<strong>North Yorks South Durham Cross Country – Acklam Hall</strong>

North Yorks South Durham Cross Country – Acklam Hall

The cross country season is finally upon us and Hambleton Athletics and Running Club (HARC) couldn’t wait to get stuck in to their first ever competitive league, joining the North Yorkshire and South Durham Harrier League which caters for all ages from 8 to 80+. Individual and team points are awarded at each fixture and awards are made to the top teams and individuals at the end of the season. The weather was kind for the first meet at Acklam Grange School in Middlesbrough – not much mud to be seen but the course was tough and undulating. A number of runners couldn’t quite believe they were running a cross country raceat a school, having spent years avoiding them during their own school days. HARC had seven members taking part in a number ofcategories which covered different distances: Elsa Styles​Women U17​31:39 (6th in category) Ruth Hancock​Women V50​37:01 (15th in category) Hugh Jenyns​Men V70​37:44 (8th in category) Diego Segura​Men Senior​41:04 (13th in category) Craig Keedy​Men V50​41:05 (4th in category) Phill Heward​Men V45​51:01 (27th in category) Dave Oldacres​Men V45​1:03:15 (32nd in category) Dave Oldacres said, “I took part in my first cross countryseries race. It was quite a competitive event and I was one of the...
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Loch Ness Marathon

Loch Ness Marathon

Alasdair McWilliam, a member of Hambleton Athletics and Running Club, recently took the long road trip (via a whisky distillery or two) to take part in the Loch Ness Marathon, which he completed fortified with a double homemade cheeseburger, loaded fries and a thick vanilla milkshake from Inverness’s trip-advisor-topping burger bar “Coyotes”! Saturday (supposedly a relaxing day before race day), started with the obligatory highland breakfast in readiness for the Torvean Parkrun. Parkruns in Scotland start 30 mins later – so there was time for a “wee” lie-in! There were international visitors there wearing vests from places as far afield as South Africa. Saturday afternoon was spent picking up race numbers at the Expo, and Alasdair accidentally buying a new pair of Hoka shoes. He said, “Well, with the 15% discount and a marathon to run the next day, it would be rude not to!” Sunday came soon enough and the athletes (all 2,500 of them) boarded a series of coaches at...
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Snape 5k & 10k Fun Run

Snape 5k & 10k Fun Run

Hambleton Athletics and Running Club (HARC) were out in force again last Saturday, taking part in the 5k and 10k fun runs starting and finishing in the village of Snape, just a few miles south of Bedale. The two multi-terrain routes were mainly over footpaths and fields around the village. The weather was glorious and the atmosphere was upbeat, with great support from the villagers and the marshals en route. All the runners were presented with medals once they crossed the finish line before heading up to the village hall where the Friends of Snape and Thornton Watlass Schools had put on a wonderful spread of sandwiches and lots of delicious cakes. Hugh Jenyns who ran the 10k said, “This was my first proper run since pre-Covid. Lovely route around the fields but a tough course in parts! I must learn not to grimace when being captured on camera! No gain without pain, but on reflection a lot of fun!” A huge thank you...
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Vale of York Half Marathon

Vale of York Half Marathon

On Sunday 12th September, Nick Wilson took on the fast, flat, PB-friendly Vale of York Half Marathon in aid of Sue Ryder. The 13.1 mile race started and finished just outside the village of Wistow on the scenic roads of south York and north Selby. Nick crossed the finish line in a brilliant time of 02:00:59. He said, “This was the second time I have run the Vale of York Half Marathon. A well-organised and friendly atmosphere with plenty of marshals, family members and friends cheering everyone on. If anyone fancies challenging themselves for a half marathon PB, this is the course to do!” A massive well done to Nick, who has made Team HARC very proud! ...
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Great North Run 2021

Great North Run 2021

Hambleton Athletics and Running Club were very proud to have seven runners taking part in the Great North Run at the weekend. This event was extra special, not only because last year’s run did not take place due to Covid, but also because this was the 40th birthday of the GNR. Celebrations included a spectacular flyover by the Red Arrows who left their trademark red, white and blue smoke trails along the 1km long finishing straight. The event has a reputation for attracting top athletes from around the world, and this year’s race was no different. Local runner, Marc Scott, who recently represented GB at the Tokyo Olympics, won the elite men’s race and fellow GB Olympian Eilish McColgan came second in the elite women’s category. Meanwhile, GB Paralympian Jade Hall stormed to victory in the wheelchair event. Team HARC, although not represented in the elite class (yet!), did themselves and the club extremely proud. Our members finished with the following times: Katy Bamber...
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🏅 HARC’s Big Weekend! 🏅

