Thousands of runners enjoyed the route in good running conditions, there are a few inclines but nothing too severe. There was an outstanding performance by Halifax Harriers Johanna Sutcliffe to finish as fourth lady and first F40 in a PB of 1:26:06. There was a close finish between Sophie Kelly and Angela Clarke in 1:42:04 and 1:42:18 respectively.
Other runners were Erika Nightingale 1:44:36, Jaswinder Sandhu, 1:53:00, Ian Giles 1:55:26, Hanni Maeer 1:56:44, John Moore 1:59:40.
Halifax Harriers had a very successful day at the North Lincs Half Marathon with almost half of the team setting PB’s on the day. The race was part of the Club’s Race Challenge. With cool conditions and little wind, some excellent times were achieved on this flat course which starts a short walk from race headquarters at Quibell Park Stadium, Scunthorpe. The race is run on closed road and passes through quiet countryside and along the side of the River Trent.
The ladies team of Helen Ward, Jenny Hopkinson, Erika Nightingale and Rachel McCauley took the second team prize.
Last year there were few PB’s as the race was run under record high temperatures, but this year with excellent conditions PB’s were set by Will Stewart 1:24:45, James O’Rourke 1:26:24, Will Carver 1:29:22, Helen Ward 1:35:04, Robert Hick 1:37:02, Jonny Lister 1:38:52, Rachel McCauley 1:51:48, Deborah Kirkbride 1:56:24 and Kirsty Carver 2:06:20.
Mark Crabtree was third M60 in 1:29:38 and Raymond Hall was second M70 in 1:39:46.
Other runners were Ryan Barker 1:26:54, Marc Rocheteau 1:37:46, Paul Hopkinson 1:43:53, Jenny Hopkinson 1:44:02, Erika Nightingale 1:44:04, David Parrington 1:53:42, John Moore 1:59:07, Jenny St Romaine 2:08:58, Susan Hall 2:11:21 and Martin Haigh 2:11:33.
25 junior athletes from Halifax Harriers attended the Awards Presentation at a ten-pin bowling night. Club President and head coach, Brian Burgin, presented the awards to athletes who had competed with distinction at cross country and in track and field events over the last 12 months.
The cross country winners were Nia Harrison Sargent, Ben Slow, Elise Horner, James Duffy, Verity Clements, James Johnson, Jessica Russell and Max Burgin.
Special awards for the outstanding junior female and male athletes went to Elise Horner and Max Burgin.
Nia Harrison Sargent also won the Lister Horsfall Challenge Cup and Max Burgin the Middle Distance Trophy.
The Maurice Harrop Trophy was awarded to Max Burgin for setting a World Record for a 16 year old athlete at 800m and also winning the European Under 18’s 800m in the fastest time by a under 20 year old in the world in 2018.