Tadcaster Harriers Running Club

Hardwolds 80

Author: Pip Freer   |  Dec 3, 2018

Saturday  24th November saw Pip Freer take on the inaugural 'Hardwolds 80' race. Covering the full length of the Yorkshire Wolds (plus a little bit extra - to give you your money's worth as organiser and fellow Tadcaster Harrier Jon Steele would say!), the competitors had 24 hours to cover the 80 miles. Pip takes up the story.........

'The Humber bridge was imposing in the early morning darkness, stretching away over the black glittering water. A couple of gazebos had been set up directly under the bridge and kit was signed for and trackers fitted to the deep rumble of cars passing over head. It was an exciting and atmospheric place for a run to start. By 7.45, about 200 runners stood tense and quiet in the grey morning light as Jon Steele welcomed us to the inaugural Hardwolds 80. After threatening us with all manner of dire consequences should anyone be found without mandatory kit, we were gathered for the start. I enjoy the start of an ultra. I make sure I’m right at the very back and we saunter off at a casual walk, sharing a bit of banter, already conserving for the time and distance and trials ahead.

The Wolds way is scenic right from the start, following the Humber and then crossing through small towns in to woods and fields. The cool early mist began to clear and by late midmorning we were lucky to have sunshine to warm us and pick out the lovely autumn colours. The first checkpoints were passed and each time I appreciated the welcoming sight of husband and hot coffee even more!

The Hardmoors runners are a friendly bunch and as we pass and re pass each other everyone has a brief chat. I really enjoy a chatty run (ask Jo Derry!)  and on the climb out of South Cave I was greeted by a fellow runner who seemed to be up for Ultra Chat. Roger and I ran together on and off for the next 57ish miles. He was an experienced runner and all round really interesting guy, having completed the MdS and other exciting ultras. Talking about life, adventures and families saw many miles pass happily away.

33 miles in found us at Millington indoor checkpoint which had all the atmosphere of a ceilidh; sweaty, happy people crowded into a village hall, all joking and laughing and sharing a buffet. Hardmoors marshalls are legendary and every effort was made to look after us. We refuelled on soup, rice pudding and scalding hot coffee. The climb out of Millington was one of the highlights of the whole run. It was just about 4pm and the Wolds were bathed gold in the setting sun. The view from the top was glorious, both a reward for the climb and a treat to see us through the dark hours.

The first drops of rain were felt just as the sun set and it was headtorches and full waterproofs from that point on. At first it was pitch black and we were now in what I feel is the real Wolds. Steep hills and valleys that follow each other, swell on swell like huge waves. We spent the rest of the miles dropping, climbing and contouring on wet, slippery, muddy trails. Heavy rain came and went and came again. Eventually the nearly full moon was exposed, just in time to add even more atmosphere to the checkpoint that was the abandoned medieval village of Wharram Percy. The church and surrounds had been garlanded with tiny fairy lights and there was a ghostly melodic chanting coming from the windowless church. The whole effect was thrilling and magical, if a little spooky! It was getting fairly cold by this point so I took the chance to layer up fully and change some kit.

Wintringham, at 57 miles, was the next indoor checkpoint. It was a bright, warm oasis of new village hall. I met Al for a hug and stocked up on food and coffee. The pizza was hot, savoury and just what I needed. At least 5 slices later I was ready to tackle the rest of the run.

I was very glad I’d recced this section in the dark, as from Wintringham on I ran entirely on my own. This point onwards is best pictured as scenes from the Blair Witch but without the screaming. Just darkness, woods, torchlight and heavy breathing. I got more proficient at a fast change of headtorch batteries, dreading that second when I would be plunged into total darkness. It was getting harder to keep eating and every now and again a blister would pop and some more skin would split under my toes. I have realised though, that not much in the way of discomfort can convince me to stop and faff about in a forest at night! I got my music out to stave off the miseries and kept going.

