🏅 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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Cod Beck

Cod Beck

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. ...
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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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Thorp Perrow 5km Fun Run

Thorp Perrow 5km Fun Run

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. ...
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Eastbourne Track and Field Session

Eastbourne Track and Field Session

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. ...
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Parkrun is back!

Parkrun is back!

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…...
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Your first Parkrun? We’ve got you :)

Your first Parkrun? We’ve got you :)

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...
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