The annual celebration & awards night for the Harriers, held at the Kettering conference centre, turned out to be an outstanding success with a grand total of 129 awards given out to the athletes/ coaches/ volunteers which are so vital in the ongoing success of the club.
The evening which is a chance to formally recognise all who contribute to the clubs success was attended by over 240 people, who applauded enthusiastically to all the nominees who stepped up to collect their awards. The evening was split into two award sections, with a buffet midway through, and a chance to dance into the night.
One of the undoubted highlight of the night was a speech from locally based International GB athlete Karen Cudby (formally Harewood) who talked about her experiences and challenges in becoming a GB athlete, as well as handing out all of the awards. Karen gave an inspirational speech which captivated the whole audience and will undoubtedly inspire many of the aspiring athletes and give them food for thought in achieving their full potential.
Karen Cudby (formally Harewood) gave an inpirational speech to the 240 guests
The awards given out included Cross Country, Road & Track & Field and also included all ages from junior to veterans. Also recognised were the club T&F record breakers, which included 10 new Junior Club records and 6 senior/ veterans which was a superb return in a single season. There were 15 special commendations given to the younger athletes who are just making their mark in terms of training and competing, and the top awards were given out to the following:
- Outstanding Track & Cross Country performances – Emily Williams
- Dick Caplis award for the top sprinter – Erin Healy
- Neville Marshall Award for the top endurance all-rounder – Edward Cannell
- Coach of the year – Sprint Coach Ann Innis
The athlete of the year awards for male & female were shortlisted to three athletes with the male nominees Jack hope, Dylan Bowley & Max Mowforth and the female nominees Claudia Nevett, Erin Healy & Emily Williams.
The male Athlete of the Year contest was a close affair and it was U15 Dylan Bowley who just got the nod for the second year running after another terrifically strong year which saw him secure the top XC athlete of the year, & best U15 on track. He also broke the Club Record for 1500m, won a Silver medal in Midland Counties 1500m Championships & Cross Country Championships, was National Champion at ERRA road relays & Midland Counties road relays Champion. Dylan is UK Ranked 10th at Parkrun, 30th 1500m.
Male Athlete of the Year winner Dylan Bowley
It was perhaps no surprise that Emily Williams scooped the Athlete of the Year award for the female category, also for the second year running, after a simply stunning year which saw her win English Schools Junior Girls Cross Country championships, win a Silver medal at 800m English Schools National T&F Championships. Emily also become Midland counties Champions 3,000m, ERRA road relays National champion, and she also won her first 1st England vest, representing England at the SAIB International XC fixture in Falkirk. Emily is ranked 2nd in the UK at 1500m, 3rd at 800m, 12th at 3,000m and 9th at parkrun/ 5k.
Female Athlete of the Year winner Emily Williams
The final Award of the evening saw the prestigious Presidents Merit award given to Peter Goringe who has been a part of the Harriers set up as both a competitor and official for many years, giving much of his time to officiating at the many events held throughout the year, and this came as a complete shock on the night that he was again the event compare.
Surprise winner of the Presidents Merit Award Peter Goringe
All who attended enjoyed a superb evening, and the night was dedicated to everyone who trains/ competes or volunteers in any capacity regardless of them receiving an award or not.