Snape 5K & 10K - 22nd September 2007

As the transition from Summer to Winter-based training continues, there was plenty of action still to be had on Saturday 22nd September, when 15 Richmond and Zetland Harriers made the short journey to Snape, near Bedale, to take part in the 5K and 10K races. Both events are mainly run on local trails and gravel tracks, with the longer race crossing fields and making its way to Bedale, before turning back towards Snape village through Thorpe Perrow estate. The course itself it actually slightly longer than 10K, allowing it to finish back in the centre of the village, however, the 10K distance marker is clearly displayed for all those with a keen eye on their stop watch.

Doug Roberts

The 5K event was the first to get underway, with many junior Harriers enthusiastic for a good time and some off-road racing in preparation for the forthcoming Cross Country season. Rex Jude was the first Richmond athlete across the line in 7th place, with an excellent time of 25.44, while Andrew Parkinson wasn’t far behind in 10th position, taking 26.26 to complete the distance. The trophy for the first girl overall went to Abbie Fletcher in a competitive time of 28.10 and 18th place overall, while Amy Coulson unfortunately suffered a fall at the start of the race in the melee of runners keen to get away. Rosie Stirr was next home for the Harriers, having a strong run and taking 18th place in 29.31, while team-mate Ben Purkiss finished in 19th stopping the clock at 29.45. Sally Marjoram and Katey Purkiss ran the course together, enjoying the event and recording respectable times with 33.18 and 33.19 earning them 31st and 32nd positions respectively. Laura-Mae Gregory completed her first competitive race in 58th place from 87 runners, pleased to cross the line under the 40-minute mark in 39.55.

The 10K got underway heading in the opposite direction out of the village and Doug Roberts was quickly up with the leaders, eager to go one better and challenge for the top place this year. He kept pace with the leader until the half way point, where the eventual winner, Tony Lambert, pulled away and Doug had to settle for the runner up’s position, just over a minute behind, with a fantastic time of 34.45 and top runner Under 16 on the day. Shaun Purkiss also claimed the top prize in his MV40 age group, as well as 3rd place overall in another excellent time of 36.46. Dan Spencer enjoyed another strong 10K race, crossing the line in 37.24 and taking 4th place in the process, while Tad Zaranko was only a few seconds behind in 5th position, with a great time of 37.41. Tony Ditchburn was using the race as speed work for the following week’s Great North Run and put in a fine performance to finish in 42.06, taking 17th place overall. Sarah Gregory was back to finding some form, also using the race as training towards a pending Half Marathon, finishing in 44.42 and 29th position, in addition to 3rd lady on the day, while Stephen Turnbull completed his first race in Richmond and Zetland colours, claiming 33rd place from exactly 100 competitors with a solid time of 45.39.

The Club resumed Winter training at Risedale Sports and Community College, Hipswell on Tuesday 2nd October and will continue to meet here until Spring, while training on Thursday evenings continues at the Leyburn Road sports stadium in Catterick Garrison as usual.