🏅 HARC’s Big Weekend! 🏅

Wow, last weekend was an incredible one for Hambleton Athletics and Running Club members! From trail runs in the Lake District, to races around a country house beside the River Ure and a tough half marathon in Leeds. It certainly has been busy, with some amazing efforts and achievements. It all kicked off on Saturday with HARC members travelling to Keswick to tackle the Lakeland Trails Derwentwater events. The trail challenges took in the panoramic views of Derwentwater, the peaks of Skiddaw and Blencathra, and the northern fells. The family-friendly festival atmosphere was amazing with live music and race commentary. Four of the group embarked on the 10k run – Dave Oldacres, Chris Lees and Gemma Wardle spent the morning chasing Polly Oldacres around the tough but beautiful course. Polly delivered an incredible time of 01:14:00 as she completed her second ever 10k run. She said, “Having never run in an organised trail race before I can’t hesitate to now say… sign...
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Escrick 10k

Escrick 10k

Two members of HARC took part in the 10K multi-terrain course starting and ending at the Escrick Village Green on Sunday 22nd August. The 10k was a flat and scenic course, running on roads, paths and bridleways within the Escrick Park Estate. Alice Inglis earned a 10k PB, finishing the race in 01:09:57. She said, “I was nervous about my first solo race but I found out that Craig was also taking part and he was a great support to me. Although I ran on my own, it was good to know someone else was there from the club to see me in at the end. I think that learning about the psychology and science of running as part of the intermediate programme really made a huge difference to my mental attitude at this event and contributed to my unexpected PB. Great race and never expected to still be running almost a year after starting the Couch to 5k programme – it’s...
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Sessay Swift 6K

Sessay Swift 6K

Six members of Hambleton Athletics and Running Club (HARC) took part in the ninth Sessay Swift 6k, organised by Thirsk and Sowerby Harriers, on Wednesday 18th August. The 6k route was a flat and fast one lap race, starting and finishing in the lovely village of Sessay, near Thirsk. HARC member Bridget said, “I was so nervous as this was my first race with team HARC. There was such a buzz around the place with runners, marshals and spectators. It was a fabulous route with lots of people cheering everybody on along the way. Fab night, great atmosphere and I got 2 PBs to top the night off. Thanks, Team HARC!” Brilliant results for HARC on the night with Kay Kelly coming 11th in her age category with a time of 28:53, which included a 5k PB. Bridget Maidwell also bagged herself a 5k PB and finished in a great time of 41:04. Great effort from all the runners and definitely a race...
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York Chocolate 10k

York Chocolate 10k

Members of Hambleton Athletics and Running Club (HARC) took part in the York Chocolate 10k on Sunday. The sell out event was back for a fourth year, with two laps of the Knavesmire, overlooked by Terry's Clock Tower, the grandstands of York Racecourse and Goddard's (once the home of the Terry's of York Family). HARC had a brilliant morning and all runners were rewarded with a goody bag full of chocolates, homemade cakes and a fabulous bespoke Willy Wonka inspired medal. A couple of members achieved personal bests, giving them the opportunity to ring the ‘PB Bell’ and receive a special badge. HARC Chair Ruth Hancock participated in the event and said, “It was fabulous to see the sea of HARC blue around the course and so helpful to have a support crew cheering us on! Congratulations to everyone who took part; although flat, it was a challenging course due to the ever-changing weather and terrain. Great atmosphere, goody bag and medal...
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Darlington 10k

Darlington 10k

Hambleton Athletics and Running Club members Charlie Villers and Phill Heward recently took part in the Darlington 10k. More than 2,000 runners set off to complete two laps of the town centre course in what has become a popular event for runners of all levels. Darlington Borough Council worked with the Rotary Club of Darlington to organise the event which supports two nominated charities: Bright Red and County Durham Community Foundation. Phill said, “The atmosphere on the day was really friendly and lots of runners were supporting each other during the race. The crowd along the route made lots of noise to help keep motivation high.” Both our runners completed the 10k run in very impressive times – Phill crossed the line in 53:54, with Charlie close behind in 55:25. A huge well done to both runners! ...
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