Butt-kicks

By Chris LeesNo Comments
Runners' butt-kicks are a dynamic warm-up or running drill used to improve running mechanics, increase hamstring flexibility, and activate the posterior chain. Unlike the "butt-kicks" used in football (which involve keeping the knees low and 'kicking' the top of the glute), runners' butt-kicks focus more on replicating proper running form and cadence. (more…)...
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HARC does Taskmaster Season Two

HARC does Taskmaster Season Two

By Gemma WardleNo Comments
Season Two of ‘HARC does Taskmaster’ culminated in the live finale last month. Five of our bravest HARC members faced a series of hilarious tasks set out by our Taskmaster (Head Coach, Chris Lees) and his long-suffering assistant, Little Katy “Bamber” Foster. This year, the contestants had to put their artistic skills to the test via Strava, with some very questionable results and estimate the Taskmaster’s height… in beans, with some even more questionable results! Emma Haresign will never hear the last of the characters in her backwards video… beep, boop, boo, bop! Erin Marley made a rod for her own back, bringing a homemade HARC scarf for the prize task… now everybody wants one so watch out in the club shop for details of how to order! 😜 Kate Stead’s spud and skewer tower in the grand finale was truly impressive and won by, well, several centimetres. Nick Wilson’s (unbelievably successful!) attempt to mime ‘duck-billed platypus’ will stay with us all for a very...
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Blazing through London Marathon 2025

Blazing through London Marathon 2025

By Gemma WardleNo Comments
London Marathon 2025 was the event’s 45th birthday. And a record-breaking one at that. The number of runners topped 56,000 and there were about 800,000 supporters lining the route to cheer them on. Our club place this year went to Sara Sherwood, selected by the infamous spinner of marathon destiny at our Awards Night. Sara couldn’t wait to get going with her training and started in plenty of time to allow for any hiccups along the way. Although she described the training as tough, she stuck to her plan and by race day was fully-prepared for her first ever marathon. Sara was joined at the start line (or in a nearby pen at least!) by fellow HARC members Richard Slade, Nick Wilson and Dan Farrington. Sara said, “The sun blazed overhead as I stood at the start line, surrounded by thousands, yet lost in my own storm of nerves and hope. Six months of relentless training, early mornings, sleepless nights – all...
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Oh What a Night!

Oh What a Night!

By Ruth HancockNo Comments
Another fabulous year culminated in an entertaining Awards Night at The Governor’s House, Northallerton, on Saturday. Members were treated to an inspirational talk from Matty Hynes, before he presented the winners with their well-earned trophies. Matty was British champion over 10k, represented Great Britain at the European and World Championships and finished 15th in the 2015 London Marathon, and his tales gave members plenty of food for thought. HARC’s awards are given in line with the club’s principles: ‘Caring & Supporting’; ‘Coaching-led’; ‘For Everyone’; and ‘Enjoying Our Sport’.On the receiving end this year were: Sinton-Hewitt Trophy for participation and volunteering at parkrun... Winner - Sam Scarlett; Runner-up - Graham Finlay Volunteer of the Year for outstanding contribution to progress the club’s aims... Winner - Nick Wilson; Runner-up - Michelle Slade The Rock Trophy recognises members’ commitment in their attendance at club sessions... Winner - Sara Sherwood; Runner-up - Carolyn Keeble Mighty Oak Trophy for improvement from last year to this... Winner - Sara Sherwood; Runner-up - Mary Gregory Captain Cook...
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HARC C25K Graduation at Fabulous Fountains Abbey

HARC C25K Graduation at Fabulous Fountains Abbey

By Sara SherwoodNo Comments
Report by Ruth Hancock Another Couch25K programme, another graduation, and what better place to hold it than at Fountains Abbey which was named most scenic parkrun in the UK in the new book ‘The Ultimate Guide to Parkrun’. Hambleton Athletics and Running Club are proud to have another gaggle of newbie and returning runners swelling their burgeoning ranks, and lots of current members turned out to support and encourage them around the stunning 2 lap course.  After the recent rain for their practice runs, athletes were blessed with a fine, dry start, and the sun eventually made a welcome appearance. Mike Hollinshead, one of the leaders of the course, had this to say: “It was fantastic to see so many club members turning out to support the graduation of the latest C25K cohort. It really does lift their spirits, and shows what HARC stands for!” Head coach, Chris Lees, found himself as a participant on the course this time round, using it as a...
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The Pebble

The Pebble

By (anonymized)No Comments
AWARD: "The Pebble" for being there CLUB PRINCIPLE: ENJOYING OUR SPORTS This award is for the junior you can count on to be there. Week in, week out. Sunshine or rain. Thick or thin. How is a winner chosen? The winner will be the junior athlete who attended the highest proportion of club sessions available to them based on their membership category. For running members, this includes all Tuesday and Thursday sessions, away runs (including those on Sundays), track nights at Catterick, and special Parkruns (for example, couch to 5k graduations). You can see your attendance statistics on your profile at https://harc.uk/athlete-profile. To receive this award you must: Be a current junior member. Attend the minimum number of sessions in the award year - 25 for running members / 15 for athletics members....
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Junior GOTY

Junior GOTY

By (anonymized)No Comments
AWARD: "Junior GOTY" for junior performance CLUB PRINCIPLE: COACHING LED This award recognizes outstanding performance (GOTY - Greatest Of The Year) by a junior athlete. How is a winner chosen? It is based on how close junior athletes get to their event's national record (if available). The calculation looks at the difference between the record and the athlete's season personal best, and compares this to the record itself. The records used are at the end of each period (1st September), and are age graded. The record data is based on that published by England Athletics and the British Masters Athletics Federation. Athlete performance is based on England Athletics data published on The Power of 10 and/or performances verified by a HARC coach or official. To receive this award you must: Be a current junior member. Attend the minimum number of sessions in the award year - 25 for running members / 15 for athletics members. Be a club member at the time of qualifying performances....
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The Flourishing Acorn

The Flourishing Acorn

By (anonymized)No Comments
AWARD: "Flourishing Acorn" for improvement CLUB PRINCIPLE: COACHING LED As a coaching-led club, one of the things we value is improvement and progress. This award recognizes that progress in junior athletes that are showing promise to grow into mighty oaks. How is a winner chosen? The Flourishing Acorn is given to the junior member who, in the eyes of the coaching team, is making the most progress in their endeavour to become a Mighty Oak, recognizing their improvement in their chosen athletic events. To receive this award you must: Be a current junior member. Attend the minimum number of sessions in the award year - 25 for running members / 15 for athletics members....
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