Despite the heat through June, we’ve been busy as always. Here’s an overview of what some of our members have been up to.

I’m trying a different format this month, let me know which you prefer, or how to improve the updates.

GP

We’ve had three handicap events with great turnouts at York Parkrun at the start of the month, with some great times and PB’s. Then we had the boiling night for the summer handicap, well done to the 80+ runners and 25+ volunteers on the night for braving the heat and congratulations to our winner Gail Tombs.

Finally in the GP we’ve had the always popular Darrington 5m along with the Feast and Fayre after. Again a great turnout from ARR and some brilliant PB’s.

Coming up this month we have the 3rd and final canal race, and then St Aidan’s 10 towards the end of the month.

Barnsley Boundary

One of the big club team events of the year saw 30 runners taking part, a great club day out around the hills and trails of Barnsley with a collection of other local running clubs from across the region, and the V40 team only 15 minutes from winning the category prize.

Trail Series

The trail series is fully up and running with 4 races taking part in June and we’ve had over 60 members taking part so far, which is great to see.

Alongside 2 Trunce races, which are always brilliant fun, and an absolute bargain at £3 a race with three river crossing to splash through along with a couple of ups and downs.

Then we had the new to us, Scholes Coppice in Rotherham which was a fun 2 laps course on a lovely sunny evening, where we had an ARR age category winner.

A bit later in the year than normal we had a big turnout for the Newmillerdam Quacky Duck 5k with quite a few prizes for Ackworth Runners and some brilliant times on a tough hilly course.

Higham Hurtle was the last race of the month on another stunning evening with quite a few first timers from ARR getting to enjoy this event, again more prizes for ARR runners.

Coming up in July we have Thurlstone Chase by Penistone Running Club next week, which was really good fun last year and then a brand new race the Cawthorn Canter by Barnsley Harriers so hopefully see you at these.

ARR Turns 41

We’ve also celebrated Ackworth Road Runners 41st birthday with a takeover at Nostell parkrun, where we provided over 30 volunteers, including a full pacing team, along with marshals, time keepers, scanners and the RD.

Couch to 5k graduation

Congratulations to all who completed the course over the spring/summer — and special mention to Louise Hall — who graduated, joined the club and then ran the summer handicap — a nice easy first race, with all the hills and 30 degree heat.

Well done to Ben Tanguay and all the other club volunteers for helping to run and support the course.

Other Highlights

As always on top of the club GP, Trail Series and other events our members have been busy taking on a wide range of challenges from local races, international races, fell races out in the Peak District and Lake District and Ultra Marathons.

• Alex Robson — Ran not just one, but two 50 mile Ultra marathons – Ultra Scotland and Ultra Wales – with Barnsley Boundary and Windermere Marathon both in the week in-between.
• Isla Guy — took part in the Rainbow Run — 1st marathon completed on a hilly multi lap route.
• Barnsley 10k — 12 ARR’s took part.
• Formentera Trail Half Marathon, which Gail Tombs and Chris Taylor took part in, enjoying the sun.
• Round Sheffield Run — 9 members taking on the hills of Sheffield on this brilliant multi stage run.
• Lau Stevo and Sally Webber — both ran PB’s on the East Yorkshire Half Marathon.
• Penistone 10k — 1st in age category for Jim, where Lesley Anne and Darryl also ran.
• Rothwell Canal race number 2 — with around 50 ARRs taking part, with Daniel Applebee taking the win.
• Burbage Skyline — 6 ARR’s playing in the hills in the Peak District.
• Blencathara Fell Race — English Championships — 3 ARR’s, Poppy Cooke finished 5th Lady, along with Alex and Simon B also running.

Apologies if I’ve missed anything, please let us know what you’ve been up to in the comments.

Training

The normal mix of pace groups and technical sessions have continued with thanks to our run leader volunteers and Jane Illingworth for organising each week. Plus we had our first go at Orienteering last night at Newmillerdam which was good fun.

Priory 10k race

Don’t forget to book on our Priory 10k race in a couple of weeks around the grounds at Nostell Priory, and I think Ben is looking for volunteers on the night if you’re available and don’t want to run.

There have also been 2 new arrivals at the club –

Congratulations to Ella (Lucy Vamplew) with Rowan.

And also to Beth Mills and Josh with Alexander.