There have been two races over the last week and it seems that everyone wants to wear the 'yellow jersey'!
Last Thursday saw the second Sale Sizzler with 438 runners taking part…a massive field of which 53 were representing Stockport Harriers…a great turnout on a very humid evening.
Stephen Crook was the first Harrier home in a time of 17:09 beating Charlie Batho and Phil Burns to the finish line. Jenny Knass was the first SHAC lady home in 17:34. Great running by all concerned with PB's and SB's all over the place.
In fact, 19 PB's were recorded by Harriers runners including Stephen Crook, Charlie Batho, Max Thickett, Rob Cawley, Bill Shone, Dave Howell, Paul Corner, Tony Ward, Nigel Harrison, Sam Thomas, Nick Ham, Lou Harrison, Sara Taylor and Kath Ward. Special mention also to Sarah Wood for her PB...she is on fire at the moment!
With two PB's in two households, the official SHAC Race Series Commission is currently investigating what ingredients Nigel Harrison and Tony Ward are using in their cooking! (We know you do all the cooking Nige!)
Watch this space for the results of our undercover investigative reporter in the next review!
Last Sunday saw the running of the Gravy 6 Trail Race. Organised by our own Andi Jones, this may well be the last ever running of the race as Andi moves to Qatar shortly and our best wishes go with him and his family.
Run in the rural village of Hadfield near Glossop, registration was in the historic Village Hall before the 95 athletes took up their starting positions. With so many races and cycling events taking priority, it was a much smaller SHAC field that turned out…but on the other hand it also meant that higher Race Series points were up for grabs.
After a short uphill start and through a 'chicane', the trail evened out for a couple of miles before the 'pelaton' started to stretch out. There was a small amount of dodging of other runners, walkers, cyclists and a local scout group, but that's normal on a 'tour etape'. The route then took us around the reservoir via a 'feed zone', before a very short but steep climb back up to the Longdendale Trail and back to the village. The humidity certainly made conditions difficult to run in but very decent times were recorded once again.
After collecting 100 points at the Sale Sizzler, Stephen Crook was in prime position to take maximum advantage once again, however, upon reaching the finishing line I discovered that Phil Burns was busy preparing his victory speech! There was a spoke in the wheel! (see what I did there?) Apparently the signage had been moved and Stephen was amongst a number of leading runners who took a wrong turn. A real shame given his form of late and unfortunately he was unable to add to his 'palmares'.
I'm fed up with all the cycling palaver now so here are the results:
100 - Phil Burns (35:24)
99 - Rob Cawley (36:28)
98 - Lee Barratt (36:41)
97 - Robert Goulsbra (37:14)
96 - Kerrie Wood-Doyle (38:05)
95 - Max Thickett (38:11)
94 - David Mellor (39:53)
93 - David Howell (40:16)
92 - Paul Corner (40:19)
91 - Tony Park (40:40)
90 - Claire MacNeill (43:02)
89 - Ade Thomas (44:33)
88 - Liz Turton (44:51)
87 - Stephen Crook (45:29)
86 - Helen Todd (45:48)
85 - Sean O'Farrell (46:09)
It was great to see Stockport Harriers pick up both male and female categories, with individual awards going to Helen Todd, Kerrie Wood-Doyle (again), Phil Burns, Lee Barratt, David Mellor, Tony Pots Claire MacNeill, Rob Cawley, Lesley Sinclair, and Liz Turton.
In terms of Race Series points there has been considerable change at the top of the leader board with new runner's Dave Howell, Rob Cawley and Ade Thomas also moving up the table.
Leading male runners are Phil Burns, Tony Park and Stephen Crook while James Corden is leading the Best of 8.
For the ladies, 1, 2, and 3 are Kerrie Wood-Doyle, Sam Thomas and Claire MacNeill with Kerrie also leading the Best of 8.
So with awards over it was time to partake in some liquid refreshments at the local Robinson's Ale House and think about enjoying the remainder of the day…but the question on many people's lips was…where are the Tavini's?
Our next races are Great Warford 10 on Sunday the 27th, the Millbrook Monster next Wednesday the 30th, followed by the 3rd Sale Sizzler next Thursday. So long or short, plenty of options for everyone over the next week or so.
Happy running and see you at the club!