Mike Williams – top of the IH race league [Photo credit: Nigel Pepper]
From Dan McKeown…
We had 19 (and a half – IYKYK) Harriers out at the Otley 10 on Wednesday evening. Weather-wise, it was a perfect evening for the finish line barbecue and bar, less so for the preceding 10-mile slog up to Lindley Wood Reservoir and back.
The course was on pavement and quiet lanes, with some good sharp climbs, rapid descents, and a rabid last mile which negotiated roadworks and a footbridge, before a last sprint round the pitch at Otley Cricket Club and a well deserved burger / sausage.
Jack Wood led the way with an outstanding 56:16, which was enough for fourth place in a very strong field (the men’s race was won by the aptly-named Graham Rush of Leeds City AC).
Sally Armitage was third lady overall and first FV40. There were also age group prizes for Hilda and me.
As the Otley 10 is a Harriers league race this year, there were league points on offer and Mike Williams now sits top of the pile, having already racked up eight scoring races. He basically just needs to get one more fell race in the bag, and then he can throw his trainers in the bin and go on the lash.
However, there’s still half of the year to go and plenty more races in the calendar so if anyone thinks they have what it takes to dethrone the incumbent, make sure to get involved! Next race up is the EvenSplits 5k at the Brownlee Centre next Wednesday.
From Hilda Coulsey…
This race has a super competitive history and 20 Harriers lined up this year, it also being a counter in our league. It felt very hot for evening running at 22deg particularly as there was little shade and with 250m elevation it was hard work this year. I hadn’t run it for quite a few years and a good change to the route starting in the new housing estate helped to thin out starters prior to the narrow footpath to Pool bridge although the zigzagging through the park in the last couple of kilometres and back through the estate was a struggle. The hills were the same challenge and I took to ‘Jeffing’/ run walking on the up which didn’t loose me any places.
Jack Wood was first Harrier home in 4th with Dan Mckeown second taking 1st M45 and Mike AC third Harrier. Sally Armitage was an impressive 3rd lady and 1st F40. Indeed all times were impressive considering the heat. I was so pleased to receive the other category prize we picked up taking F65+ in a time which would also have won F60.
Thank you to all our supporters.
Otley 10 results (283 finishers):
Jack Wood 00:56:16
Daniel McKeown 01:04:12 (1st MV45)
Michael Abrams-Cohen 01:05:46
Sally Armitage 01:06:55 (3rd lady, 1st FV40)
Rob Cunningham 01:07:02
Justin Pierce 01:08:37
Adam Gerrish 01:11:02
Steve Murray 01:12:45 (2nd MV50)
Matthew Snow 01:15:53
David Singleton 01:16:52
Mike Williams 01:18:38 (3rd MV60)
Leo Graham 01:19:54
Marc Westerman 01:22:16
Jeremy Greenwood 01:24:20
Kay Pearce 01:24:22 (3rd FV40)
Jean Sullivan 01:30:44 (3rd FV50)
Hilda Coulsey 01:33:49 (1st FV70)
Charlotte Smithson 01:35:11
Fiona Schneider 01:45:35 (3rd FV60)