From Caroline Howe and Nicola Budding…
Dan Paterson and Sarah Marsden celebrate completing the Seville Marathon
As the never-ending rain continued to fall in the UK, two Harriers decided they needed a break from the gloomy weather and ventured to the sunshine of Spain for the Seville Marathon.
The long-standing race, first held in 1985, attracted a record 17,000 competitors this year. Renowned as the flattest marathon course in Europe and sixth fastest marathon course in the world, it’s a favourite for PB-chasers. Dan Paterson and Sarah Marsden took full advantage of the ideal conditions, coming away with not only a welcome boost of vitamin D, but also two excellent results: Dan with a new PB of 3:28:16, and Sarah not far off her PB in 3:39:12 – congratulations to both!
Back in Yorkshire, the fifth instalment of this year’s PECO cross country series at Roundhay Park saw extremely muddy conditions following an overnight blast of snow. Nonetheless, a contingent of hardy Harriers took on the challenge, including several junior Harriers.
In the senior ladies’ race, Emma Moore was first Harrier home in 44:32, followed by Lucy Lowe in 46:43, Diane Kitchen who was third F65 in 47:58, and Sarah Lambert in 1:02:33. Ten Harriers lined up in the senior men’s race, with Gawain Moore producing an impressive run to finish third M45 in 31:08. He was followed by Harry Brook-Dobson (31:51) and Steven Gott (33:32).
The juniors also shone. In the 1-mile race, Isobel Moore, Maisie Dyson and Millie Houlbrook all finished in the top ten out of 86, clocking 7:52, 8:12 and 8:13 respectively. Milena Morgan meanwhile was eighth out of 72 in the 2-mile race in 14:02. Outstanding performances all round.
There was more junior success at Hoppit’s Hill Fell Race, this year’s 2026 Yorkshire Junior U14, U16, U18 and U20 Fell Running Championships in Mirfield. The U14s faced a short but steep 3km course with a 170-metre climb whilst the U16, U18 and U20 athletes tackled a 4.85 km route with a climb of 210 metres, combining distance, elevation and an element of true determination.
There were several impressive performances, including Oscar Shinn, third, and George Whittlestone, fifth, in the MU20 race; Joseph Bentham, fourth, and Ollie Holder, seventh, in the BU18 race; Heidi Frank, seventh in the GU16 race; and Olly Brooks, 13th in the BU14 race. These are tough races requiring strength and stamina – so well done to all of you.
Two Harriers took on the 5km senior race, with Rachel Carter finishing with a great result of first in the F50 category in 29:37, and Rachel Holder finishing in 36:47.
In parkruns this weekend, Samesh Chotai continued his fine form coming in third at Edgbaston Reservoir in 16:29. Steve Coy was fourth at Millfield in 18:51 with a very impressive 80% age grading. Oscar Smyth was seventh male at Belton House in 19:59. At Sherwood Reserve in New Zealand, Maddie Morris was second female in 22:38. At York Community Woodland, Jaysson Sawyer was ninth male in 18:50.
Another packed week of brilliant running… congratulations to all who represented the club near and far!