Hambleton Athletics & Running Club

Autumn Awesome at Hambleton Athletics and Running Club

4th December 202214th June 2023 By Sara SherwoodNo Comments

There has been much to celebrate this autumn, with club members taking part in a huge array of races and events. Whilst we put enjoyment at the heart of what we do, often with the mantra “no such thing as too slow”, we also recognise the importance of celebrating the achievements of those who enjoy challenging themselves to go “faster, higher, stronger”. To that end, here are some particularly noteworthy performances for which huge congratulations are extended: Harvey Wilkinson is going from strength to strength, winning the U17 shotput in the Gateshead Indoor Series, having just moved up an age category – outstanding achievement! Joanne Sinnott tackled the Tadcaster 10 Mile and the Yorkshire Marathon, achieved course Personal Bests for both – fantastic! Craig Keedy came 10th overall at the Dalby Dash and finished in 2nd place at the Bridlington Half Marathon. Not satisfied with silver though, he absolutely stormed the course at the Gunpowder Plot 10k and took home the overall winner’s trophy – what a start to the season! Michael Hollinshead smashed his previous course PB at Arrachar 10k, knocking an incredible 7 minutes off his previous time,...

Hambleton Athletics and Running Club Awards Presentation Evening 2022

17th September 202214th June 2023 By Sara SherwoodNo Comments

Friday 9th September saw the very first Presentation Evening for HARC members, this year held at Tom & Nellie’s in Bedale. Gemma Wardle, the Club’s Chair, began the evening with a moving, heart-felt welcome speech. Much laughter and camaraderie followed, as between courses members of the Awards Sub-committee took the opportunity to introduce the awards that would be available for presentation at the end of the forthcoming season, which runs annually from the beginning of September. Members are to be recognised for their achievements based on the club’s founding principles which set out the values and ethos of their members: Caring & Supporting; Coaching-Led; For Everyone; and Enjoying Our Sport. Full details of the criteria used to determine each award can be found on HARC’s website. In future, awards will be presented for the following: ‘Volunteer of the Year’; ‘Mighty Oak’ (for improvement); ‘Greatest of the Year’ (performance awards); ‘The Sinton-Hewitt Trophy’ (based on participation at Parkrun); ‘The Captain Cook Cup’ for...

Latest C25K Success

2nd August 20222nd August 2022 By Sara SherwoodNo Comments

Hambleton Athletics and Running Club’s most recent Couch to 5K programme finished with a superb graduation run set in the stunning grounds of Fountains Abbey on 23 July, at the weekly Parkrun held there. The culmination of the ten week programme offered the newly-fledged runners the chance to run a continuous 5K with the support and encouragement of a number of club members, alongside coaches Alice Inglis and Gemma Wardle - all under the watchful eye of Head Coach, Chris Lees. It was certainly a beautiful morning for it and emotion ran high as a dozen graduates crossed the finishing line, especially so for those who were first-time runners. Chris Williams explained that HARC’s programme had not only turned a complete non-runner into a runner, but also into a person “that actually enjoys it now!” High praise indeed. Chris went on to say “If you are toying with the idea of starting or restarting running for fitness and fun, do it with HARC. You...

Askquith Trophy

5th April 20225th April 2022 By Sara SherwoodNo Comments

It will come as no surprise to our members that our illustrious Head Coach, Chris Lees, has been honoured for his volunteering again! In addition to the Queen’s Award for Volunteering Service awarded to Dementia Forward, and England Athletics’ recognition for Innovation in Athletics and Running At Home, Chris has now picked up the Askquith Trophy at Bedale Sports and Community Club where he is a trustee. This is presented for greatest service to the club and was in recognition for his help and guidance during the pandemic. Congratulations Chris! We’re delighted for you and so pleased you are ‘one of our own’...

? HARC’s Big Weekend! ?

5th September 202111th September 2021 By Sara SherwoodNo Comments

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...

