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Ossy Oiks Fell Race 23rd August 2005
Although Gary Bastow has been singularly flying-the-flag for Richmond and Zetland Harriers on the Fells, Mike Brooks made it two when he made the start line for the Ossy Oiks Fell Race on Tuesday 23rd August, race 9 in the Northern Runner sponsored Summer Series. A fine night, especially in comparison to 2004 when the course had to be changed to avoid the beck which was all-but-overflowing, and another good field with a new record time in the Men's race as a section was by-passed due to livestock problems with Paul Lowe running away from Charles Stead in the final mile to win the 8 mile race in 51:22. Mike finished someway back in 37th place, 5th M50 in 66:26.
Tartan Games Open Track & Field Gateshead 27th August 2005
Ruth Hill
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The Tartan Games Open T&F Meeting was on Saturday 27th August, helping to celebrate 50 years of sporting excellence at Gateshead International Stadium. There were five athletes competing for the Harriers and all lived up to the traditions of both the Club and the Stadium. Three Under 15 Girls ran in the 100m and all did very well. There were 27 competitors from various Clubs with the first two from each of four heats progressing to the final; Leanne Shaw and Ruth Hill both came first in their heats with identical times of 13.42 to make it. Brogan Fraser was unfortunate not to qualify, finishing 6th in her heat with a time of 14.08. In the final Leanne finished 3rd in 13.38 and Ruth finished 6th in 13.65. Brogan went on to compete in the 75m hurdles and finished 9th in a time of 15.7, showing an improvement in both her time and her technique in only her second sprint hurdles race. Leanne and Ruth then competed in the 200m. There were 28 competitors, with the first two from each heat progressing to the final again, and again both girls finished first in their heats to qualify. Their times in the heats were 27.73 and 27.85 respectively and in the final Leanne finished 2nd with a time of 27.37 and Ruth was 6th in 28.20. Leanne was pleased to come away with second and third places from her events but a little disappointed with her times. All the official timing was electronic but the Timekeepers hand times were consistently half a second faster (more in keeping with the girls season’s bests) and caused raised eyebrows. Ruth had reason to be happy too as she was the only first year Under 15 Girl to reach both finals. Ken Harker opted to run in the Senior Men’s 800m although he hadn’t felt well all week before. It was a straight final and Ken was caught in no man’s land after Andrew Teate and Paul White of M&C took a group of four through 400m in 56 seconds, an exceptionally fast first lap, and he couldn’t get back on terms. He said afterwards that there was just nothing in the tank but he got round in one piece, finishing 5th in 2:07.17, the best of the rest. Nick Outhwaite was the fifth Harrier to compete, finishing 2nd in the U17M pole vault with 2m60 and equalling his PB and season’s best.
The PAC Marshall Peugeot Games were on Bank Holiday Monday 29th at The Embankment Track, Peterborough and Matt Prosser opted the 400m hurdles and finished 2nd in 62.0.
West Witton Fell Race 27th August 2005
Gary Bastow couldn’t have an empty space on his calendar so he ran the West Witton Fell Race on Saturday 27th, finishing 2nd from 28 starters and 1st Vet in 32 minutes - his fastest time over the course since he was a lad!
Leek Half Marathon 28th August 2005
Sarah Gregory ran the Leek Half Marathon on Sunday 28th August, her last competitive outing before the Berlin Marathon later this month, and she writes:
"I was told it was hilly, but these were mountains - this race should be in the fell race calendar. Not being a lover of hills, I will never, ever moan about them again, as what I've run today makes me realise that I can run anything now - and I actually enjoyed it! We climbed over 1250 feet in total to one of the highest points in Staffordshire, above the heather and just below the sheer rock faces, what a view. The weather was kind and not too hot, so I set off with a sub 1.45 in mind, knowing this was going to be a test, as well as a training run for Berlin. The first 8 miles was where all the climbing was done, followed by a sharp descent, then more uphill between miles 10 and 11 and then a killer uphill at the end - from 12½ miles to the finish. Amy Green of Keighley & Craven was the winner of the Women’s race, 7th place overall from 292 finishers in 1:23.06. My results were kind too, 100th place exactly and 10th lady in a time of 1.43.12. Had the course been flat, a PB would have been on the cards by some way, but I will take this as a good work out and go into the week on a good note. This week sees me down to run 23 miles as my longest training run for the marathon - if my legs are still attached to my body."
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