Harrier Of The Month – September

Unfortunately I have to again apologise for the lateness of Harrier of the month for September coming at the very end of October (don’t forget to get your nominations in) – I would love to say it was for a reason like “It took me so long to read through all of the amazing and inspiring nominations, and I was simply stunned by their magnificence and unable to write”, but the honest truth is that life just gets in the way sometimes. But as they say, better late then never, and here are your winners and nominees for September.

Harrier Of The Month – Women’s Award

Women’s Harrier Of The Month is Julie Robson. Julie has been a driving force between Hyde Park Harriers Triathlon’s ‘Go Tri’ events, a national initiative aimed at getting people involved in triathlon. The club has organised both aquathlon (swimming and running) and biathlon (cycling and running) Go Tri events, that have bought in funds for the club but more importantly helped people get their first taste of multi-event sport, with many going on to join the club. Julie has been a tireless co-ordinator of volunteers and enthusiastic marketer of the places available for people to take part – always ensuring that every place is taken for the events. As a young triathlon club people like Julie are absolutely vital for making things happen, and she is a worthy recipient this month.

Also nominated this month were Amy Young for lowering her own Mile record at the Leeds Golden Mile, Cat Maguire for taking on the Helvellyan Triathlon – a 1.6km swim, 64km bike with 4000ft of climbing, and a 14.5km run, and Caroline Sanders for her performance at the Vale of York Half, and for always inspiring those around her with her enthusiasm.

Harrier Of The Month – Men’s Award

Men’s Harrier Of The Month is receiving the award – finally – for a different reason than many of his previous nominations. Steve Rhodes is a frequent name nominated on this blog, for his amazing feats of ultra running, but also his athleticism and competitive performances, but this month he is receiving the award for his contribution to the club. After the success of the Billy Bland Relay last year Steve returned to organise Hyde Park Harriers taking on the Cleveland Way. The Cleveland Way is a 109 mile long route from Filey to Helmsley, and like the Billy Bland Relay Steve organised Hyde Park Harrier teams to take on each of the 12 legs in pairs. This was an amazing achievement but was also a great day out, and gave us the chance to show the team spirit that comes with being a Hyde Park Harrier.

Not only that but Steve has recently stepped up to become a leader of group 4 – in comparison to an amazing logistical feat and challenge like the Cleveland Way Relay this may not seem like a huge contribution, but our leaders are vital to the heartbeat of the club and exemplifies why Steve receives the award this month – for always being one of the people giving their time and energy to the club.

Also nominated this month – and just like Amy – was George Anderson for lowering his own Mile record at the Leeds Golden Mile, and (appropriately for when I’m writing this) also spookily similar, Leigh Schelvis was nominated for the Helvellyan Triathlon. Leigh also admirably completed this gruelling event to raise money for The Samaritans in memory of his mother. Richard Edwards was nominated for his comeback from injury and building his form back up to a really good level – his nomination was for a performance close to a PB at the Leeds Golden Mile, and at time of writing that form has only continued, and last but by no means least, also nominated for a return to form is Mike Webb who is consistently setting new PBs this year, all the while encouraging others.

Congratulations to our Harrier Of The Month winners for September! My apologies again for the lateness of this month’s nominees – with any new thing there’s always going to be some teething problems, but I really am enjoying seeing all the amazing achievements and contributions people are being nominated for. Keep them coming and I look forward to seeing what people are nominated for for *gulp – is it really that date?* the month just gone!

Happy running!

Phil Fisher