WITH the absence of Parkruns and races, organisations are having to be inventive in keeping people active in these strange times.

Saturday, October 10 saw the first of a new event organised by the Yorkshire Race Walking Club. The Covid-secure time trial which observed social distancing and had staggered start times, saw participants following a 5k course starting and finishing in Kirkby Fleetham.

Participants could do as many laps as they wished. Several club members took part and the the fastest time for the 5k was Tom O'Mahoney in 17:35, next was Joe Reeve in 18:15, Ken Harker 18:38, Paul Ellis 19:04 and Elly Robertson, who was running with her dog, finished in 24:47. These fantastic times meant the Harriers were the first age-graded combined team. The organisation is planning on a regular series of time trials.

The following day saw runners take part in the Richmond 10k which was not surprisingly, a virtual race. This popular annual event was organised by Swaledale Runners with all the profits donated to St. Teresa's Hospice in Darlington. The challenging course didn't deter some great running. Becca Smith, who is improving all the time, finished in a speedy 43:01 (PB), Nicki Buckett 60:29 (PB) and Elly Robertson was back out again with her dog and mum also, completing the run in 1:16:29.

The following weekend, Dan Upton was in Morpeth at the NECAA open meeting. In the field events he threw 12.92m in the shotputt and 37.88m in the discus.

Midweek saw the return of the York 5k Evensplits series. This was the first event to take place at York Sports Village since March. The time trial had staggered start times and was well organised with runners doing five laps of the cycle circuit. There was some impressive times recorded by the high calibre of runners who took part, and the overall fastest time of the night was Rob Scott who finished first in 15:07 (PB). Next was Charlie Stephenson ninth 15:55, hot on his tail was Matthew Lambert tenth 15:57, Joe Reeve had a smashing run, 33rd 17:22 (PB), Josh Lincoln 35th 17:25, Ken Harker, who recorded his fastest 5k time in four years, finished 43rd second V45 in 17:52, Paul Simpson 86th 19:46 (PB) and Nicola Simpson 104th second V45 21:22.

Further information on the club and training nights can be found at www.richmondzetlandharriers.co.uk