Tadcaster Harriers Running Club

Canalathon Ultra

Author: Dave Mullaney   |  May 6, 2019

Back in 2018 Richard Penny decided to enter the 2019 Ultra Race 'The Wall' covering 69 miles of the Hadrians Wall Way, from Carlisle to Newcastle. His aim to complete a personal challenge and to raise money for charity.

As part of his training plan, Richard ran the Cannonball Canalathon race on the 24th March. The aim being to test how his training was going and test his strategy for his main race. The Canalathon starts in Manchester and runs along the scenic Rochdale Canal to Sowerby Bridge. The event has races of varying distance. Richard chose the 50k distance. if you want to read how Richard did in the event from his personal perspective, then his 'Blog' is worth a read. Follow the link below.

Richard finished the race in 26th place (out of 191 finishers) with a time of 4:40:43.

Other results: 1st Male: Gareth Pritchard 3:35:54 / 1st Lady: Mel Sykes 4:14:01

Link to Richards Blog Post

Richard is raising money for St Leonards Hospice, if you want to donate to his charity you can find a link on his blog site.

New Run Leaders

Author: Mark Swinden   |  Mar 25, 2019

Congratulations to Amanda Apperley, Jo Millican, Keith Smith and Angela Wray who all completed the Leader in Running Fitness qualification on Sunday. They join Angela Beall, Chris Cook, Celia McRoyall, Dave Mullaney and Mark Swinden who also have the qualification. 

We also have two Coaches in Running Fitness -  Glen Johnson and Andy Sloan.

That gives us 11 people in the club with Coaching or Run Leader qualifications which is of real benefit for Tuesday night groups and our beginners sessions.

The club's next beginners sessions start on April 4 and here is the link for registration if you have any friends or family who would like to take part.

https://groups.runtogether.co.uk/TryRunningTadcaster

Newly Qualified Coach

Author: Mark Swinden   |  Jan 28, 2019

Many congratulations to Andy Sloan who successfully completed his Coaching assessment at the weekend and is now a qualified Coach in Running Fitness. Andy joins Glen Johnson who achieved this qualification a number of years ago, and has been successfully organising our Tuesday nights ever since. 

Currently we also have five qualified Run Leaders - Angela Beall, Celia McRoyall, Chris Cook, Dave Mullaney, and Mark Swinden; with another group being scheduled to qualify in March.

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