25-07-2025
Richmond and Zetland Harriers compete in regional races
The weather has been ideal so far for the track and field season for the Richmond and Zetland Harriers
Benedict Simpson-Alexander competed in Derby at the Northern U20 and Senior Championships in the 800m at the end of June .
Benedict won his heat in the U20M race in a time of 1m 58s (PB) and finished 5th in the final in 2m, then in the 1500m final, he finished 5th in 4m 03s.
The third match in the NEMAA league series at the Monkton Stadium in Jarrow saw Nicola Simpson finish second F50 in the 3000m in 12m 50s.
Pauline Whittaker was second F55 in the javelin with 16.74m, second F55 in the 100m in 17s and second F55 in the 400m in 1m 21s.
Benedict Simpson-Alexander at the Northern U20 & Senior Championships in Derby (Image: Supplied)
Pauline then went on to compete in the fourth match two weeks later and in the shot put she was first F55 with a throw of 7m 03s, third F55 in the 200m in 36.15s and second F55 in 57.85s.
Jonathan Simpson took on the challenging Dales Runner DR30 (31.7km) the first weekend in July.
The race was never going to be an easy one with the route starting at Muker and ascending nearly 3,000ft up to Tan Hill, taking in spectacular Swaledale scenery and a section along the Pennine Way before heading back for the finish in Muker.
Jonathan finished 36th overall in 3h 50m 10s.
There was also the option of the shorter Swinner Swagger (15.5km) which is the second half of the longer DR30 route.
Nearly 10,000 runners gathered in Newcastle on July 6th for the AJ Bell Great North 10k, the biggest 10k race in the North East with the course setting off from the new Great North Road start line before running through the sights of the city centre and crossing over the Tyne Bridge twice.
Paul Simpson had a good run on a testing route finishing 256th in 39m 43s, Nicola Simpson was supporting daughter Kerry who was running in her first ever 10k race both finishing in 54m 57s.
Ken Harker competed in the Sunderland Harriers 5k the evening of July 10th finishing 31st overall in 19m 48s.
The following week saw three evening races take place, the New Marske Harriers Summer Coast Road 5k in Redcar was on July 16th.
There were impressive times from the Harriers, Dan Spencer finished 19th overall in 17m 40s, Mark Forrest 35th in 18m 28s, Paul Ellis 40th in 18m 43s and Jonathan Simpson 59th in 19m 51s.
It was also the final race in the Harrogate District Summer Race League (HDSRL) — the Norman Smith Handicap Race — which was hosted and well organised by Wetherby Runners.
This fun event rounds off the main series, with runners who completed at least two league races receiving a starting time based on their performance, so that slower runners start earlier and, if the handicap system works perfectly, everyone finishes at the same time.
Competitors were set off at 30 second intervals with a very hilly and challenging route of just under 6 miles starting and finishing in the village of Sicklinghall.
Rebecca Smith was the first Harrier back in 46th place (handicap position) in 44m 43s, Paul Simpson 51st in 39m 49s, Nicola Simpson 130th 43m 51s, Gail Smith 133rd in 53m 51s and Pauline Whittaker 274th in 56m 03s, the race was followed by food and the end of league presentation.
The following day was the Durham City Run 10k and 5k event, taking in the historic landmarks of the city.
New members Peter Bird and wife Grace took part in the 5k race with Peter finishing 7th overall in a superb time of 17m 21s and Grace had a strong run finishing 77th overall in 23m 02s.
In the 10k distance Rob Scott did a magnificent time of 31m 51s and was 3rd overall and Sammy Bell 283rd overall in 48m 09s.
The Harriers have as usual been getting their Saturday morning 5k fix taking part in parkruns both locally and further afield tourism.
And finally a special mention and thank you to Moody Construction who have donated £500 to the running club, each year the company choose a different group to donate to, employee Scott Wardman and his children are members of Richmond and Zetland Harriers.
Further information on the club and training nights can be found on the website
