BraveHearts
Harriers Becky Collins and Sharon Cocker flew to Scotland at the week end to meet up with resident Harrier Fiona Whittaker and compete in the Aviemore half marathon.
The 13.1 mile course passes through some of Scotland’s best and outstandingly scenic landscape all set below the imposing northern corries of the Cairngorm Mountains; including Glenmore Forest, Rothiemurchus Estate, Loch Morlich and the River Spey. The first 7.5 miles allowed the runners to enjoy the spectacular views whilst running on excellent forest tracks, by Loch Morlich beach and then at 7.5 miles to the eastern end of the loch.
Joining the tarmac ski road at 8 miles, into Coylumbridge and to Inverdruie crossing the Spey River and up to the finish in Aviemore.
First Harrier to cross the line was Becky, who overcame nausea to finish in 1:59. Next to cross the line was Sharon "Cocker" who, in what was her first half marathon completed the course in 2:14, a very creditable performance and showing a talent that will surely improve. Third Harrier home was Fiona, the move to a new city and the pressure of work commitments had prevented Fi from training hard enough to realise her full potential, but as the daughter of legendary AAA gold medalist Ultra runner Ros Whittaker, Fi showed promise and true grit to cross the line in 2:32.
The race is extremely well organised, in Fiona's own words :
"This is definitely a run worth considering for next year, they lay on a buffet for runners afterwards and is generally a well organised and scenic run, I think the harriers would love it even though its not too hilly or far to run."
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Beast tamed by Harriers
Harriers Mike Fleck, Sue Cutler and Ian Edwards rose to the challenge of this years "Beast". The event, now in its 16th year is organised by
Mike led the Harriers home in a little over two hours, just ahead of Ian Edwards who ran out of pies shortly after Houns Tout.
Harrier Sue Cutler, and Juliet Kingsford (Poole Runners) had the good grace to let the boys finish ahead of them and avoid any bruised male egos.
This event goes from strength to strength, it is well organised, challenging and scenic, one not to be missed.
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Jeff canters home
Jeff Horseman rose to the challenge of one of the toughest races in the country. The 'Dorset Doddle" an annual event organised by the Long Distance Walkers' Association. Although targetted mainly at walkers, many runners enter for the low-pressure, race-free running in absolutely stunning scenery. The 32 mile route from Weymouth to Swanage features a leg numbing series of big climbs, and mile-for-mile it is hillier than the Grizzly.
Jeff had an incredible run, up with the leaders from start to finish, crossing the line in sixth position in a time of 5:51. a truly remarkable performance.