Sun 8 Oct 2017
Two Harriers took part in this hilly race over in North Yorkshire on a really pleasant day in a really pleasant setting. The day was warmish, dry, little breeze and even sunshine. The race starts on a field called the Batts beneath the castle walls and adjacent to the River Swale. After a short run alongside the river and passing the Richmond Falls competitors come out onto the road and immediately cross Green Bridge over the river and then rise quite steeply up Sleegill for quite a way, this is the first of the three big climbs. An undulating section comes next with good running on gradual longish downhill sections around Catterick Garrison until about 7k where a steep downhill is followed by the second long climb then again a gradual descent back into Richmond where after crossing the River Swale once more there begins the final big climb up to the Castle. This year we ran on Castle Walk right round the castle walls which afforded great views of the river far below before turning into stone flagged Tower Street and then a sharp right into cobbled Castle Wynd and up into the Castle itself to the finish. Unfortunately, not enough time to wander around the lovely town, well worth a visit.
Alan Appleby completed the course in 46.43 and brother Dave in 52.20. The first runner home took 33.10 and only ten people were under forty minutes with 306 people taking part.