Rochdale out in Force at the Royton Trail Race, 2024
17th July 2024
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Last week was another busy period of running for the Harriers, this time it was the turn of the road runners to take centre stage in the form of the Royton Trail Race. This was the seventh race in the series of nine in the Harriers road running championship and was run on the trails and tracks of Tandle Hill Park, starting and finishing at Royton Cricket Club. It’s a 6.4 mile, multi terrain, undulating rural course. There was an excellent turnout of Harriers, with a total of 21 taking part. Pride of place goes to new member Luke Burley, finishing 8th in 40m, 39s. Credit must go to Danny Bennett, MV55, finishing 11th, 40m, 59s, and winning his age category. Third Harrier back was Phil Lockett, MV40, in 45m. Phil was closely followed by Isabel Brandon, finishing as 4th lady in 45m, 19s. Next Harriers’ lady was Jennie Ransome, FV60, 91st, 54m, beating her husband Chris, who finished 116th, 56m, 20s.
Saturday saw two Harriers travelling up to The Lakes to take part in the Lakeland Trials 55K, with a climb of 6,500ft. Sadly the weather had broken and wind and rain were the order of the day. Running in the 55K race was Lee Meadowcroft, who did very well finishing 39th, in 8hrs, 12m, 29s. Jeff McCarthy competed in the challenge again doing well, 8hrs, 30m, 31s. So a big well done to both Harriers for completing the course in bad weather, they deserved a pint or two in the pub afterwards.
Sunday saw the action move to the roads again, when three Harriers travelled down to Cheshire to run in the Wilmslow 10K. Described as a fast one lap course, starting in the town centre, running over scenic country roads and finishing on the outskirts of Wilmslow. Two Harriers achieved PB’s for the 10K, Phil Lockett being the first Harrier to finish in 39m, 06s, followed by Gareth Bright, 40m, 32s and then Gaz Chambers achieving his PB with a time of 41m, 33s. So well done to Phil and Gaz for their achievement.
Finally, a very big well done to Juliet Smith, who only started running again in January 2023, after a 20 year absence out of the sport whilst raising her family. Juliet had set herself the challenging target of representing the England Masters Team at 5K in the Vet 45-49 category. Juliet has been chosen as a reserve for the event and we keep our fingers crossed for her. A fantastic achievement in such a short time.
Definitely last but not least, previously we reported on the Harriers running the Pennine Way as a relay to raise money for the Rossendale and Pendle Mountain Rescue Team. A total of £2,582.50 has been raised and the presentation will take place at Kingsway Park School on Tuesday 23rd July at 6.45pm. So again a massive well done to everyone who took part and helped with the relay.