2023 and a new year of running lies ahead of us. However, before we focus on a new Championship Series, the possibility of new PB’s and the undoubted commitment of those braving cold winter evenings, it seems prudent to review the end of 2022, and celebrate the achievements of the Easingwold Running Club members.
December isn’t generally considered an optimum month in the racing calendar, but that didn’t stop several our club members pinning on a number and making their way to start lines. Early December saw many of the club arrive to a cold and breezy in Hartlepool for the third round of the North Yorkshire and South Durham Cross Country League and tackle what can only be described as a challenging course. The runners were faced with hilly, wet, and muddy terrains, that after a number of races became considerably harder to navigate. This didn’t deter our 15 strong team, who steadied their feet to put in fantastic strong team and individual performances. Samantha Davies took first place in the ladies’ race in a time of 26:14, finishing over a minute ahead of the next athlete. Emma Atkinson was second home for the club in a time of 32:37 followed by Grace Raper in 38:14. Dave Todd was the fastest club male home in a time of 38:28, closely followed over the line by Mark Whiteman in 38:34 and Simon Donoghue in 40:00. This event also concluded the 20 race 2022 Club Championship, more of which to follow in the next article.
The 11th December and the races were still coming, with many club members taking on events as part of the Roseberry Topping Hardmoor’s Series. Samantha Davies again completed a strong outing, taking 4th place in the marathon, wrapping up 2nd place in the series overall and 1st lady overall. An outstanding achievement and which topped off another fantastic year of individual achievements. Also racing was Emma Atkinson and Jane Maloney who completed the half marathon. Meanwhile Debbie Gregson, Rachel Farrand and Isla Mclanachan undertook the 10km event. Well done to all.
It wasn’t all cold and wet running though. After completing the Valencia Half Marathon earlier in the month, Hannah Storm also found time to complete the Holiday Half Marathon in Pomona California. Hannah finished the race as the 3rd lady over the line, in a great time of 1:44:00.
Now, for many the Christmas period signifies evenings by the fire, watching repeats of comedies from yesteryear, or possibly trying to argue that Die Hard is in fact a Christmas movie (note this writer reserves opinion). However, not for 22 club members, who strapped on their trail shoes, put on their club strip, and made their way to the start line of the Jolly Holly Jog. Held on the 27th of December, the 10km, multi-terrain course comprises of hills and tracks, largely through Studley Royal deer park. Craig Gath was the first club male home in a time of 40:44, followed by Joe Dodsworth in 41:34 and Andrew Throup in 43:17. Sam Lewsey was first home of the ladies in 45:03, with Daisy Fletcher 2nd in 48:46 and Isla Mclanachan in 54:23.
And that was December, a month of freezing temperatures, patters of snow and a lot of amazing club running.
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