January

2009 got off to a rather cold start for many, Andrew Pearson (Longwood Harriers) and Natalie Grant (Rotherham Harriers) ran out winners in the Pennine 10K promoted by Halifax Harriers.

A week later and it was even colder for the Yorkshire Cross Country Championships (held at Kimberworth). Hatti Dean (Hallamshire Harriers) dominated the women’s race from the start, with backing from Lizzie Adams (2nd) Hallamshire were also run away team winners. The Men’s race was a much closer affair with a Jorge Thomas (Cardiff) piping Mark Warmby (N'ham & Essex) and Alistair Brownlee (Bingley) who went on to become World Triathlon Champion later in the year.

On the weekend 10th/11th the National Cyclo Cross Championships were held at Peel Park, Bradford. A fantastic venue for cyclo cross saw large crowds brave the cold for some of the best racing seen in years. Jody Crawforth took a much longed-for senior championship win, with Paul Oldham second and Roger Hammond third.

Kev Lilley (Sheffield Running Club) and Jo Waites (Calder Valley) won the Men's and Women's titles at the Meltham 10k.

January also saw Holmfirth Harriers A.C. launch their Centenary Book “See How They Run” . A comprehensive, once-in-a lifetime record of the first 100 years of running with Holmfirth Harriers. From the very first meeting of a handful of like-minded young men in the Elephant & Castle pub, Holmfirth, to the 600-strong thriving athletics club that now enjoys a permanent base at Neiley.