Turning into Muston caravan park in the windy rain I had a wonderful surprise. Al had come out (in his running tights no less!) to guide me in for the last few miles. I was so grateful to see him that I had a bit of a weepy wobble but we set off together to enjoy the sting in the tail that was the steps and stretch out to Filey Brigg before the return to the Sea Cadets Hall. Having pictured that finishing moment all year, it was strange and quite emotional to be living the fantasy and receiving my longed for Hardwolds t-shirt. I really can say I enjoyed every single step of that run, even the slow ones and the painful ones. Thank you Jon and Shirley! The Hardwolds 80 was absolutely everything I had hoped it would be. '

Race Report: Vermuyden Ultra (40 Miles)

Author: Dave Baxter   |  Nov 22, 2018

In order to keep Stephen happy a longer race report!!…..

On Saturday I ran the Vermuyden Ultra, 2 laps of the Vermuyden Way down in North Lincolnshire. This was the first running of this event so I think they wanted to see how it went and not push entries so it was a select bunch of 19 who entered the ultra and just under 30 for the single lap. I knew it was pretty flat so was hoping to put in a quick time and had a goal of sub-6 hours, which in my way of approaching something like this is 4 lots of sub 1:30 10 milers.

We set off fairly quickly with one chap in horrendous bright pink leg warmers out in front. There were ‘run marshals’ on the course too and as I settled into 2nd spot he kept flitting between us. The leader walked a few steps to a style and I could see that he had set off too fast and after sweeping past I never saw him again. I then faced 32 miles of being in the lead and not knowing how much lead I had.

The route was a little less flat than I thought but no real hills of note. Lots of it was alongside the drainage dykes and well maintained trails so fairly easy underfoot. I went straight through CP1 and CP2 wasn’t ready for me so no stops there. CP3 was halfway so filled up my bottles then. The run marshal had acted as both a guide and pacer which I am not sure if that is good or bad but he stopped at ½ way. I plodded on and on hitting the marathon at 3:32 which I was quite pleased with.

After mile 30 my guts started to be a little unhappy so wasn’t drinking or eating much after then which was a little annoying! Checked with a bike marshal at the last CP how much of a lead I had and was told it was 15 minutes at ½ way and that it was more now so perhaps eased off the gas a little. Started to spot and then pass some of the 1 lap runners but then fairly near the end I had a look round and saw someone behind me running (not walking like the ones I had passed by, but 2nd place who was only 3 ½ minutes behind!). Got to the finish line arch amid a few of the last 1 lappers so not quite the glory filled finish as I had to identify myself as having done the ultra.

Over the line in 5hrs 48 minutes which with CP stops and all was an average overall pace of 8min42/mile which was pleasing. Got a medal, buff and a running hat, no trophy but I was assured that I would be getting some vouchers in the post as my prize. A great end to my competitive 2018 but got to keep ticking over to get 2018 miles in 2018…

Fundraising Cake and Coffee Morning

Author: Dave Mullaney   |  Nov 19, 2018

Sophie Overfield took on the role of 'Ambassador' for the Harriers nominated charity for 2019 recently, after nominating her charities 'Action on Pre-eclampsia' and 'York Special Care Baby Unit' which are both very close to her heart after the premature birth of her and partner Will's, daughter Teagan.

Fast forward to Saturday 17th November and the 'Fundraising Cake and Coffee Morning'. After a succesful event last year, we decided to include a raffle and auction of gifts and prizes donated by club members and their families, as well as a cake sale.

We couldnt have wished for a better response! The event was really well attended by Harriers members and their families and friends. More surprising was that we managed to raise over £1000 for the charity! What an excellent start to Sophie's and the club's fundraising for these excellent charities.

On behalf of Sophie, and the club, we would like to thank all those who donated gifts and services, baked cakes, helped organise the event, helped out on the day and for all your donations.

