Harborough Athletics Club celebrates another successful season at annual awards night

As the 2026 athletics season drew to a close, Harborough Athletics Club held its annual awards dinner at the Cromwell Suite, Three Swans Hotel, where 24 athletes were recognised for their outstanding performances and contributions throughout the year.

The awards, comprising trophies and prizes presented by the respective sponsors, celebrated achievements across cross-country, road running, and track and field events.

Around 90 people attended the evening, including athletes, family members and club supporters. Junior, senior and masters athletes came together to celebrate their successes, share memories and reflect on the challenges and highlights of a busy athletics season.

The season had encompassed a variety of competitions, beginning with cross-country before moving into track and field and road running.

The evening's top accolade, Club Athlete of the Year, went to Ashley Wright, who also serves as the men's team captain. He retained the prestigious title for the second consecutive year, having first won it last year. He also claimed the Men's Masters Athlete of the Year award.

Wright enjoyed an outstanding season, securing two titles on the track, producing impressive performances over 5km on the road and helping inspire the team to a remarkable second-place finish in a cup final.

His consistency and commitment throughout the season earned him the selectors' vote, although he faced strong competition from an impressive group of contenders. These included Lottie Sharp, Junior Female Athlete of the Year; Paddy Collier, Junior Male Athlete of the Year; Hannah Winstone, Senior Female Athlete of the Year; Ollie Richardson, Senior Male Athlete of the Year; and Claire Laurent, Masters Female Athlete of the Year.

There were plenty of other reasons for celebration, with several athletes receiving recognition for their individual achievements.

Ania Korzecka, a versatile and multi-talented athlete, received the Best Newcomer award, while Chantal Brown was named Most Improved Athlete.

Sean Fenwick took the Road Runner of the Year award, Gareth Robinson was named Club Team Athlete of the Year, Gary Everitt received Track Athlete of the Year, and Ben Styles claimed the Cross-Country Athlete of the Year award.

One of the evening's particularly memorable honours went to Alice Dainty, who received the Hillary Johnson Endurance Trophy.

Dainty earned the award following an extraordinary six-day expedition in Tajikistan, during which she tackled mountainous terrain and accumulated an astonishing 7,600 metres of elevation.

The trophy was presented by Claire Kerr and commemorates Hillary Johnson, the mother of Market Harborough rugby legend Martin Johnson, who was actively involved in the running of the athletics club for many years.

The award also carries a special connection to Claire's late husband, Bill Kerr, who completed numerous marathons despite suffering a cardiac arrest, demonstrating remarkable courage and determination by continuing to race for more than 13 years.

The club also took the opportunity to acknowledge the dedication of those who work behind the scenes to support its activities.

Amanda King, Michael Edwards and Andrew Moffatt received special recognition for their valuable contributions to the club, including coaching, organising events and coordinating training sessions for junior athletes.

Their commitment has played an important role in supporting the development of younger members and ensuring the continued success of the club.

Following the presentation of the awards, the celebrations continued with a raffle and prize draw.

The evening's luckiest winner was Alice Herring, who originally joined the club through its Couch to 5K (C25K) programme. She won a coveted place in next year's iconic London Marathon, giving her an exciting opportunity to take on one of the world's most celebrated road races.

Chris Burrell described the awards evening as a great success and expressed his gratitude to the club's sponsors, whose continued support had helped make the season more rewarding for both the club and its athletes.

The evening provided a fitting opportunity to celebrate individual excellence, teamwork, dedication and the strong community spirit that continues to make Harborough Athletics Club a thriving part of local sport.