North Yorkshire Schools T&F Championships - York 9th June 2007

Thirteen junior Richmond and Zetland Harriers took part in the North Yorkshire Schools Track & Field Championships at York on Saturday 9th June, all putting in excellent performances, with six being selected for the inter-county match at Hull. Doug Roberts continued his unstoppable form of late and promptly won the Intermediate Boys 1500m event in a flying time of 4.14.0 and will therefore be competing at Hull. There was also some fantastic results over the same distance for the Junior Boys, with Sam Wood, George Robinson and Marc Scott taking 1st, 2nd and 6th places in 4.33.0, 4.34.6 and 4.48.3 respectively, the first two booking their inter-county places to represent North Yorkshire. In the same age group, Tom Allen gained 5th position in the 800m with another exceptional time of 2.15.6.

The girls were not to be outdone, with Jo Adams taking a fantastic win over her preferred distance of 800m for the Seniors in 2.27.1, also booking her place at Hull, as well as Jessie Roberts, who claimed a terrific 2nd place over 3000m, while team mate Katie Roberts was forced to withdraw during the event due to an ongoing leg injury. Leanne Shaw and Brogan Fraser were keen to participate in the sprint events for the Intermediate girls and did not disappoint, with Brogan finishing 3rd over 100m in 13.4, while Leanne continued her outstanding form of late, with a win in the 300m event in 43.1 and 2nd over 200m in 25.9, gaining selection for both distances. Rosie Adams ran strongly to take a well deserved 3rd place over 1500m in 5.42.1 and Jane Thornton finished convincingly over 3000m with a time of 15.34.1. Charlotte Dinsdale was on the only junior girl, but competed well over 100m to take 7th position overall in a time of 14.5. One obvious omission from the team after winning a silver medal at the Yorkshire Championships, was sprinter Ruth Hill, currently suffering from injury and is hoping for a speedy recovery.

RZH Results: Junior Boys – Sam Wood, 1st 1500m 4.33.0, George Robinson, 2nd 1500m 4.34.6, Marc Scott, 6th 1500m 4.48.3, Tom Allen, 5th 800m 2.15.6. Intermediate Boys – Doug Roberts, 1st 1500m 4.14.0. Junior Girls – Charlotte Dinsdale, 7th 100m 14.5. Intermediate Girls – Brogan Fraser, 3rd 100m 13.4, Leanne Shaw, 2nd 200m 25.9 & 1st 300m 43.1, Rosie Adams, 3rd 1500m 5.42.1, Jane Thornton, 5th 3000m 15.34.1. Senior Girls – Jo Adams, 1st 800m 2.27.1, Jessie Roberts, 2nd 3000m.

Harrogate League - Beckwithshaw - 7th June 2007

Tad Zaranko

No less than seventeen senior Harriers made the journey to Harrogate on Thursday 7th June for the 3rd meeting in the Harrogate Road Race League, giving the team an excellent opportunity to move up the ranks in the overall results. Jon Orange was once again first Harrier across the line, taking an excellent 6th place overall and first MV40 in 32.53, while Doug Roberts held on all the way to claim 7th, with a time of 33.15 and first U16 competitor. Shaun Purkiss was next to finish in 19th place with 35.21 and was promptly followed by Ian Scott and Tad Zaranko, collecting 24th and 34th positions respectively, with times of 36.17 and 37.07. Tony Ryder continued the team’s flow across the line to claim 53rd place in 38.40, while Taff Rogers and first female Harrier, Kelley Haniver, battled it out to finish in 59th and 60th places in 38.51 and 38.52. Chris Peacock had a strong run to cross the line in 39.05, which earned him 65th place and with Darren Cox taking 72nd place in 39.28, the team effort was looking promising. Jim Robinson was next home in a time of 40.45 and took 97th position, making him second MV60, followed by Tony Ditchburn, who had a strong race, finishing in 41.08 and 107th overall. Ian Hepworth was next to finish in 44.09, taking 152nd place, while Sarah Gregory was not far behind, finishing in 44.36, which equated to 164th overall. Adam Scott continued his racing form, taking 45.57 to complete the course and claim 180th position, while Jessie Roberts enjoyed her first race in this league to take 185th overall in 46.06. Neil Piper brought the team home in 47.59, taking 209th position, which put them in 3rd place on the night, 1st in the Vet’s category and 2nd in the Elites section. It also means that Richmond and Zetland remain in the lead for the Vet’s league title and 2nd overall in the quest for the elite team trophy.

Swaledale Marathon - 9th June 2007

After a busy racing schedule and just 7 weeks after the London Marathon, Shaun Purkiss embarked on his annual 24-mile outing over the challenging terrain of the Swaledale Marathon on Saturday 9th June. The course starts and finished in Reeth, covering several steep and demanding climbs, including a punishing ascent back up Gunnerside Gill on the return route. Conditions were humid making the going tough, but at least remained dry underfoot. Finishing in a fantastic time of 3.47, Shaun was 15th across the finish line, providing him with plenty of endurance for the Summer season still ahead.