Race Report'08

Meanwood - June 17th.

Due to the clash with Bishop Wilton Summer League it was a small but merry contingent that set off to Meanwood for the 5th Vets race of the Grand Prix series. Flying the flag for the men, frequent Vets runner Duncan Chambers was the first York Knavesmire Harrier home, followed soon after by Fiona Strange who despite taking two tumbles on this very tricky course,achieved an enviable time of 34:24 and finishing as 6th Lady earning 94 points. You just can't keep a good runner down.

We were all delighted to see the return of Jayne Fligg who after completing her first Vets Race at Pudsey last week had declared us all mad and had sworn never to return. Once she learned that her efforts had earned York Knavesmire Harriers a much needed 57 points she decided it was worthwhile giving it another go. Glad to say she completed the Meanwood course with a big smile on her face as did first timer Vivianne Fraser.

York Knavesmire Harriers are still in with a chance to win a number of awards in this series and we hope to see many more of you at Honley on Sunday 6th July for an 11.00am start - only £2 to enter and no need to pre book.

Vet’s Grand Prix Series. Race 4

Pudsey - June 11th.

This 4th race of the vets Grand Prix series was a real toughie!

With almost perfect (running) weather our teams arrived to find that the new course started with a trek of about a mile and a half to the start! Well it was a good warm up!

With a fast dusty downhill start followed by two laps of tricky woodland trail and ‘THE HILL’ to finish this was a challenging run successfully completed by all our runners. Kevin Langham was our first runner home gaining 17th place overall in a time of 32.39.

Yet another win for Kate Nelson who once again was the first lady home in a time of 33.16.

It was great to see our new ‘world champion’ Michelle Atkins back in action for the first time since competing in the 10 marathons in 10 days challenge.

Thanks to all those who managed to get to Pudsey we accumulated more valuable points and are still putting up a challenge in the all to count competitions.

The next race is at Meanwood on Tuesday the 17th June. Unfortunately this race clashes with Bishop Wilton summer league but there are a few vets intending to run one of the best races of the series so if you can make it please contact Jane Hartas for more information.

Vet’s Grand Prix Series. Race 3

Walton - June 1st

Heavy snowfall in February prevented the Knavesmire Vets teams from attending the 2nd GP race in February - hence no points.

This blip has however has been rectified by both teams at Walton on Sunday. The rather wet and muddy conditions did not dampen the enthusiasm of our intrepid teams with the 6 man team achieving 887 points and the 9 ladies 731points.

Once again Kate Nelson led our ladies team by winning the ladies race and was well supported by Margaret Metcalfe who won her age category in her first ever Vets race. A welcome return was made by Fiona Strange who recovering from injury gained a creditable 3rd place in her category as did Maureen Medlar in hers. Pat Rowson also returning from injury collected first place in her age group.

Well done to all our ladies, as there were a number of strong individual performances, which earned us valuable points.

For the mens team Bill Shively ran well to finish 12th overall and achieve a 3rd place in his age category. The remainder of our small but very capable team of male Knavesmire runners achieved an excellent team score against very strong opposition.

All these hard earned points will help to maintain and/or improve both teams’ positions in their respective leagues. As every eligible runner scores points you too could join us. The next race in this year’s competition is at Pudsey on the 11th June. This is a new course so could be interesting! Race entry is only £2 and includes food and good company!

Individual race and all vets competition details can be found on the Knavesmire website or alternatively at www.yvaa.org

Hope to see you soon but if you need any further details you can contact

Jane Tel: (01904) 623595 jane@hartas.freeserve.co.uk
Maureen Tel: (01904) 400568 m.medlar@btconnect.com

Yorkshire Veterans Cross Country Championships - 13th January

All ladies and men 0/70 ran 5K. Harold Dobson once again won the Gold medal in the M/70 catagory completing the undulating muddy course in 25 minutes and 30 seconds. Also running 5K were Fiona strange ( F/40-25:30) and Margaret Metcalfe (F/55-30:39)

Knavesmire men's 0/40 team running 10K won the bronze team medals in their age group for the second year running. Barry Atkinson was first Harrier home in 24th place with a time of 36 mins and 39 secs closely followed by Kevin Langan (35th-37:20),Neil Strange (36th-37:25) and Bill Shiveley (47th-38:18).

Thank goodness the forecasters predictions of driving rain and/or snow failed to materialise and the Vets first Grand Prix race of the 2008 season got off to a good start with Harriers securing three individual awards together with an abundance of hard earned team points.

Fiona Strange and Maureen Medlar both won prizes in their respective age groups together with Jean Snelling who once again secured a winning postion in her category. The first man home for the Harriers was John Oliver closley followed by Andy Booth.

Special congratulations to Gill Waite and Marcus Bishop competing for the first time in the 'wasp' vest.

With excellent performances from all the Knavesmire runners the club has made a really good start to this years series by winning valuable points in both the male and female 'All to Count' competition.

Don't forget the next race of this series is at Meltham on the 23rd March. Full details can be found on the Vets page.

Last modified: June 02, 2008 Designed by M D Smith hotel software developer