Ilkley Harriers news archive 2026

Maverick Peaks X-Trail 100k – Sat 30 May 2026

Sun 31 May 2026

From Louisa McCallion…

The Maverick XTrails Peak District 101km was a really stunning route that followed ridge lines, peaks, reservoirs and rivers.

Impeccable course marking every half km quickly allayed my fears of not having recced any of the course. Passing through the grounds of Chatsworth was a unique start.

The checkpoints were fantastic, lovely volunteers and they put on a much needed extra road-side water stop to help us with the heat. Just before I reached it I was so thirsty I was eyeing up every walkers’ water bottle that I passed, trying to work out whether it would be weirder to ask someone to pour some of their water in my mouth or ask for a sip.

Our inclement start to the year made the heat my biggest challenge. My caspar-like complexion usually keeps me under cover so running the shadeless ridgelines at midday was dizzying at times.

Thankfully my slow miles in the afternoon paid off and I picked up the pace in the final 5 (thanks to Helen’s super Saturday efforts) and finished in 14hrs31.

Results

Austwick Amble – Mon 25 May 2026

Thu 28 May 2026

From Forrest and Robert Hamilton…

I’d eyed this race up for a few years now but life, cricket and injuries had conspired to get in the way until this year. My plan was to do the race as a training session in the middle of an 80 mile bike ride as preparation for the 125 mile White Rose Classic the following weekend.

I called Forrest the day before, having seen the forecast for 31 degrees, offering some rare fatherly advice. I suggested that after the cycle he’d never be able to rehydrate in time to avoid having a terrible race and then dying on the ride back home. Remarkably, for once, he listened to me.

The race, circa 8 miles and 1,100ft of climbing, gets most of the ascent done in the first two miles up nice, mostly runnable grass tracks. Apart from the occasional windless, heat chamber spots, it wasn’t TOO bad.

I sat in third for most of the race, swapping back and forth between 2nd and 4th until the race opened up on the long gradual descent back to the village and I was able to cement a pretty big gap to fourth, thus able to soak up the village applause whilst cruising to the line. I even had the time and wherewithal to stop before the finish to give my wife a kiss. Much to the delight of her and the crowd, who wondered whether we knew each other.

Oh, to be so young! My intention wasn’t so much to race but simply enjoy a stunningly beautiful route. With the legs not having come back after a couple of recent fell races, on the back of the Boston Marathon too, I’d made a promise not to push too hard. I got the camera out early on to take a few pictures and to help avoid getting my race head-on. I didn’t feel stressed in the first half, finding myself overtaking a few people, including a good mate, who I was surprised to see, and clearly suffering – or perhaps just being sensible? I stopped being sensible and tried to push on, feeling like I could pick off more places.

What I’m asking now is: where was the sage advice from my son to complement my own to him? Why was he not telling me that it wasn’t wise for an old man to be racing in temperatures in the thirties? Why was he not telling me to have a cold beer and take pride in watching his son race at the head of the field?

The best part of racing is the moment of crossing the finish line, in whatever position you happen to be knowing you’ve given the event your all. Well, it appeared that I gave it more than my all. I can’t be accused of having left anything on the fell. I have no memory of the end of the race.

Thankfully I do remember! I saw him over the crest of the hill running with a marshal instep, which was a bit odd, then saw him hunched over and veering off to the right, which was odder and more alarming. After a little jog to grab him and help him through the finish (his only concern had been stopping his watch, thinking he had already crossed the line), it was onto a cold cement floor with wet towels and first responders draped over him. He’s quite the drama queen.

Lying flat on the floor, I was in the company of another V70, with a competition soon going to see who could cool down the fastest. I triumphed in that to the extent that they soon had to wrap me in a space blanket to heat me back up again! The lesson learned is that the body doesn’t handle extreme stress so well as you get older. I will be more careful in future.

It’s a race I’d love to do again next year as the village fair makes it a lovely family day out. It would be good to see a few more Harriers vests too. I might just suggest Dad enjoys watching with a few pints next year, even if he won’t be getting a finish line kiss.

Eww. He’s not putting me out to pasture quite yet. I fully intend to come back next year, when conditions will hopefully be more conducive to racing. There’s unfinished business here. Plus it really is the most beautiful race.

That said, climate change might mean these temperatures are going to be more common, even in May, in which case—bring on the cold beer.

