SEL Cross Country & Junior Sportshall

Molly and Rob, first counters for Rochdale at Heaton Park

During the weekend of 15th November 2025 the emphasis is well and truly on the Cross Country Championships, with both the Fell Grand Prix and Road Race Championships finished, with just the prize giving “do’s” to come.

Saturday saw the return of the South East Lancs (SEL) return to Heaton Park, being the 2nd race out of four in the SEL League. In the space of only a few weeks, runners were treated not to a music fest but a mud fest. Twenty three Harriers took part, wallowing in the delights of a very muddy Heaton Park. Harriers sole representative in the Boys U11 race was Oliver Clarke, 27th, in 13m, 35s. The same was true of the Girls U13, with Lilly Hirst competing and finishing in 4th place, in 12m, 10s. The Boys race again saw a sole Harrier running. Alexander Reay came 9th, in 23m, 48s. Lottie Peacocke was the only Harrier  in the Women’s U17 race, finishing a very creditable 3rd, in 28m, 4s.

The Ladies race saw 10 Harriers take up the challenge, with the first Harrier back being Molly Howell, 9th, in 35m, 21s. Jennie Ransome (L60), was next, running a superb race, finishing 17th, in 36m. Not too far behind in 22nd place, in 37m, 19s was Zara Hirst. Louise Mayall (L35) ran her first cross country race ever and was Harriers 4th female home, 28th, in 37m, 55s.

Team wise the over 18’s Team, consisting of Molly Howell, Jennie Ransome and Zara Hirst came a respectable 4th. The over 40’s Team finished 3rd, consisting of Jennie Ransome, Susie Hirst, Sharon Annable. There was a victory for the Ladies over 50’s Team, who came 1st. Made up of Jennie Ransome, Susie Hand and Sharon Annable. So well done to the Ladies over 50’s Team.

Onto the last race of the day the Men’s race, 9 Harriers competed in the Senior Men’s Race. By now the course was thoroughly churned up making it an even greater pleasure, but there is nothing like a good challenge. The first Harrier male to complete was Rob Scott (V40), 38th, in 41m, 4s. Andrew Whitehouse (V40), followed, 46th, in 42m, 2s. Peter Levers was next in 58th position, in 44m. Fourth Harrier back was Richard Woodside (V45), 63rd, in 44m, 59s. Quite a spread of positions compared to the Ladies. Team wise it was good news. The Senior Team came 10th. A slightly better placing was achieved by the over 40’s Team, who came 8th. The best Team placing of the day belonged to the over 50’s Team of Peter Butterworth, Ian Aitchison and Chris Gee, claiming 6th in their category.

You may be wondering where all the Juniors had gone ? simple, (Man Utd fans look away now) to the Etiad. They went to take part in the Greater Manchester Sports Hall League. This is a winter athletics competition for young athletes in age groups U11 to U15, from clubs across Greater Manchester. The competitions take place over several Sunday’s between October and December, with a County Championship in January. It’s designed to be a fun and inclusive indoor league. The emphasis is on both team spirit and participation.

Nine Harriers Juniors made their way to the Etiad Manchester Regional Athletics Arena on Sunday 16th November. The U11’s saw Adil Arkin and Finley Moore competing in the one lap, vertical jump standing and long jump. Thomas Bond, Ernie Hunt and Jack Rigney took part in the U13’s category, competing in events such as the two lap race, speed bounce and shot putt.

Finally the Harriers took part in the U15’s age category, completing 6 lap races, standing triple jump and shot putt to name but a few. A fun and exciting event to take part in, I hope they all enjoyed themselves. Let’s hope we hear more about the series.

Last but not least, Sunday saw Phil Lockett make his way to Conwy to run in the Conwy half marathon. It starts and finishes outside the 700yrs + Conwy Castle, heading down the side of the Conwy river to Llandudno. It then goes around the Great Orme, with its views of Anglesey and Puffin Island, before retracing the route back to Conwy. It turned out to be a profitable day for Phil, as he recorded a personal best for a half marathon, running a time of 1hr, 27m, 49s. So congratulations to Phil for his achievement.

Next weekend the Harriers are off to Sefton Park in Liverpool, to compete in the second of four races in the Red Rose Cross Country League, so good luck to all those running.