Hi there
It’s been a busy few days with social events, races and the return of parkrun. It was great to see so many Harriers out at Newent yesterday.
So over to our roving reporter, Jayne, for her thoughts on the return of parkrun.
“It’s Saturday morning my alarm goes off, I don’t want to get out of bed. Thighs are hurting from last night’s paddle boarding. Why am I doing this? Why? Why? Why?
I’ll tell you why.
Community, friendship, mental health, fitness and laughs.
Our first Parkrun after lockdown proved just this. It was great seeing people again and looking at all the smiling faces. Fantastic to see so many Harriers too.
There was a slight change to the start of the Parkrun. We started further round the field to try to ensure that not too many people were passing on the turning points. I quite liked the new start. As usual, there were lots of friendly marshals cheering you own and it had a brilliant vibe.
I’m not going to report on who won (but it was a Harrier) as to me Parkrun isn’t about being first, second, fiftieth or last. It is about everyone coming together with the same goal, to complete 5k.
It was good to be back!”
And a few photos as well. We were all pleased to be there although some of us look happier than others!!
Neil has also been out and about racing last weekend which must have been the hottest weekend of the year so far. Here are his reports and photos.
“Scrumpy Scurry 5k.
Four Ledbury Harriers entered the Scrumpy Scurry 5k, a three lap race around Westons orchard with a pint of cider on each lap! All four Harriers led from the start in a field that was biased towards the drinking of cider rather than running a 5k. Steve Rooke was first home, followed by Neil Grinnell, Clifford Berry and Martin Williams securing a 1,2,3,4 for Ledbury. Clifford Berry was the Harrier to drink the most cider meaning his bike ride home was quite eventful!!”
Caplor Hill Race
A 10k multi terrain race up and over Caplor Hill and finishing by running along the river Wye. The climbing started immediately and didn’t seem to stop until we got to the top of Caplor Hill about 2.5 miles in. Once over the hill though it was downhill or on the flat all the way. The route dropped down to run alongside the river which was stunning apart from the blazing heat. Wye Valley Runners added extra water stations to help with the heat which was very welcome. After running alongside the river for about 2 miles the finish was spotted. Unfortunately it was at the top of another hill! A fantastic route which is one for the diary next year. I finished 18th in a time of 55:23.
Social Events
Friday 30th July, we are having a Rounders evening at the Rugby Club. Starts at 6:30pm. All family and partners are welcome. The bar will be open so you can stay for drinks and food afterwards. Food will be served until 9pm. If you want to come along, please sign up on the sheet so we know how many Rounders sets we will need.
Pub Runs
The second of our Summer Pub Runs will be held on 3rd August, going from The Chase Inn in Colwall. If you could sign up on the sheet so we know how many people to expect and how many portions of chips we will need!!
Tuesday Runs
Although the relaxation of COVID restrictions and new guidelines issued by England Athletics mean that we no longer have to keep sign-up sheets for Track and Trace purposes, we have decided, after discussions with the Lead Runners, that we would like to continue this. One of the main reasons is that the Lead Runner can choose a route which is appropriate for the people signed up and will also know how many people to expect which may also determine the route.
So please do continue to sign-up for runs and if you know you are not going to be able to make it, to take your name off the list. Thanks! Tuesday Sign Up Sheet
(It also helps our Membership Secretary, Mark, know who to hassle for membership . So if you haven’t joined this year yet, the membership form can be found here:- LDH membership form V7 Apr 2021 )
Thursday Night Sessions
These have now finished so please watch out for news of them returning back in September.
Newent Nine – 21st November 2021
Entries for this very popular race are now open. There are only 250 places this year so you will have to be quick to enter. We get a large number of Harriers taking part each year and it is a great race, very sociable and the cake at the end is always excellent. Entries can be found here:-Newent 9 2021
I am hoping to get a full race diary on the website shortly. David Bannister is also working on other changes so please do keep an eye on the website for more information.
Think that’s all for now. Should be a bit cooler for running on Tuesday so hopefully see you there.
Helen