Cod Beck

15th August 202117th August 2021 By Sara SherwoodNo Comments

Hambleton Athletics and Running Club enjoyed a fantastic morning running around the Cod Beck area. The Couch to 5k group continued their programme with a run around reservoir, enjoying the beautiful scenery it has to offer. The shorter trail route, led by Alasdair, covered a distance of 4.5 miles, running past the waterfall and the Lady Chapel which was built by monks from nearby Mount Grace Priory in the 15th century. The longer trail route, led by Chris, took in the sights of the Cleveland Way, Osmotherley and Ruebury, before heading back through Arncliffe Wood with the reward of a long gentle descent back to the car park to complete 7.1 miles. Amazing efforts from everyone with lots of fun, laughs and wonderful viewpoints along the way. The morning was finished off with a lovely roast dinner at the Queen Catherine Pub in Osmotherley....

Thorp Perrow 5km Fun Run

1st August 20219th August 2021 By Sara SherwoodNo Comments

HARC members took part in another family-friendly fun run through the beautiful Thorp Perrow Estate on Sunday 1st August, an event organised in association with Bedale and Aiskew Runners. The 5k route was across private land and public footpaths, following tracks through beautiful woodland and grassland, amid stunning scenery. A brilliant morning for all involved, with the same positive and fun atmosphere. HARC would like to say a big thank you to the Thorp Perrow Estate and Bedale and Aiskew Runners for organising another wonderful event....

Eastbourne Track and Field Session

31st July 20219th August 2021 By Sara SherwoodNo Comments

Another great training session for HARC members at the athletics track on Saturday 31st July! As always with HARC, everyone was welcome and all abilities were catered for – from track veterans to those who had never experienced running on a track before, and from those wanting to try the throws and jumps to those developing their techniques. As well as the 800m and 100m running events, there was also a chance to learn the basics of long jump and high jump, as well as trying javelin and shotput. Thank you to Head Coach Chris Lees for organising such a fun training session and teaching HARC members some new athletic disciplines. It was lovely to see our new Couch to 5k group at the venue too, taking a sneak peek at the kind of sessions they can look forward to when they complete the programme....

Parkrun is back!

24th July 202115th September 2023 By Sara SherwoodNo Comments

It was wonderful to see Parkrun return on Saturday. The event took place in more than 500 parks and green spaces across England for the first time in 16 months, following its suspension due to Covid-19 restrictions. Ten members of Hambleton Athletics and Running Club took part in the fabulous run at Northallerton. For some, it was their first ever Parkrun and for others it was just fantastic to be back seeing other members of the community out running and volunteering again. The atmosphere was upbeat and positive, with lots of smiling faces; the support and encouragement from fellow runners, volunteers and passers-by was astounding. Sara Sherwood, a HARC member returning to Parkrun, said, “I think that coming together in the great outdoors and moving together as part of our communities is so important, and it’s great to have that back. There are so many reasons to take part – to get fitter, lose weight, beat last week’s time, to see people…...

Your first Parkrun? We’ve got you :)

19th July 202130th August 2024 By Chris LeesNo Comments

Parkrun has become an institution for runners (and walkers) of all abilities. And if you're soon going to be attending your first one, then we think there are some things you should probably know. Parkrun is an international network of volunteer groups who organize weekly timed events. These usually consist of a 5k course at 9am on Saturday mornings, and a 2k "Junior Parkrun", typically on Sundays at 9am. These events are "free, for everyone, and forever" as Parkrun proclaim. And they are great fun and have a fantastic atmosphere. All sorts take part, from super-speedy athletes to people who walk the course. They are timed, but it is not a "race". Here's your checklist for taking part in your first Parkrun: In the days before your first Parkrun: Register with Parkrun by visiting https://www.parkrun.org.uk/register/ - this will give you your unique Parkrun number. Make sure you choose "Hambleton Athletics and Running Club" as your group! Get your barcode - if you didn't print out your...