Social & Information

The 6th race in the 2011 Grand Prix series hosted by the Knavesmire Runners took place on 3rd August. Held under the Yorkshire Veterans Athletic Association umbrella this event certainly lived up to that epithet. Umbrella being the operative word as the run was preceded by an almighty thunderstorm which caused flash flooding in the surrounding area. It was remarkable though that by the time the race commenced the water had largely drained away except for some very large puddles. However, these presented obstacles more akin to a steeplechase rather than a trail race and had to be negotiated with care.
The slippery conditions underfoot had a big bearing on athletes performances and yours truly returning a time a minute slower than last year. That`s my excuse anyway and I`m sticking to it.
The Yorkshire Vets AA, has a nomadic existence relying on local athletic clubs to organise runs specifically for the more “elderly” runner (he says tongue in cheek) Participants take part in five yearly age categories with their age range pinned to the back of their vest. The result is fiercely competitive racing. A sixty year old overtaking a forty year old produces a feel-good factor only dissipated when a seventy-five year old steams past - and they do!
Three Halifax Harriers took part - Linda Crabtree, Frank Chislett and Peter McCormack. It is unchivalrous to give away a ladies age but unfortunately has to be done. Linda was second F50 (how`s that possible when she looks so young) with yours truly and Peter in the M60 class proving that life does indeed go on after 60 albeit a trifle slower - unless of course you are Ray Hall or Geoff Cumber but hey that`s another story.