HPH Blog and Harrier of the Month for September

September was a busy month for our racing championships. With races in the road, off road and fell championships, and often 2 or 3 in each category; a trip to Scotland for an epic race series; the announcement of PECO XC dates for the season and 2 HPH teams running in the Leeds Country Way Relay – it’s safe to say our members have been kept busy this month. Remember to check out our website for the most recent standings in our championships and the races coming up next. There’s still time to compete – so sign up to any races that tickle your fancy.

Closer to home, we saw the return to our winter schedule of training: with hills on the Thursdays where the track sessions aren’t on, and the addition of a group 1.5, to help transition members from running in group 1 to group 2. In early October, Sarah and Cara ran a very well attended headtorch run. Look out for another 2 of these in the coming months – sign up on spond and thanks to Sarah, who had the idea and implemented it.

In the Harrier of the Month nominations this month, we’ve had nominations for some incredible achievements in the chairs award, and a number of nominations in the president’s category for contribution to the club. Our winners this month are Chloe Brooks and Steve Prust.

In a summer of absolutely huge races for her, Chloe took on UTMB in September. UTMB the pinnacle of the ultra running calendar every year, and is a 170km run with 10,000m elevation around the mint blanc massif. To date, 3 HPH have completed the course, but no females. Chloe not only absolutely smashed the race, completing it with smiles and waves to the cameras around the course, but also became the first HPH female to do so. What an incredible achievement. Well done Chloe.

Steve was nominated for his idea and implementation of group 1.5 after he identified that the pace different between groups 1 and 2 was difficult to bridge. He’s offered to lead a small group for a few weeks to understand the feasibility. Great idea Steve, and thanks for putting your hand up to help.

Note: You’ll see group 1.5 advertised on spond in the coming weeks, and if successful we will be looking for leaders for the group going forward. Remember, it doesn’t take any qualification to lead: just speak to your leader to ask how you can help.

This month’s other nominations were:

• Kay Jefferies: for returning to leading with enthusiasm after a break
• Colin Tranter: for his Salomon skyline race, but also for all his achievements in running, being humble and supportive with it
• George and Ben: for their speedy LCW leg
• Sarah Jewers: for stepping up to lead group 2 last minute

As always, keep an eye out on the weekly bulletin emails and in the Facebook group for more information about races, discounts, sessions and club activity.

Our next committee meeting is Sunday 29th October where we will cover a number of agenda items. Our email hello@hydeparkharriers.co.uk is always open to receive your suggestions, feedback or blog posts. Our club couldn’t run without you all, so keep it coming.