Harrogate League - Wetherby - 27th June 2007

Kelley Haniver at Wetherby

A team of fifteen Richmond and Zetland Harriers made the journey to Wetherby on Wednesday 27th June for the fourth event in the Harrogate Road Race League, giving the team every opportunity of improving their current standings, as they are already eyeing up the Veterans Trophy. The route covered 5.7 miles, taking in the Harland Way from Wetherby towards Spofforth, which proved to be a fairly flat course and good for road running on the evening.

Jon Orange was the usual stalwart and first team member to finish, taking a fantastic 3rd place overall and once again being first MV40 in 30.10, he will also be looking to retain his title in this age group. John Barr made a welcome appearance and had an excellent run to claim 9th position, with a time of 32.36. As usual, club Chairman, Shaun Purkiss wasn’t too far behind and crossed the line in 15th place with 33.18 and was promptly followed by Ian Scott, who collected 20th place with a time of 34.10. Tony Ryder continued the team’s form to claim 34th position in 35.12, while Kelley Haniver had a fantastic race, taking the honours of 2nd lady and 37th overall in a time of 35.21. Chris Peacock was next home, running well to finish in 35.35, which earned him 40th place and with Darren Cox claiming 57th place in 37.09, the team effort was in a great position. Taff Rogers was the next runner across the line in 69th place and a time of 37.33, followed by Jim Robinson in 38.01, taking 82nd position and 2nd MV60 for the third time in a row.

It was then the turn of the younger athletes, most of which were competing in the league for the first time and showed that they have what it takes to compete competently at this level. Jack Adams had an excellent debut run, finishing in 40.55 and claiming 131st position in the process, while his sister, Jo Adams, was only a few steps behind, taking 132nd place with a great time of 40.58. Adam Scott completed his third race in the series and kept up the momentum, with a 148th place finish in 41.38, while another debutant, Katie Roberts put in a strong performance over the distance, crossing the line in 41.53, which earned her a well-deserved 152nd position overall. Ian Hepworth brought the team home with another consistent run, taking 154th place in 41.58, which places Richmond and Zetland 4th on the night, 1st in the Vet’s category and 3rd in the Elites class. With only one meeting remaining in this league, there is plenty to play for, as the team remain in the lead for the Vet’s title and 3rd overall in the quest for the Elite team trophy.