THE Thirsk and Sowerby Harriers’ virtual championship continues apace, the latest event being the virtual Harrogate District Summer Race League, which would have been at Ilkley. Rob Burn comes up with some interesting and challenging courses aiming at replicating the original as far as possible. The 5.5 mile multi-terrain course had some significant rises, as would the one at Ilkley, and the 78 people who took part, members and some non-members, found, for many, new routes they hadn’t used before.

The invincible Tom Levi was again fastest, in 31.29, almost four minutes ahead of Matt Jones, who was second in 35.10.

Josh Cooper was again 3rd in 35.23, not far ahead of the ever-competitive Stephan Tomaszeswki, fourth in 35.51 and Paul Peacock fifth in 36.12. In sixth place was first lady finisher in 37.45 Esther Harrison and she too continues to improve with every outing. Lorraine Hiles is never far behind, and she was tenth finisher, second lady, in 39.45. Third lady was ultra competitive Trudy Morrice, 14th overall in 40.08, with Kirsty Naylor 22nd and fourth lady in 41.42 with Fran Jeffery 28th, and fifth lady, in 44.18.

These virtual races are attracting a huge amount of interest and enthusiasm, both with members and some regular guests, and thanks go to Ian Codling for calculating age adjusted points for the club championship.