Meanwood Valley Trial Races 9th April 2005

This year’s Meanwood Valley Trail Races, at Alwoodley near Leeds on Saturday 9th April, were the tenth race for seniors and, for the second time, included junior races. Valley Striders organise the races in support of Lineham Farm Children's Centre, a charity that “gives deserving local children a unique, rewarding and memorable holiday in the country.”

The junior races were over a one-mile lap, twice for over 11s and once for under 11s; the course was all off road, mainly on paths and tracks, but there was a good hill for all to climb. Richmond and Zetland Harriers had two runners in the two-mile race: Marc Scott came 2nd overall (behind a 14-year old) and 1st in his age group (11-12 year olds) in a time of 11:58 and Rob Scott came 7th overall and was 2nd 11-12 year old in 13:39. Both boys received certificates and were commended by Tracey Morris, Olympic marathon runner, who presented the prizes.

South Leeds Stadium Race 20th March 2005

James Wardman

Earlier in the year and a little further afield, another two Harriers had top ten finishes. James Wardman ran in the South Leeds Stadium 5 mile Road Race on Sunday 20th March and finished 6th in a time of 27:49. Across country, Eric Williams made a solid return to racing after almost 12 months out with a persistent Achilles injury, clocking 30:30 for the 5.3 mile Keswick Round-the-houses Race, finishing in 9th place overall and 2nd M40. Eric followed this with a run for Salford Harriers “B” team in the Northern 12 stage Road Relays at Heaton Park, Manchester, running a 5K leg on an undulating course in 16:10 and helping the team to 19th place out of 52. Both athletes are now looking forward to competing in the Northern Senior T&F League after winning promotion to Division 3N last season. The first NSL fixture on Sunday 1st May has been moved to Monkton Stadium, Jarrow because of damage to the facilities at the Riverside Stadium, Chester-le-Street.

Last weekend there was the London Marathon and the Anne Marie Readshaw Memorial Open T&F Meeting at Stadium 2000, Shildon - full results from both, plus the winner of the Sweepstake, should be here next week.