Richmond Castle 10K 14th October 2007

Shaun Purkiss earlier in the year

Although the Cross Country season is now officially underway, there is still the challenge of road racing to be had throughout the Winter months and this was highlighted recently at Richmond Castle 10K on Sunday 14th October. The course is a testing and hilly affair, which starts in the market place, taking in Sleegill and several climbs en-route, which offer fine views over the town, before entering Catterick Garrison and turning back towards Richmond, where it finishes in the grounds of the castle itself.

A total of 12 Richmond and Zetland Harriers enjoyed the event, which was quite literally on their doorstep and was once again well organised by Swaledale Road Runners. Shaun Purkiss is certainly in form at the moment and managed to keep up an excellent pace around the course, taking all the hills in his stride to cross the finish line in 37.36 and 7th overall, which also earned him the prize of top Male Vet 40 on the day. Tad Zaranko was not far behind in 14th position, with a great time of 38.39 and rightly pleased with his time on the course. Tony Ryder was another in good shape, putting in a fine performance to finish in 40.11, taking 28th place overall. Kelley Haniver was the first female Harrier across the line and took the honours of 2nd lady overall, completing the event in a fantastic time of 41.01 and 38th position, while team mate Taff Rogers was only 11 seconds behind, claiming 40th place with a solid time of 41.12.

Tamsin Clark was another flying the flag for the ladies, achieving another excellent result in 42.10, which took her into 52nd place from 429 competitors taking part in the race. Darren Cox was another putting in a strong performance over the 10K distance and was duly rewarded with a time of 42.56 and 60th place overall, while Tony Ditchburn finished less than a minute later, claiming 68th position with a time of 43.52. Jim Robinson said he didn’t feel in top condition, but still managed to walk off with the prize for first Male Vet 60, with a sound time of 45.39 and 98th place, while Steven Lambert continues to improve, producing another solid run on this occasion, stopping the clock at 45.56, which earned him 107th overall. Ray Robson wasn’t quite able to replicate his form of last year, but still ran at a consistent pace over the whole route, finishing in a very respectable time of 50.04, having missed some recent training. Paul Goad was quite at home on the hills, making his way around the course in 52.02, enjoying the change of terrain, after most of his recent outings have been on the trails and fells.