Report by Stewart Creasey
The Washburn Valley Relays – a race of three legs around the Fewston and Swinsty reservoirs near Otley – attracted approximately 60 teams this year. Among them were both a Men’s and a Ladies’ team from Knavesmire Harriers.
The Men’s team consisted of Chris Roberts, Neil Stabbs and I, whilst Sarah Attwood, Cassie Holmes and Nik Vogan represented the Ladies.
Sandwiched between the hottest day of the year so far and some pretty strong thunderstorms, the conditions didn’t look as though they’d be too pleasant. But by the time the race began at 7pm, the weather was actually really quite good for running in. I set off in the mass start and managed to run with the leading pack. After a steep (but thankfully short) climb through some woodland, we emerged onto a footpath, where the Otley and Wetherby runners broke away. The rest of us were left to battle it out on the descent and through the trees along the water’s edge. A few places were lost and gained before I finished in 6th place, handing over to Chris Roberts for the second leg.
Chris had a cracking run, tackling the longest leg – around Fewston reservoir – with ease. He closed the leading runners’ gap significantly after gaining a place, setting up Neil Stabbs nicely for the final leg. Neil also put in a fantastic performance on the leg around Swinsty reservoir, taking another position to finish in 4th place overall.
The Ladies’ team were even more successful; Sarah stormed around the first leg on a brilliant run, handing over to Cassie Holmes in pole position. Cassie successfully maintained the lead with some strong running on her leg, resisting the pressure from the Kirkstall Ladies, who were closing the gap.
It was then up to Nik Vogan to strike out for gold. She put up an incredible fight (including a 5:50 mile!), but the Kirkstall lady overtook her on what turned out to be the fastest ladies’ lap of the night, knocking the Harriers into an impressive 2nd place.
We were sure the Ladies would get a prize for their efforts; were we even secretly hoping that the Men’s team might get something despite not quite making it on to the podium (“the last race I was at had prizes for the first 10 places” said Sarah enthusiastically). But as it happened, we all walked away empty handed – there was only a prize for 1st place in each category. Nevertheless, we really enjoyed ourselves, and I’m sure it’ll inspire us to do better next year!
Thanks to all involved for a great night.
