James Herriot Country Trail Run

The James Herriot Country Trail Run 2007 Report 

A new course record was set today when last years winner Gary Dunn of Thirsk took 5 minutes off his winning time last year with a time of 53.24. It was closely contested with the second and third men, Terry Wall and Andy Hilton coming in less than 2 minutes behind him.

This year saw an increased runners field of  320 entries in total. There were 103 females and 217 males with 288 finishing the course.

It was good to see Erika Johnson (76.23) back on the course after being absent last year and taking the ladies second place overall behind the winner Sarah Tunstall who achieved a tremendous time of 59.36. Sara Berry took third ladies with a time of 68.54

A new award was presented this year. This is a Club team shield presented to the Wensleydale Rotary Club who organise the event. It was donated by the York Acorn Running Club and was for the winning team of 2 males and 1 female across the finishing line. Ironically it was won this year by York Acorn themselves. It will be strenuously contested at next year's event.

In spite of all the recent rain, the course was quite firm, even on the lower levels although wet in parts. The weather was warm and very sunny but with a stiff westerly wind that was in the faces of the runners as they headed along the top ridge after the first hill. The water points were well used and the runners set a good time as they approached THE HILL half way round. One runner said afterwards that he had to walk some of this, and he won the 50+ category!

A steady run down to Peatmoor Lane and a left turn gave the runners a tail wind that may have helped to achieve the new record and a good grassy moor followed by firm farm tracks took them to the finish at Bolton Castle.

Our patron and friend James Wight who allows us the use of his father's pen name for the race started the race and he also presented the prizes. The White Rose Ambulance Service supplied first aid cover and Castle Bolton Tea rooms were open for all along with a BBQ in the Gardens. Another great race and day out. Thanks to all who run and support it.

Full results can be seen at ukresults.net and the Runners world site,

or by clicking on James Herriot Country Trail Run Results 2007 (1).xls

Men overall

Gary Dunn 53.24 Thirsk & Sowerby

Terry Wall 54.26 Morpeth

Andy Hilton 56.17 York Acorn

Ladies overall

Sarah Tunstall 59.36 York Acorn

Erika Johnson 67.23 Swaledale

Sara Berry 68.54 Horsforth Harriers

Veterans

Men 40+. 1. Dave Taylor 56.44 Dark Peak.   2. Alex Grant 57.42 Abbey Runners

Men 50+. 1. Paul Muller 56.59 Horwich RMI.   2. Andy Normandale 58.38 York Acorn

Men. 60+. 1. James Shelmit 63.59 York Acorn.   2. Christopher Gill 65.07 St Theresa's

Ladies 35+. 1. Kate Bell 69.58 Abbey.  2. Linda Noble 70.35 Darlington Harr

Ladies 45+. 1. Jacqueline Ackroyd 77.19 Harrogate Harr.  2. Charlotte Roberts 84.16 Rucksack

Ladies55+. 1. Shirley Gibson 82.50 Darlington Harriers.   2. Pat Kirby 85.25 Thirsk & Sowerby

The Wensleydale Rotary Club would like to thank the Sponsors of the James Herriot Run, Andrew & Avril Steele of Dale Sport of Bedale who provided the prizes along with Puma who also donated the winner’s awards and the spot prizes for the event. Their sponsorship and advice has been invaluable to the organiser. Our thanks also go the Lord Bolton for the use of his land and to the farmers who allow us to cross their fields and ensure access through gated fields.

Alan Davis Organiser and Rotarian.

NB for photographs, go to Club Photo Galleries