The quiet time between the end of the track and field season and the start of the cross country season was extended the by cancellation of the first NYSD X-C League fixture at Barnard Castle.

Although the high winds and rain caused the cancellation of the Snowdonia Marathon, the Young Athletes Road Relays at Blackpool and more, there were several road races the previous weekend.

John Aspell of Richmond and Zetland Harriers and ITC travelled to HMS Collingwood, near Gosport, to compete in their 10K which incorporated the Inter Services Championships. He finished the “undulating” course in 10th place with a time of 32:40, only eight seconds short of his target - Jon Orange’s Club-best-time of the year set in the CDBramhall/Darlington 10K - a fair return for his efforts on a breezy day.

Richmond Castle 10K 20th October 2002

Weather conditions were similar for the Richmond Castle Run but the course was a little more severe with four stiff climbs in the approximately six-mile loop. Kedar Singuali, stationed at Catterick with the Gurkha Regiment, has been “adopted” by the Harriers for the duration. He finished the race in 5th place with a time of 34:50, just 62 seconds behind the winner, Martin Willcox. Evergreen Irish Veteran International Jim Robinson also competed, showed he was over his recent achilles injury and finished 26th overall in 38:33, second MVO55 to his old adversary Mike Walker of Gosforth.

Winter Meetings RZH

RZH are now into their winter regime and relocation of Tuesday training to the SIC, Le Cateau, has proved an inspired move. The indoor facilities have generated substantial enthusiasm amongst athletes, parents and coaches and have brought out most of the sprinters/jumpers/throwers who would normally have hibernated. The runners have also benefited from the change of location; the additional street lighting and flatter terrain has encouraged several mums to run and the Club now hopes this eagerness will translate into competition results - weather permitting!