From Jean Sullivan…
More impressive results from the Harriers
Hilda Coulsey continued to impress at the Antrim Coast Half Marathon in Northern Ireland, a race which attracts many elite runners, with a new course record being set this year. This fast and fairly flat course goes around the town of Larne then north following the coast road, followed by a circuit of Ballygally castle and back in towards the docks in Larne to the finish line. Conditions were breezy, but good. Hilda finished in a great time of 1:57:13, taking first place in her age category, with the added honour of receiving her prize from British long-distance runner, Jo Pavey MBE.
This week saw the staging of the seventh race in the EvenSplits Leeds 5km series. These monthly chip-timed races take place at the University of Leeds Brownlee Centre. Three Harriers turned out to race, with excellent results by all. Harry Stead led them home, finishing in 13th place overall in a time of 17:41, with Harry taking third place in his age category. Hot on his heels was Kyle Bethell in another great time of 18:30, with Kyle finishing in 25th place. Next home was Helen Thurston who also managed a sub-20-minute finish, with Helen taking first prize in her age category.
Retaining their commitment to the weekly timed 5km parkrun events, 36 Harriers took part at various locations over the weekend. Hilda Coulsey continued her fine form and topped the age grading percentage table with her excellent run at the Portrush parkrun. Alison Bennett was the first lady home at the Witton parkrun in Lancashire, with Alison finishing in a great time of 23:59. Alison’s run was a special one as Saturday morning was the day of her son’s wedding with the Witton Park parkrun being held close to the wedding venue. Many of the bride’s friends travelled from Manchester to take part, to kickstart the wedding celebrations, with participants enjoying a celebratory drink at the end! Beth Massey also had a great parkrun and was the first lady over the line at the Bradford parkrun, in a speedy time of 20:50. Marie Watson was the third lady home at the Nova Prestatyn parkrun, with Kate Archer the third lady at the Cheltenham parkrun. Yasmin Cunningham was the seventh lady to finish at the Bedgebery Pinetum parkrun, with Jacqui Foster the eighth lady over the line at the Cliffe Castle parkrun.
Success also for the men. Vince Gibbons managed to complete his fastest parkrun time to date, with Vince completing the Robert’s Park parkrun in a great time of 27:49. Great running also by Junior Harrier Oliver Holder who was the second finisher at the Chevin Forest parkrun. Three seemed to be the number with Mark Hall the third finisher at the Bradford parkrun, Danny Thompson in the same position at the Crystal Palace parkrun as was Tom Lambe at the Horton Park parkrun and much further afield Simon Lorimer was third at the Tsujido kaihin koen parkrun in Japan. Five was also the number with Steve Murray, Rob Cunningham and Stephen Coy all finishing in fifth place at the Bradford parkrun, the Bedgebery Pinetum parkrun and the Armley parkruns respectively.