On Saturday, February 27, seven hardy Harriers took on the Pennine Classic fell race – High Cup Nick.
This 9-mile route crosses undulating boggy ground, complete with a river crossing, before rising sharply to climb the boulder field and sill of High Cup Nick; a head for heights is required here!
The return leg is along the Pennine Way and is a fast and furious descent, requiring fast feet and confident legs.
Vanessa Arthur, Emma McQuillan and Kirsty Naylor at Middlesborough Half Marathon (Image: Supplied)
Soup, rolls and cake await the victorious runners at the village hall, which benefits from the race proceeds.
Joe Martlew was the first Harrier home, finishing an excellent 27th out of 397 runners in a time of 1:15:15; followed by Matthew Morrice, under 23, 1:31:28; Trudy Morrice 1:38:44 finishing 3rd in W50; Alan Simpson 1:43:52; Brett Edgeworth 1:51:10; Helen Ashworth 2:01:44; and Fran Jeffery 2:02:58.
In parkrun news, on the final day of February, Natalie Lyth took on mighty Herne Hill at Brockwell parkrun, London.
York saw Adam Harper-Walker as our sole club member at York with Jack Spence at York Community Woodland.
In Leeds, Anna Whitham was at Roundhay Park and Bronwyn Mayo was at Middleton Woods.
Charles Lamb was at next week’s championship race venue at Stewart Park while Alan Docherty and Laura Till took on Fountains Abbey.
Isaac Myer (2nd place), Paul Atkinson, Julian Banville, Phillip Craig, Louise McVay, David Palmer and Ken Evitt were at Northallerton.
Pete Jackson, Clare Gwillam, Walter Busuttil, Lorraine Hiles, Nigel Morgan, Hannah Thompson, Gillian Crane, Kerry Morgan, Paul Adams, Tessa Grant, Richard Grant and Ian Codling all represented the club at Millfield.
Rob Burn (4th place) and Christine (27th) were amongst the 60 runners at Hoedspruit parkrun in South Africa.
Starting from the Thirsty Giraffe restaurant, the trail loops through the Lowveld bush with spectacular views of the surrounding wildlife estate.
We look forward to hearing of Rob and Christine’s adventures.
On Sunday, March 1, four Harriers headed north to take part in the Middlesborough Half Marathon, a fast, flat, one-lap course starting and finishing at Centre Square, outside the Town Hall and Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art (MIMA).
It’s on closed roads and heads through Albert Park then passes the Riverside Stadium and the docks.
Completing the race were Neil Cooper in 1:44:19, Emma McQuillan in 1:54:34, Vanessa Arthur in 1:58:11 (and an amazing 5th out of 33 in the V60 female category) and Kirsty Naylor in 2:04:30.
Also on Sunday, back out on the fells were Kelly Grieve and Ashley Dodgson tackling the gruelling Eskdale Eureka, the 9th counter in the Dave Parry LET’S RUN Winter Fell Race Series 2025/26.
Out of 91 starters, Kelly completed the 9-mile race in 2:03:55 and Ashley in 1:21:59.
Kelly reports the conditions were good for racing, with not too much mud and nice cakes after the race.
Thanks to Cleveland Mountain Rescue Team for organising the event and their presence on the hills and the wider fell running community for their help.
The event raised £1,000 for the Cleveland Mountain Rescue Team.
Much, much further afield, Josh Fothergill took part in the Tokyo Marathon, part of the 2026 World Masters Athletics Marathons.
In fine conditions for racing, Josh did a fantastic time of 2:31:52, coming in 248th out of 27,519 finishers.
AloJapan.com