British Masters Championships- Birmingham 5th-6th July 2008

Richmond and Zetland master thrower, John Wild, was back to his winning ways once again, when he was in action at the British Masters Championships at Alexander Stadium, Birmingham on 5th & 6th July, where he collected a magnificent total of 3 medals; Bronze, Silver and Gold, from four events. The win came in his favoured discipline of Discus with an excellent distance of 38.38m, earning him the Gold medal and with a throw of 13.15m in the Heavy Weight, John promptly claimed the Silver medal. Shortly afterwards a result of 36.60m in the Hammer earned him the Bronze medal for his superb efforts and he only narrowly missed claiming a further medal in the Shot Putt, finishing 4th overall with a throw of 9.65m. Not electing to compete in the Javelin, due to a hip injury, the medal haul made the trip very rewarding indeed and highlights another outstanding performance in his age group and throwing career to date, in addition to expanding his already extensive medal collection.

Burn Valley Half Marathon Masham - 5th July 2008

The Burn Valley Half Marathon also took place on Saturday 5th July from Masham market place and this time the runners were treated to wet and rainy weather, making a change from the normal hot conditions. The course is a rather testing one, which winds out over the hills and moors above the town, through the grounds of Swinton Park and along the Burn Valley. Richmond and Zetland runner, Ian Hepworth was amongst the 275 competitors and despite suffering from bouts of stomach upset and having to walk in parts, he competently found his way around the course in 1.55.50, which earned him 3rd place overall in the MV60 category.

James Herriot Fell Race - 3rd August 2008

Taff Rogers

More recently and locally, Sunday 3rd August saw the annual running of the James Herriot Fell Race, which covers 14k through scenic Wensleydale. This year three Harriers took to the grassy moors, trails and farm tracks en-route to the finish at Castle Bolton on a day, which was hot with little respite. Brian “Taff” Rogers was first to finish in 33rd place with an excellent time of 67.35, while Ian Hepworth faced the same problem with his stomach and had a difficult run, but nevertheless finished in 138th overall in 82.19 from a total of 267 runners on the day. Jim Robinson also started the race, but found himself having to pull out with a strained calf muscle at the 5K point, managing to walk back along the course without any further problems.