If anyone would like to still donate money to the charities, the link to Sophie's Just Giving Page is below!

https://www.justgiving.com/teams/TadcasterHarriersCharitiesOfTheYear

Prize Presentation and Annual Dinner 9th November 2018

Author: Dave Mullaney   |  Nov 18, 2018

For the second year, we held the clubs annual prize presentation and dinner at the Riley Smith Hall on Friday 9th November. With a record turn out and an increase in the number of prizes given out, the evening was destined to be the best yet.

We started the evening with the dinner, and followed up with an excellent speech by club Chairman Mark Swinden about a couple of gifted athletes from Tadcaster who lost their lives in the First World War, then an overview of the years events for the Harriers.

The prize presentation followed with club coach Glen Johnson doing the honour of presenting the prizes. This years winners are listed below:

Male Club Champion
1st Place: Andrew Sloan
2nd Place: David Rowe
3rd Place: Craig Redmond

Female Club Champion
1st Place: Jo Millican
2nd Place: Celia McRoyall
3rd Place: Angela Wray

Handicap Champion
1st Place: Andy Lee
2nd Place: Paul Dykes
3rd Place: Elaine Kavanagh

Track 5000m champion
Lisa Sharpe

Track Mile
1st Male: Andrew Sloan
1st Female: Jo Millican

Joe Knowles Trophy
Paul Dykes

Fastest 5 mile
Male: Ryan Kavanagh 28:59
Female: Emma Dunn 36:54

Bilborough Loop Handicap
Sally Beckett

Chairmans Award
Angela Wray

Congratulations to all this years prize winners!

After the presentations it was time to have a few more dnnks and dance the night away to some classic dance hall tunes like 'Timewarp' and Five Hundred Miles!!

Thanks go to all who organised the event (Mark Swinden, Dave Mullaney and Bob Duxbury), all the staff at the Riley Smith Hall and DJ Paul Lockwood.

We are all looking forward to next years event!

Fundraising Cake and Coffee Morning

Author: Mark Swinden   |  Oct 17, 2018

We are pleased to announce that there will be a Cake and Coffee morning at Magnets on 17 November, in aid of the charities of the year, organised by Sophie. Details are in the poster below.

If you can help by baking something, or would like to assist on the day, please contact Sophie on soverfield123@gmail.com.

There will be a raffle and also an auction of gifts and pledges so if you are able to  supply anything, that would be much appreciated. Please contact Sophie and/or Mark on swindenmark@sky.com.

We will issue a reminder nearer the time and also do some wider publicity. We are sure it will be another successful day.

Charity of the Year 2019

Author: Mark Swinden   |  Sep 25, 2018

As you may know, for the first time this year, the Harriers has had a nominated “Charity of the Year” and that charity has been Henshaws, put forward and championed by Angela Wray. This has been a huge success with several thousands of pounds raised.

The club year starts on the 1st October and therefore it is time to announce the charity for the year about to start, the whole of which is called 2019 for publicity purposes.

I am delighted to say that we will be having  joint charities for the year: the Special Care Baby Unit at York Hospital and Action on Pre- Eclampsia - submitted by Sophie Overfield. Her submission is on a newly created section of the Harriers’ website here: http://www.tadcasterharriers.org.uk/charity.html

If you can spare 5 minutes to read it I’m sure you will understand why these charities mean so much to Sophie and Will, and why the committee of the club are very keen to support them. 

The new section of the website also contains Angela’s story and thanks very much for your support of Henshaws and the efforts of Angela, Becky and many others.  We will publicise the final amount raised for Henshaws once the final year end accounts have been completed.

Sophie has obtained a London Marathon place for 2019 from Action on Pre -Eclampsia and there will be other fund raising taking place including another cake and coffee morning at Magnets on November 17th . Further details will be out shortly. 

I’m sure Sophie will receive a great deal of backing this year and if you want to contact her to offer any help, ideas etc I am sure she would be delighted to hear from you. Her e-mail is soverfield123@gmail.com.

Her donation pages have been set up, and here is a link.

https://www.justgiving.com/teams/TadcasterHarriersCharitiesOfTheYear

Thanks again. Best wishes

Mark