Tadcaster Harriers Running Club

Harriers Take a First Stab at Leeds Country Way

Author: Tom Derry   |  Nov 28, 2023

Leeds Country Way Relay is an event that has been occurring annually since it was first set up in 1990. Hosted by Kippax Harriers the race takes place around the end of August to the beginning of September. Beginning at the Garforth leisure centre, the first leg of 6 begins their race. With about 64 miles total as a team, each leg must do about 10 miles each. Each team consists of 6 legs and there are two runners partnered per leg.

On Sunday 3rd September our very own Tadcaster Harriers took their first shot at it.

The legs and times were as follows: 

1.       James Eaton and Wayne Wetherhill   01:07:35

2.       Darren Tomlinson and Jon Yoward       01:20:06

3.       Dave Todd and Alex Young                      01:13:04

4.       Joe Firth and Joe Slater                            01:15:59

5.       Dave Murphy and Andy Sloan                 01:07:14

6.       Ash Money and AJ Marchant                   01:11:22

With an overall time of:  07:15:20 

This netted the group an overall first place!

Each pair was tactically chosen. Andy Sloan said, “sort of like the Ryder cup it was key to get pairing right”. I reached out to the team captain AJ for an insight into how teams were chosen and why. AJ said, “Longer legs were assigned to faster runners from a tactical point of view to maximise their abilities”. This strategy allowed them to push their advantages as much as possible. While the legs were even, some were slightly longer than others, so this strategy certainly helped obtain a lead. 

They managed to secure first place with a lead of 4 minutes and 38 seconds ahead of the second-place team! Though this did not come easy, and they all had to fight throughout the entire race. With the first leg they gained a solid 5-minute lead putting them comfortably ahead. With the second leg they were still 3 minutes ahead. Due to tactical reasons, they were caught on leg 3 as they had put some of their strongest runners on this leg. However, victory was still in sight as they were still in view and 1st place was still very much in reach. Due to this on leg 4 the team of Joe’s were able to successfully retake 1st place with a nice lead of 11 minutes. Leg 5 only pressed this advantage netting them a 20-minute lead. The final leg brought home the 1st place but not without some issues along the way. Ash had become poorly mid race however fortunately was able to push through the pain, winning them the race! 

Following this there was a night of celebrations which was heavily enjoyed. 

This team of runners are all strongly bonded friends. They support each other whether in training or in races. They showed great strength and resilience throughout the race and that surely netted these good friends their victory. Now looking forward to next year they are hungry to retain their title and aim to enter a team into the veteran, mixed or ladies' race if they get enough people interested. So, if that is something you yourself have an interest in keep your eyes peeled for next year. 

The race is expected to take place around the same time next year as if has for years prior.

November Newsletter

Author: Dave Mullaney   |  Nov 7, 2023

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100 not out for long term Harrier Dan

Author: Rob Miley   |  Oct 12, 2023

Tadcaster Harrier Dan Phillis finally achieved his goal of 100 parkruns last month, six years after his first event at Heslington in York in January 2016.

Following an injury-ravaged season in 2023 that has seen him complete 3 marathons in 30 days for the charity MND Association in May and then time off for recovery from knee surgery in July, completing the milestone has provided “a great motivation to return to running”.

The 100 events have been finished across 25 different weekly events in London, Dublin, Cumbria as well as, plenty on home turf in Yorkshire. Dan shared some of his favourite moments and experiences from the events for the website.

Overall stats –

Parkruns – 100

Fastest – 16:46

Podium finishes – 17

Number of different events - 25

Most regular Events – York (27), Woodhouse Moor (12), Huddersfield (9).

Most memorable parkrun

There are a few memorable events I’ve done on the road to 100 and memorable for different reasons. My first win was at Fairview parkrun in Dublin which was on a short holiday and unexpected (the Irish runners were good about it as well). I also set my lifetime best (16:46) at Selby parkrun in 2022 spurred on by Harriers coach Andy Sloan, which is always memorable.

Most enjoyable parkrun

In terms of route and general experience, I really enjoyed my first time doing Fell Foot parkrun in the Lake District. I won the event which took you on an undulating grassy and gravel course around a National Trust Park that sat alongside a nice lake that runners go for a dip in afterwards, so there’s lots to like. Also, parkrun inventor Paul Sinton-Hewitt was in attendance and said congratulations at the end.

Hardest parkrun

Crow Nest parkrun in Dewsbury is pretty hard with three chest-burning 800-yard hills built into the course profile but I’ve also had a particularly hard time trying to stay with the pace at Roundhay Park which is very hilly as well.

Bucket list parkrun

I really want to do more overseas because it can often be quite a unique experience and who doesn’t like shouting out YORKSHIRE! when they ask for parkrun tourists at the start? However, I’d really like to try Bushy Park in London (the original, the MECCA) and Fountains Abbey which I’m told is lovely as well (might be an early start in the car though).

Funniest parkrun moment

Would easily be turning up to Keswick parkrun after the first night of fellow Harrier Dave Murphy’s stag do. Around 15 Harriers in our vests, looking completely hungover causing a huge scene. Safe to say that run was the most painful 20 minutes I’ve felt in a long time. Kudos to all the group for making the start line, some managed to decorate the park plant life with last night’s Guinness. Reminds you what a great group of people we have at the club.

Favourite thing about parkrun

I think parkrun is a fantastic concept and one of the reasons I love the running community. It’s so inclusive with dogs, pushchairs, walkers, runners, juniors and volunteers all welcome and supportive of each other. It’s great to stay fit, work on your speed, be sociable, and now even classed as a prescribed activity by GPs to help people get back on track with their mobility and health.

I know some runners who have managed the 250 milestone and even some pushing or completing the 500 which is great dedication. I encourage anyone from our club or any runner generally who hasn’t tried a parkrun to have a go. Sign up for free, print your barcode, and then head down to your nearest event or even volunteer which is equally rewarding.

if you have anything you would like to contribute to the site - news, reviews, etc. please let us know at thresults12@gmail.com

October Newsletter

Author: Dave Mullaney   |  Oct 2, 2023

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September Newsletter

Author: Dave Mullaney   |  Sep 4, 2023

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YDRRL Presentation 2023

Author: Dave Mullaney   |  Jul 20, 2023

York and District Road Race League
It is difficult to believe that the league is over already! It doesn’t seem that long since we were preparing for the Tadcaster Race back in April!
The final event in the series was the reverse handicap event. This is just a fun event and the finish times for this event do not affect the overall results for the league.
As for our club, Tadcaster Harriers had another excellent year, with many records being broken (many members achieving PB’s and we had the most club members ever at the Easingwold Race). We also won plenty of trophies again with Harriers members on the podium for the majority of the categories.
Well done to all our members who either took part in the races or worked behind the scenes to make them a success, what a great end to another great league series!
Our winners were:
Male Team First Place
Female Team Fourth Place
Masters Team Second Place
Female Open 5th Place : Ruth McGivern
Female W45 2nd Place : Jo Millican
Female W55 3rd Place : Sue Tindall
Female W65 2nd Place :Sally Polkey
Male Open 2nd Place : Joe Firth
Male M40 1st Place: James Eaton / 3rd Place: Darren Tomlinson
Male M60 =2nd Place: Mike Jackson
Male M70 = 2nd Place Will Allan and Mark Thompson