From Caroline Howe and Nicola Budding…
Photo credit Paul Chapman
Victories for Rothery, Thackwray and Maxwell as heatwave fails to deter Harriers
It was an impressive victory for Ben Rothery at the Blencathra Fell Race, a counter in the 2026 English Fell Running Championships. A 13km route with 825 metres of descent, Ben took the win by 13 seconds in 1:00:16. There was a strong Harriers contingent taking part, and a great showing by the ladies’ team – finishing second in both the F40 and F50 team categories. Kate Archer was first female Harrier home in 1:27:32, closely followed by Jane McCarthy in 1:29:28, and then Rachel Carter in 1:35:08. Kate, Jane, Rachel and Alison Weston all finished in the top ten in their age categories.
Also on the fells, the Wharfedale Three Peaks Challenge took place on Saturday. Now in its 13th year, the event has three route choices, ranging from 17 to 4.5 miles, all starting from Kettlewell. The annual event raises funds for Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association. Finn Maxwell was the winner of the 17-mile event in an impressive 2:43:52. Charles Wain was next Harrier home in 12th place in 3:04:28, followed by Luke Watkeys in 3:16:35. Kate Prior was first female Harrier in 3:36:36. Nick Helliwell gave a great performance to finish second in the 13.5 mile Two Peaks route.
On Wednesday, Matthew Thackwray continued his blistering form, winning the latest instalment of the Harrogate District Summer Race League at Sutton Bank in 25:21. He was 95 seconds clear of his nearest rival, and it was his third win out of three in the series, surely confirming his status as league champion for the second year in a row.
Hosted by Thirsk and Sowerby Harriers, the race drew 18 Harriers to the start line, all hoping the higher elevation might bring slightly cooler temperatures. This race is arguably the most scenic in the series with superb views. The first two miles are along a straight undulating lane, followed by a short footpath section before turning back for 2.3 miles along the well-maintained Cleveland Way trail.
Matt Newell placed third, for the third race in a row, in 27:13. Harry Brook Dobson was third Harrier home in 29:53, and Jonathan Turner was first M55 in 32:05. There were many great performances – well done to all who took part.
The popular Solstice Saunter at Bolton Abbey took place on midsummer’s evening and drew a large number of Harriers to the scenic five-mile route. Joanne Williamson (35:25), Rebecca Brown (38:05) and junior Daisy Lowe (44:44) were the first three Harriers over the line, with Rebecca and Daisy both placing second in their age categories.
In other results, Dan McKeown has been busy on his holidays, first taking on Tom’s Bransdale Fell Race, a 12km race with plenty of climb. Dan finished seventh and first M45. A few days later, he gave a great performance to finish second in the Mulgrave Castle 10k in 37:40,
Over in the Peak District, Daniel Paterson and Sarah Haines took on the 6.5m Bakewell Pudding Fell Race.
On the parkrun front, Samesh Chotai was first at Tamworth Castle in 16:30. Steve Coy was second at Clarence in 19:05, Jon Hayes was second at Cliffe Castle in 21:16, James Horrex second at Gunnersby in 17:53, and Patrick Wardle was third at Anagach Woods in 19:18. There were also top ten gender places for Sally Malir at the Cinder Track, Gaenor Coy at Clarence, Leo Freer, Dave Foyston and Millie Houlbrook at East Holmes Field, Mariam Allen at Lister Park, Sarah Marden at Middleton Woods, Louise Nash at Myrtle, and Jonathan Archer at Roberts Park.