Harrogate Road League - Garforth - 17th June 2008

A team of seven Richmond and Zetland Harriers competed in the fourth event in the Harrogate Road Race League on Tuesday 17th June at Garforth and with ten to score for a team, the overall standings for individuals and the team overall were at risk. The route covered 5.9 miles, starting on a large playing field, followed by a short stint on the road and then the main route along a cycle path, using an out and back route. A total of 238 runners took part, endorsing the competition from numerous local clubs.

Tony Ryder

Jon Orange built an assailable lead in the early stages and was well ahead of his closest competitor at the finish line, taking first place overall and first MV40 once again in 30.56. This sets him up nicely to take the title, should he run as well at the final race at Hudswell on Tuesday 1st July. The next athlete across the line was Tad Zaranko, who is certainly getting faster and more adept as the league progresses, taking 11th place overall in 33.44. He was followed by Tony Ryder, who had an excellent outing to collect 19th position with a time of 34.45, while Rachel Ross-Russell assumed her place once again at the head of the ladies field, finishing 22nd overall in a time of 35.00, which also sets her up for overall league victory, with one race remaining. Tony Ditchburn was next home, running well to finish in 37.46, which earned him 56th place and with Sarah Gregory claiming 113th place in 41.55, the team was in a good position.

Ian Hepworth brought the team home with another consistent run, taking 137th place in 43.49, which places Richmond and Zetland 2nd in the elite section behind Otley, whilst managing to hang on to the lead in the vet’s category, with Harrogate Harriers a close second. With only one meeting remaining, there is certainly plenty at stake, with two individual and two team trophies a real possibility for the