THE weather last weekend put paid to almost all the local races, which gave Harriers the opportunity to really focus on arrangements for the Thirsk 10 coming up on March 18th, 11 am at Thirsk racecourse.

This popular race is filling up nicely but it's not too late to get your entry in, and entries will be taken on the day. The main race is a fairly flat road race which certainly lends itself to PB times and there is also a Wheelchair Race over the same course, with wheelchair users probably finding the two railway bridges more testing than the runners do. The Norman Smith trophies will be awarded the the fastest male and female unattached (ie not in a club)in the YO7 postcode area.

For those who want something a bit less strenuous, a 2k off road Fun Run takes place before the main race, at 10 am. No times taken, but a medal for all finishers. Refreshments available. There is plenty of parking on the racecourse - look at the club website for full details.

A couple of Park Runs did manage to beat the weather and at Albert Park, Charlotte Wilton came 29th out of 179, 2nd F, in 22.05. In a vastly reduced field of 220 at Sheffield Hallam, Hayley Tyson was 93rd in 26.30.

Apologies to Andy Butcher who was given an incorrect time last week for the Goole Park Run. He covered the course in a PB time of 21.47.

The previous weekend, "before the snow", the intrepid Marc Davies did two fell races in 2 days. On the Saturday, there was a large field of 419 for the High Cup Nick based at Dufton, with some of the areas top fell runners taking part. The day was cold and fine, but strong winds rather gave runners an unwelcome downhill push after the 450 metres of ascent. Marc was pleased with his 241st place in a time of 1.37.32, a minute quicker than last year.

Sunday again dawned fine and cool and windless, perfect for running the Heartbeat Hobble, a new race in the Dave Parry Winter Series. The 11k course had 220m of ascent, with some clarty, leg-sapping mud, and Marc came 82nd out of 130 in 67.32 in a race which had much to recommend it.