A fine bright Sunday morning, between two wet ones,
greeted runners for the recent Clay bank West Fell Race. The field of 111
finishers was the biggest for some time, and Neil Wilkinson of Morpeth AC
was the winner in 30.55. Richard Hall had yet another good run, finishing
10th in 33.35, Stewart Mechie 23rd in 36.03, Angela Hall 45th in 40.25, 10
seconds ahead of Mark Ludiman, 47th in 40.35, also 10 seconds ahead of
Alasdair Thorpe, 49th in 40.45. Gavin Coventry, making steady improvement,
55th in 41.04, Chris Morgan 72nd in 43.32, Ernie Huck 74th in 43.41, Alan
Wikeley 76th in 44.16 and Steve Harrison 91st in 47.43.
John Yates represented the club in the Singapore
Half Marathon and was one of the 7617 finishers! He came an excellent 36th,
and 4th GB runner, in a time of 1.35.11.
The club Christmas Handicap took place in a new
Sunday morning slot with a lowish turnout. Youngsters showed the senior
runners the way, with Thomas Somers working very hard to finish 1st ahead of
club coach Rob Burn. Harry Somers took 3rd place. Presentations and
refreshments followed in the clubhouse at Thirsk Athletic Club.