Race 6 in the club’s Summer championship came in the form of the Apperley Bridge Canter. Organised by Horsforth Harriers from its established base at Woodhouse Grove School offering an evening canter around the scenic trails of Apperley Bridge and Horsforth. Often described as ‘a local jewel in the crown, and a good introduction to trail and cross country running, the race is approximately 10k of challenging multi terrain running on a mix of tracks, paths and road with a generous helping of hills thrown in for good measure! Temperatures dropped significantly this evening actually making for perfect conditions for running, not so much for hanging around before the start or for those supporting. Starting on the main field at Woodhouse Grove School runners completed a lap of the field before exiting out on the riverside path and the first queue to exit via a stile into the school football pitches & stop!… a second bottleneck delayed the runners for quite a few more minutes before being able to exit onto Woodlands Drive, a long uphill ensured the field thinned out before a right turn brought the first of the rocky trails on this winding, challenging route. A loop back and the climbs returned, they were though rewarded with a long stretch of downhill as they returned to Woodlands Drive before a left turn signalled the return to the school grounds and a fast and furious finish lined with raucous supporters!
More colloquially known as the ABC it attracts runners from clubs across the country as well as increasing numbers of unattached runners. A contingent of Eccleshill Road Runners are always attracted to this summer spectacle and this year was no exception with our club having 9 representatives out in the blue and white earning themselves valuable points on the championship table. Finishers were rewarded with a tumbler sporting the race details and a choice of mementoes the organisers had left over from previous year’s races including duffle bags, bottle openers & tea towels to name but a few! Leading the team home was Marc Steele in 58:58 followed by Tony Redmond 62:49; Martin Steele 63:10; Vicky Cousins 63:41; Jacqueline Bywater 64:16; Julie Steele 64:18; Stuart Wagstaff 68:44; Debra Grant 73:12 & Sarah Myers 74:57. Julie Steele was among the prize winners coming in 1st female vet 60! Well done everyone and a big than you to our support crew standing out there in the cold.
