Jolly Holly Jog - Ripon 27th December 2005

Spot the RZH runners?

Tuesday December 27th saw the annual gathering at Ripon Cricket Club for the ever-popular Jolly Holly Jog 10k race and 2-mile fun run for junior athletes. The main event takes in parts of the scenic Studley Royal Park and trails around Ripon and is an ideal opportunity for all those runners wishing to offset any recent Christmas overindulgences. It is a multi-terrain event and has become something of a serious competition for those at the sharp end, with several uphill sections testing the athlete’s stamina, while the younger runners undertake 2 off-road laps of the cricket and rugby pitches.

The juniors did not disappoint and got the Harriers off to a flying start, with strong runs from all those taking part. Douglas Roberts is well on his way to fully recovering from recent broken bones in his foot and was first Harrier across the line in 2nd place overall and 2nd male 14, while Marc Scott put in another great performance to finish 3rd overall and 1st male 12. Team mate Fergus Roberts was close behind in 4th place overall and 1st male 11. Maddy Winzer did the team proud by finishing as first female overall in 5th place and Kerry Robson growing in confidence, finished in 40th position and was 3rd female 11.

The main race got underway at 11.00 am, with 381 runners lining up in what were almost perfect running conditions, on a cool, crisp winter’s morning. There had been a sprinkling of snow during the night, but the sun broke through shortly before the off. Ricky Stevenson of New Marske Harriers was the clear winner and took the tape in 33.09, whilst the seven Richmond And Zetland Harriers taking part, all put on solid performances. Shaun Purkiss was the first Harrier to cross the line in 12th place overall in 37.11 and taking 3rd male 40-44 in the process. Paul Roberts put recent injury problems firmly behind him and came home in 38.03 and 18th place overall. Phillip Fitzpatrick is another athlete who has recently been dogged with injury and showed good character to finish in 23rd place in 38.55 and take 3rd male U21. The evergreen Mike Brooks was in fine form on the day, overtaking a number of rivals and clocking a time of 40.27, finishing 2nd in his age group of male 55-59. Brian “Taff” Rogers managed to blow off the Christmas cobwebs and was next home in 53rd place in a time of 42.23. Sarah Gregory meanwhile flew the flag for the ladies and was pleased with her run, crossing the line in 91st position with a time of 44.45 and Ray Robson proving again that he is rapidly progressing, with an excellent time of 47.01 and 126th place.

RZH Results: 2 Mile Fun Run – 2nd Douglas Roberts 11.19 (and 2nd male 14), 3rd Marc Scott 12.42 (and 1st male 12), 4th Fergus Roberts 12.45 (and 1st male 11), 5th Maddy Winzer 13.34 (and 1st female overall), 40th Kerry Robson 19.11 (and 3rd female 11). 10K Race – 12th Shaun Purkiss 37.11 (and 3rd male 40-44), 18th Paul Roberts 38.03, 23rd Phillip Fitzpatrick 38.55 (and 3rd male U21), 38th Mike Brooks 40.27 (and 2nd male 55-59), 53rd Brian “Taff” Rogers 42.23, 91st Sarah Gregory 44.45 and 126th Ray Robson 47.01.