Athletics: Harrogate Harriers’ Burrett closes in on summer race league title

Harrogate Harriers runner Mike Burrett leads the way in Thirsk (Photo: Pete Richardson)

Distance runner Mike Burrett took a second triumph in the Harrogate and District Summer Race League to head up a one-two for the Harrogate Harriers in Thirsk.

In the third race of the league this summer, Burrett gapped the field after one mile before taking victory with a time of 26 minutes 50 seconds.

He was the only athlete under 27 minutes, as teammate Jonathan Johnson came to the finish in second in 27:23, 14 seconds ahead of Otley’s Scott Harrington.

Under 18 runner Ed Beecher got amongst his more senior rivals to finish fourth in 27:52, while fellow junior Reece Dalton (28:37) placed seventh, one spot behind Wetherby Runners’ Paul Millgate (28:08).

Richmond and Zetland’s Jo Adams (30.19) took first prize in the women’s competition, finishing 26 seconds up the road from Ripon Runners’ Sharon Barlow.

Lorraine Mitchell (31.40) claimed bronze for Harrogate Harriers, who lead both the men’s and women’s standings.

Burrett, who competes on the track for the City of Leeds club, will claim the overall league title if he collects a victory in the fourth event in Wetherby next week.

On his win in Thirsk, he said: “Quite early, three of us got away and I wanted to get on my own as quickly as possibly so I could relax. I got on my own from one mile in and onwards from there, I could relax and produce the performance I wanted.

“Jonny was second in the first race as well. He’s running really well and in the shape of his life. Hopefully I will win the next race too and help Harrogate win the team prize.”