Sunny running in glorious weather for Halifax Harriers on trip to Majorca
FOR THE fifth consecutive year, Halifax Harriers enjoyed their annual club trip to Majorca and they were greeted by hot and sunny weather once again.
The Harriers competed in the half marathon and 10k runs with club members intent on having a good time in the warm weather rather than worrying about fast times.
This does not stop runners trying their best, but, with the warm conditions and the nature of the course, times are less important than enjoying the day.
The 10k and half marathon both follow the same six miles from the start in front of the magnificent cathedral in Majorca’s capital Palma.
The route follows the seafront for the first three miles, passing the harbour full of expensive boats, before returning back to the start for the 10k runners.
The half marathon then follows a twisting, undulating route along narrow alleyways in the old town where there are spectators around each corner.
In the half marathon, which attracted 3,500 runners, Harriers were led home by Will Stewart for the second successive year in 1:38:34.
Halifax’s first woman home was Jennifer Hopkinson in 1:54:03 and Susan Hall was first F70 in a time of 2:30:05.
Other runners for the club in the half marathon were Paul Hopkinson (1:56:33), Ian Giles (1:59:09), Deborah Kirkbride (2:10:54), Daniel Ryan (2:13:40), Andrea Ackroyd (2:14:38), Mark Crabtree (2:14:38), Christopher Kirkbride (2:18:07), Jane Dacre (2:20:02), Jenny St Romaine (2:22:22) and Jude Baines (2:44:02).
In the 10k, Halifax Harriers had six runners among the field of 2,700 and once again, first back for the club was Simon Johnson (41:53) while April Caufield led the Halifax women back in a time of 44:35.
Other runners for the club in the 10k were Craig Empsall (47:37), Wayne Stevens (50:52), Hazel Berrett (55:07) and John Moore (56:34).