Update from the Chair
Although racing as we know it has been curtailed this year, we’ve not stopped running, or racing. Early governmental calls to exercise once per day, and more WFH and furloughing perhaps gave some of us more time to get out locally and get fit or fitter. The club captains, Sarah and Richard, presented a number of challenges to supplement the monthly Strava challenges that can be found by clicking on the Belper Harriers icon in the ‘Clubs’ tab in Strava. Harriers took part in other real, yet virtual, races such as the Hairy Hill (One mile up Hobb Hill in Hazelwood) and the Grindleford Fell Race. Clare Cooper, one of our Ultra specialists, completed the 1000 mile Great Race Across Tennessee and the Montane Lakeland 100 (on the same day!)
We’ve started to see some real races happen too. Surely one of the first in the UK was the very local Rugby Rover. All 20 Harriers deserve congratulations for finishing the 30km off-road and hilly Rover, but special mention for Dave Heslop and Helen Morley, who both won their categories.
Another actual race was the Tanis Relay in Shining Cliff Woods on 20th August. Two runners per team, each running two alternate legs of 1.5km. Fast and furious. Richard & I entered this, and were very pleased with our top-ten place.
Both races were re-jigged to allow for covid rules, and seemed to go smoothly, and I think actually benefitted from the alternative start procedure.
We have the Carsington 7+ and the Derby 10 mile to look forward to later this month, so there’re races out there if you feel comfortable enough to compete in them. If not, then the virtual races are plentiful, and will help you to keep your competitive edge. Races all seem to be pre-entry only, and I expect that this is a trend that will continue indefinitely.
Our weekly Tuesday and Thursday training sessions have been running for a few weeks now, with a few unintrusive tweaks to make them compliant. Details of each run are posted as a reminder on Facebook each Monday in addition to the info on the Harriers website. We have two FB groups, the “Public” one which allows access to friends old and new, and the “Members” one, which is strictly members only. Keep in touch by having a look every so often.
If you’ve been reading the Facebook chatter, you’ll perhaps be aware that we’re looking at the next batch of club vests. We’ve listened to feedback, and are researching various manufacturers. The design won’t change much, so no-one will need to buy a new vest. We still have some of each size of the existing vests in stock at a reduced price.
If you’re new to the Harriers, then you’ll find that there’s plenty of advice available from any of the club members. Just ask in person, or post on Facebook, and you’ll be deluged with replies.
If anyone comes across any races (actual or virtual) that sound interesting, please share.
Have fun, keep fit and keep running.
Best wishes, David Horton.