Richmond and Zetland Harriers had six runners in the end-of-season Midweek League Handicap Race on Wednesday 17th at Ripon. This race is the traditional finale to a competitive season and gives everybody the opportunity for his or her moment of glory before the prize presentation. Therefore, it was disappointing that only 96 runners took part in the race and enjoyed Ripon's hospitality when anything from 136 to 220 had contested the five League races.
Jo Richardson and Susan Smith of Swaledale were first away with an advantage of 32 minutes over (Invincible Ian) Fisher of Otley. The 9.2K course started from the Cricket Club to Studley Roger, through the Deer Park and the along the 7 bridges path, up and along to Cathedral School before a large loop of the open fields. The handicapping proved extremely good with 90% of the runners home within 5 minutes of each other and less than 10 minutes separating fist from last. Claire Mumford of host club Ripon was first home in 59:53 (off a 14:30 handicap, actual time 45:23) followed by Aaron Cardus 60:37 (-24:00=36:37) and Susan Smith 60:42 (-0=60:42), both from Swaledale. Fisher enjoyed one of his best handicap races and overtook all but seven runners to finish in 61:19 (-32:00=29:19, the fastest time of the evening).

RZH results: 23rd Jon Orange 62:12 (-30:30=31:42); 25th Eric Williams 62:17 (-30:00=32:17); 43rd John Aspell 62:50 (-29:30=33:20); 57th Taff Rogers 63:09 (-25:30=37:39); 60th Mike Brooks 63:11 (-24:30=38:41) & 92nd Dan Brooks 66:25 (-27:30=38:55). Full results are on www.harrogate-league.co.uk

After the race and a hearty buffet supper, the presentation of trophies was made by Chairman Norman Smith and Secretary Dave Woods. Team trophies: Open - Harrogate; 2nd - RZH; Ladies - Ilkley; 2nd - Harrogate; The Atkinson Shield for Male Vets - Harrogate; Lady Vets - Ilkley; Elite Team - Otley. Individual trophies: Men - Ian Fisher, Otley (for the 9th time in 10 years, hence the Invincible nickname!); Ladies - Rachel Robinson, RZH (retaining her Shield); M40 - Dave Cardus, RZH; M45 - Peter Chapman, Ripon; M50 - Mick Jeffrey, Otley; L35 - Julie Harvey Ilkley & L40 Alison Bennett, - Ilkley.
mb 24/7/2002