Claire Wins Hardmoors 60
Five Ripon Runners were among 300 entrants on a warm sunny Saturday for the Hardmoors 60, which starts in Guisborough and finishes in Filey. The mainly off road course follows the Cleveland Way and actually measures just short of 63 miles with 7500 foot of ascent, with competitors having to negotiate the bustling midday streets of Whitby town centre at the half way stage.
A brilliant run from Claire Baker proved she was back to top form, after a missing most of the summer with injury, as she led from start to finish to take first female prize in a stunning time of 12 hours 19 minutes. In a high class field of experienced runners, Claire also claimed 24th place overall.
After 3 months of being at sea on a research vessel and arriving home only the day before the race, Colm O’Cofaigh didn’t let that stop him becoming a Grand Slam finisher with a 15:51 finish time, while Matthew Holt also managed to get round in 13 hours 20 minutes. Both Colm and Matthew claimed a Grand Slam Hoodie Top for finishing all four of the 30, 55, 110 and 60 miles long Hardmoors races in one year. Tony Carr put in a strong consistent performance to finish his longest distance race ever in 17 hours 30 minutes, while Paul Walker had to retire due to sickness at Scarborough after 50 miles.