HARC are beginning to make this local race a bit of a habit! Held by Thirsk and Sowerby Harriers, it provides the perfect opportunity to run around some lovely quiet village roads and open countryside. It also culminates in a splendid BBQ at the cricket ground.
As ever, there was a sea of HARC blue on course and waiting at the finish line. We like to bring supporters with us too! Michelle Slade, one of our coaches, participated this year and commented that one of the things HARC athletes do particularly well is “supporting each other and other runners at the start, middle and, in particular, the end of the run. As a competitor myself, it is always a highlight when running to the finish to hear the sound of HARC cheering and applauding every runner who crosses the finish line.” Those cheers certainly gave some of our runners that extra ‘umph’ for a sprint finish!
Although the roads were not closed, the course is easy to navigate and well-marshalled for safety, helped by the fact that traffic was exceptionally light. Held under UKA rules, the event is chip timed and our athletes used the run in a variety of ways, ranging from pushing for personal bests to testing the legs after an injury. Some just enjoy the social aspect of running with like-minded people and not having to travel too far to do so.
Michelle adds: “I smiled at the end of the night just listening to the chatter of everyone’s experience of their run and early plans about next year’s event.” It would seem we’re all ready to do it again, and the added bonus of a bespoke pen to take home as a memento was a nice touch from the organisers.
