Athletics

Thirsk and Sowerby Harriers. – The snowy weekend meant both scheduled races were cancelled, because of rutted ice underfoot for the cross country and for ice on the course of the Brass Monkey Half Marathon. Those who missed out on the Brass Monkey will surely want to make up for it by entering the Thirsk 10 on March 24.

This fast, flat course lends itself to a personal best time, and is suitable for runners aged over 16, and of all abilities. Details and entry forms can be found on the club website, or enter online.

Cyclo cross riders seem to keep going whatever the weather and the North-East League event took place on Sunday on the banks of the River Wear at the University Cricket Ground, Durham. The course was slippery with two inches of snow, and Noel Clough did well to come third in the open category. Pete Wilkin, in his first race for a long spell out after illness, was first finisher in the V50 category.

The previous weekend, Noel took part in the National Championships at Peel Park, Bradford, and was tenth V40 finisher. Fran Jeffery, always on the lookout for a challenge, decided to enter the Hardmoor 30-mile race on New Year’s Day. Fran was up bright and early to be at Ravenscar for a 9am start on a fine, clear morning. The course heads down through Hayburn Wyke and then back to Ravenscar before moving and on to Robin Hood’s Bay and the half-marathon point.

After a while Whitby Abbey came into view, but it seemed a long time before Fran actually reached it. Following a pre-planned walk break, Fran found it hard to get going again. The track became very muddy, making it even tougher underfoot, but she managed to be on time at the Robin Hood’s Bay checkpoint. Sore knees made the going even tougher, but it was good to get Boggle Hole and Stoupe Beck done. A head torch was now needed, but eventually, Fran was back at Ravenscar Village Hall being checked off. This was Fran’s first ultra run, but surely not her last.

Outdoor Pursuits

Swaledale Outdoor Club. – Sat 26 to Sun 27: Climbing, Cairngorm (weekend), Mark F 079669 12122. Sat 26: Caving, Short Drop Cave / Gavel Pot (Leck Fell) Easy/Moderate, Bob S 07801 232092. Sun 27: Canoeing, Caldew or Keswick Greta grade 3, Penny 0191 3841430; cycling, 9.30 am - Albborough St John Village Green, 100KM Audax Taster - New Route for 13 July ‘13 - Swaledale, Tan Hill and the Stang - A/Hilly, Dave 01609 775674; mountain biking, Reeth, medium 20miles, 10.00, Judith 07733103145.

Wed 30: Climbing, Harrogate Wall, Phil 07974 387663; cycling, 10am - Catterick Village - 35/40 miles - C/Undulating, Bernadine 01748 826367. Thurs 31: Mountain biking, venue TBC, 7pm ride, phone Neil on 07813131543 for details.Non members are welcome. For more information email info@swaledaleoutdoorclub.o rg.uk or log onto swaledaleoutdoorclub.org.uk

Football

Hambleton League. – With the freezing conditions putting paid to the entire fixture list last weekend, the league will hope to resume on Sunday with a massive game at the top of Division One when Northallerton Police take their 100 per cent league record to leaders and defending champions Sportsmans FC.

Wensleydale League. – The snow also put paid to fixtures last Saturday and with conditions not set to improve dramatically, there could be more postponements tomorrow. But weather permitting, the game of the day will be at Earls Orchard where defending champions Richmond Town Academy host leaders Colburn Town.