with Dominic Shaw and Tom Graham. And as the light began to fade for the Under-17s men's race Adam Blowers, Elliot Jackson, Elliot Hills and Raymond Ho won a team Bronze medal.

Ricky Stevenson was absent because of his selection for the GB junior team in the European Cross Country Championship being held in Italy.

Thirsk and Sowerby Harriers

WITH the year drawing to a close, a couple of tough races were on offer, maybe to make sure runners kept warm in the cooler weather! 487 runners completed the difficult Loftus and Whitby Poultry Run over a distance well in excess of seven miles on a beautiful morning for running.

Darren Bilton of Leeds City was the runaway winner in a time of 42.16, with Richard Hall, continuing his good form, coming 13th in 47.19 minutes, Alasdair Thorpe 95th in 56.02, Angela Hall 98th in 56.19, Nicola Thorpe 254th in 64.35, Pat Kirby 323rd in 68.49 and Ian Codling 371st in 72.29. Richard, Angela and Pat all came home with very acceptable poultry prizes for coming 1st or 2nd in their age-groups.

At the other side of the country, on an equally beautiful morning, David Goddard completed the tough Great Langdale Christmas Pudding 10k race in a very good 46.10, with Pam Sherlock finishing in 63.11. 613 runners completed this race and each one received a Christmas Pudding!

Two weeks previously, Simon McKeown had hoped to complete the Luton Marathon in under four hours after his disappointment in Venice. However, the windy conditions combined with the 3-lap hilly course, which included a 1280 ft climb, made that target impossible, and Simon had to be satisfied with a time of 4.17.05.

Richmond and Zetland Harriers

THREE Richmond and Zetland athletes made their way to Sheffield, for the Open Indoor Meeting at the EIS on Saturday, December 9.

Ken Harker was in great from, competing in heat 3 of the men's 1000m, which saw him finish in an excellent 2nd position, with a time of 2.43.7.

After the event, Ken said: "I felt very strong, but just lacked some speed, which was only to be expected, as I haven't started doing any speed work yet."

He still has 16 weeks of hard training to go until the European Masters Championships at Helsinki in March, where he will be competing in both the 800m and 1500m middle distance events.

Two junior athletes, Leanne Shaw and Brogan Fraser, were also competing at the same venue, both in the 60m and 300m sprint events, in the Under-17s women's category. Both competitors were drawn in the same heat of the 60m, with Leanne clocking a superb time of 8.12 on what is only her second occasion, racing on an indoor track. Brogan ran a fantastic 8.45 and really enhanced her winter training, which will stand her in good stead for the summer season.

In the 300m Leanne went one better and placed first in her heat, also being the third fastest female on the day, crossing the line in a winning time of 42.33, against some tough competitors. Brogan was in action again two heats later, against older and stiffer opposition than she has possibly faced before, but remained unfazed to take 5th place with a great time of 47.33.

Two Richmond and Zetland junior athletes have made their way into the North Of England Athletics Association's ranking list for their performances throughout 2006. Sprinter Ruth Hill actually has a double accolade in the Under-15s girl's category, with a position of 9th for her time of 12.8 in the 100m, which she ran early in the season at Shildon in April. She also ranks 6th for the 200m, her preferred event, with a time of 26.2, achieved at Gateshead in July. Successful Javelin thrower Lindsey Johnston also appears on the ranking list for Under-17s women, with a fantastic distance of 33.8m, which was accomplished at York in June.

Swaledale Road Runners

ON Sunday, December 17, nine club members enjoyed sunshine and glorious views as they took part in the Great Langdale Christmas Pudding Run.

Tony Ward completed the 10k course in a superb time of 37.34,winning yet another prize in the veterans over 55 category. Martin Luxton was next to finish, running one of his best times of the year to finish in 43.08. He was followed by John Hunter in 48.34 and another prize winner Eric Nutter who scooped the over 70s prize with his time of 50.59. Andy Broadley finished in 52.17, Mary Carnegie-Brown in 54.24 and Marian Hunter in 55.37. Jo Richardson had another superb run and produced a PB of 58.20, while Glenys Nutter was the third prize winner for the club, winning the over 65s prize in 63.04.

On the same day Jacqui Keavney tackled the multi-terrain course of the Loftus Poultry Run. She completed the 7.5 mile course in 57.24, winning a duck for coming third lady over 35. David Crapper finished in 1.16.41.