THE Thirsk and Sowerby Harriers' virtual race this week took the form of a challenge between members and Easingwold Running Club over the Sessay Swift 6k course.

Harriers' highest finisher, newly re-signed Josh Fothergill, came fourth in 22.18 with Josh Cooper sixth in 22.53 and Matt Jones seventh in 23.09. Other counters in the top ten for the team challenge were Paul Peacock, Joe Lofthouse, Peter Winder, Rob Burn, Jody Sygrove, Mike Lowther and Gary Wilkinson.

In the ladies' competition, Esther Harrison was again highest finisher, 18th overall, second lady in 24.50. Trudy Morrice was second counter, in 26.00, neck and neck with Lorraine Hiles, third in 26.05 and new member, Sarah Yeomans, fourth in 26.06. Other team ladies to count were Fran Jeffery, Rosie Gatenby, Kirsty Naylor, Clare Tempest, Helen Ashworth and Hilary Coventry. Owing in part to the strong performance of the ladies, Thirsk and Sowerby Harriers won the Marian and Ian Codling Team Challenge by 47 points. All is set for a return fixture later in the year.

As a thank you to the people of Sessay for the invasion of runners over the past week, cheques were handed over from the two running clubs involved to Sessay Cricket Club and Sessay Bowls Club. It is hoped that should things return to normal, Sessay Swift 6k will go ahead as usual on Wednesday, August 18, 2021.