ABC 2019 – Hyde Park Harriers

What a Hyde park Harriers turnout for Horsforth Harriers Apperley Bridge Canter on the 30th May. We always love this excellent event and last year we were given numbers 1 to 45. This year we had an amazing 53 runners taking part (27 men, 26 ladies) and scoring points in the club Off Road Championship.

The ABC as it is better known is a challenging 10k race, largely off road along woodland tracks in a rural part of the AIRE valley. Its based from Woodhouse Grove School.

As well as a great turnout of runners the event is always well supported on route by members of our club and friends from the local running community and well marshalled.

First Harrier home and in top form at present was Michael Vargas. He came home in a great 3rd overall in a time of 36.09 “A tough day out, but not a bad result. Battled hard for 9k with Jonathan Young until he took me to the cleaners”.

Just outside the top 10 in 11th place was Adam Lomas who was next home in a time of 38.17. While 3rd home in 23rd and taking the final bonus point was Mike Gallagher “1st time doing this for me. An amazing race and thoroughly enjoyed seeing so many Harriers. 39.08 and happy with position. Thanks to Horsforth Harriers for a great event, just need to learn how to run downhill”.

The top five were completed by Jack Rose in 38th with a time of 40.39 “A 5 min 29s PB for me from 2016 so rather pleased with that. Loved the run and lots of good racing up the hills”. Followed by Michael Bowen in 45th and a time of 41.34. All the top 5 took points in the Premier Division.

Taking maximum points in the 1st division was Colin Tranter who came home in 49th and a time of 42.04. He wasn’t far ahead of Richard Garratt who was 52nd in 42.10 “1st time I’d run ABC and only decided to definitely take part at about 3pm. Finished in 42.20 something, not bad for a one armed effort although I may pay for it in the morning. Well done to everyone that ran tonight”.

The top 10 men were rounded up by Curtis Broadhead (43.01) “Good run for me after a hard swim session this late afternoon. I dreaded running the ABC. I ran something like 43.04, so happy with that when the legs are tired. Having HPH feeling the love from the club, lovely to see Sharron and Rolf at 4k in”. John Pratt in 43.32 and Lee Taylor in 43.46

There was a battle in the ladies for top honours between Rebecca Gray abd Robin Culshaw. Rebecca finally taking it coming home in 123rd place in a time of 47.06 “Tried not to get carried away in that first mile this year which I have a tendency to do at this race and really enjoyed it rather than dying a death in the second half. Nice to have a little battle all the way through with Robin”

Robin came home less than 30 seconds behind in 130th (47.31) “I had a battle in the first half with Rebecca before she left me for dead, definitely kept me going though”. Rebecca did say that she had wanted to slow down after the final climb but knew that Robin would be hot on her heels on the downhill.

3rd Harrier lady home and picking up 3rd place premier league points and the final bonus point was Laura Hastings in a time of 49.25. 4th was Ellen Sharpe in a time of 50.29. Ellen is 2nd claim for the club so isn’t scoring points but an excellent run.

5th lady home and taking top points in the 1st division was Sarah Markless in a time of 50.52. She wasn’t to far ahead of Cara Sass (51.06) who took 2nd place points.

7th home was Alys Griffiths with 51.44 while 8th, 9th and 10th ran together with Emma Brown leading home Nichola Moreland and Matilda Rhodes. Nichola commented “Really enjoyed running with Emma and Tilly tonight as I’ve been struggling with running motivation recently”.

Other comments –

Deborah Brown – A PB for me, be nearly 3 minutes – uphills are not my friends.

Alison Hargreaves – I’ve not enjoyed running at all since Leeds Half but this put a smile back on my face. Felt like I paced myself well and finished strong. Great support and a great challenging course.

Zeni Bellwood – Absolutely loved tonight. After quite a few difficult races and struggling with motivation it was a beautiful breath of fresh air. Took it steady and enjoyed every minute. Beautiful race and lovely to see so many HPH.

Paul Farmery – PB for me by 8 minutes and 6 seconds vs last years non chip time. Was just back running after injury last year and this year I’m peak Tri training so definitely feeling stronger. Love the route and such a friendly race.

Richard Edwards – 4 minutes slower than last year but very happy with tonight’s run. Great seeing everyone and support on route, always like this race.

Paul Dickens – Thanks for the birthday car everyone. What better way to spend your birthday than a run with so many friends. My 3rd time running the ABC and managed to get a marginal course PB by around 23 seconds with 48.25. Bit of a surprise since I was feeling ropey and full of cold until I burned it off after a rough first few km. Not bad for an old man. Downhill bit was my favourite.

Matthew Gray – Cheers to Richard for dragging me round. A lot quicker than last year which I kinda expected but only 9 secs off a PB from 2017 when I was on top form which is quite impressive since I’ve not done much running.

Chris Hassall – My 1st ABC and I had a blast. I was worried about post marathon legs but I felt better than ever. 45.25 and loved the last 2.5k.

Robyn Johnson – It was my 1st ABC and although I wasn’t feeling great at the start it did ease off and I loved it. Great support as always and well organised event.

Lizzie Coombes – I only decided to take part once I was on the start line as been ill all week. Kill or cure I thought, great route, great HPH turnout and support. Managed to get round and now back in bed so not quite cured. I will look forward to taking this great race on in better health next year. Well done everyone.

Ralph Kidner – Arrived late and set off 10 minutes after the start.