Report by Dot Kesterton

 

The inaugural Halifax10k road race, replacing the Helen Windsor 10k started somewhere high above Halifax in a quiet location called Greetland. With only 150 runners it was a low key and friendly event made better by sunshine and mild breezes.

Halifax incorporated the YVAA and NMAC 10k championship into the event so there was bling to aspire to if only we could negotiate 140 metres of ascent quicker than fellow runners.

Colourful club vests proclaiming Sowerby Snails, Stainland Lions, York Knavesmire  and of course Halifax Harriers gathered on a quiet lane for the start. Chris Ireland M60 and I represented the Steel City Striders.

 

 

 

The course undulated from Greetland toward Elland along the Rochdale Road before turning and rising steadily in an anti clockwise loop round Clough Head and back towards the Saddleworth Road and finally via the Wall Nook back to complete the loop at the All Rounders Club. Speedy young runners took off leaving the oldsters in their wake. I set around 50 minutes as my target, around the time I came in at Penistone two weeks ago. Averaging 4:50km pace I kept it steady and tackled the hills without losing too much pace.

Chris Ireland put in a good solid run to come in 20th of 149 runners and fourth M60 in 40:59min chip time  and I managed to speed to a 48:27 minute finish, first W70 and 6th W of 57. Chris took the NMAC M60 trophy and I took the YVAA and NMAC trophies. Altogether a good mornings work in a lovely setting for us.

 

Striders Results: