European Cross Country Trials - Liverpool - 24th November 2007
A mixture of races of both the on and off-road variety were available to Richmond and Zetland Harriers recently. Kelley Haniver and Andrea Woodvine were first underway on Saturday 24th November, when they elected to compete in the European Cross Country Trials at Sefton Park, Liverpool. Both in the Senior Women’s race, they put in excellent performances over the 8.1km course in freezing conditions, as the weather was not conducive to fast running. Some of the top athletes in the country took part, making for stiff competition, as the first 3 finishers were guaranteed a place in the Great Britain team for the European Cross Country Championships in Spain on 9th December. International athlete, Hayley Yelling was the outright winner in 27.42, while Andrea and Kelley ran fantastically well slightly further down the field, with Andrea being 36th across the line in 30.12 and Kelley in 33.00 exactly, which meant a well-earned 69th position for her, as well as a slight improvement on last year’s place in the same competition.
Clay Bank West Fell Race 25th November 2007
Clay Bank West Runners
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A day later on Sunday 25th November, Jenny Hands and Paul Goad opted for a slightly hillier competition in the form of the Clay Bank West Fell Race, although the weather was slightly kinder, with the morning being bright and cold. There were 111 runners participating in the event, which is part of the NEHRA Winter Series and covers 4.3 miles with 1020 feet of ascent thrown in for good measure. The route takes in part of the Cleveland Way and Cold Moor, followed by a descent to Garfit Gap, from where it climbs up to Wainstones and the top of Whitehill before descending back down. Jenny put in a strong performance to finish in 52nd place overall, with an excellent time of 40.56, meaning that she was 5th lady across the line and winner in the Senior Ladies race. Paul was pleased to take 89th position and finish well up the MV40 category with a fine time of 47.40.
Leeds Abbey Dash 10K 25th November 2007
If you were looking for a fast time over 10K on the road, then the Leeds Abbey Dash was the place to be on the same day, where two Harriers were in action. It is a well-established event and offers a fast, flat course, which takes you out of the city center, past the grounds of Kirkstall Abbey and back to the finish outside Leeds Town Hall. James Wardman put in a spectacular display against strong opposition from top international athletes, including Dan Robinson from the Great Britain Marathon Team and with the first 3 athletes clocking sub 30-minute times, the gauntlet was well and truly thrown down. James finished in 46th position overall in a fantastic time of 33.10, showing that he paced himself well around the course. Ian Hepworth was another taking part and was pleased to make the finish in 48.29 and 1262nd place after not feeling too sharp during the race and walking part of the latter stages. Despite having an uncharacteristic “off day” he still finished well up in the MV60 category with 31st position.