Ilkley Gazette Report – w/c 25 May 2026

Tue 26 May 2026

[Ed Hobbs, winner of the Nidderdale 10k, photo credit: Woodentops]

From Jill Ezard & Nicola Budding…

Harriers scoop race and age category wins across the country

Racing started early in the week for the Harriers with 23 members taking part in the ever popular Rudding Park 10k, perhaps lured by the “best goody bag in the UK”. The 10.5k course takes participants on an undulating tour of the park on a mix of paths, woodland trails and some technical terrain ending with a climb back up to the main house. It was a successful trip out for the club, with Matthew Thackwray and Oli Murphy, separated by only 15 seconds, claiming first (34:45) and second (35:00) place respectively. And taking another podium spot, Ruth Kitchen was third female in 41:48. Jaysson Sawyer took second place in his age category and John Hayes and Jonathan Turner battled it out in their category to take first (43:58) and second (44:24) place respectively. Rebecca Mon-Williams was second in her age category (57:01) with Emma Sheppard and Clare Boyle taking third place in their categories. A fantastic set of results to start the week.

The podium successes continued into the weekend with three Harriers heading into The Dales to take part in the Run Nidderdale 10k Trail Race. Participants braved the increasing temperatures to follow the course through ancient woodland, over moors, via the summit for views down the valley. Not that the three Harriers taking part seemed to take any time to take in the views. Edward Hobbs flew round the course, winning the race in 38:30 setting a new course record by 14 seconds. Rachel Holder was the second Harrier over the line in 1:04:26 taking fourth place in her age category. And Geoff Howard was first in his category in 1:07:25.

Much of the action for the rest of the weekend was further north. At the Coniston Gullies Fell Race both seniors and juniors were in great racing form. Two seniors tackled the 6km race which has a challenging 245m of elevation. Gawain Moore was first over the line taking fourth place overall and first in his age category in 17:51, followed by George Whittlestone in 20:21. For the juniors, Isobel Moore had a fantastic run to finish as second U12 girl in an impressive 06:19, with Thomas Bailey close behind in 06:24, taking eighth place in the U12 Boys category. Michael Moore also claimed a podium finish, finishing as third U14 Boy in 07:02 after another strong and determined performance.

Our juniors had also performed well earlier in the week at the Kildwick Fell race. In the U10 race, Olivier Haigh and Joshua Steward both produced strong performances, finishing in 15th and 19th places respectively. Hugo Haigh was our sole junior in the U12 race and ran brilliantly to secure an excellent sixth place finish.

On the edge of the North York Moors, Jaysson Sawyer was the only Harrier to venture to Northallerton to take part in the 10k. The loop course is designed to make the most of the atmosphere at the start on Northallerton high street before heading out of the town into stunning country road views. Jaysson had a great run completing the course in 41:17 taking second place in his age category.

Further up the A1, the Hayes family were out in force at the Edinburgh Marathon Festival with all three opting to take part in the half marathon race. Conditions were unusual for this time of year with the heatwave well and truly settled in. The course starts in the city centre taking participants past notable monuments and beautiful architecture before heading to the coast at Portobello, out through Musselburgh to Prestonpans, finishing on the playing fields at the Pinkie School. John was the first family member home, building on his success at Rudding Park, with a finish time of 1:28:52 and third place in his age category. Lucy was next to finish in 1:54:29 followed by Sarah in 2:20:09. A very successful family day out!

To escape the worst of the heat, Alison and Nea Weston had to head all the way to the Isle of Jura on the west coast of Scotland to take part in the Isle of Jura Fell Race. The unmarked course is a tough 28km with a challenging 2370m of ascent. The route is not marked and covers very technical terrain including scree, bogs and steep ascents and descents. The weather was good for the race which Alison and Nea had both completed before – this year brought the bonus of being able to see at the top of every one of the seven summits. Nea was first to finish in 05:36:12 having gained a bit of ground on the descents. Alison completed the race in 05:46:05 taking first place in her age category and winning a bottle of whiskey!

Our award for travelling the furthest for a race this week though goes to Hilda Coulsey who took part in the Cape Town Marathon. Although not currently one of the Marathon Majors the race has been confirmed as one of the candidates and, assuming it meets its targets for the next three years, will take its place as the eighth, and first African, major. Having already bagged all seven marathon majors medals and secured a place through last year’s performance at the Abingdon marathon, Hilda took to the start line. Despite challenging heat and less than ideal training, Hilda pushed through to complete the race in 5:12:02.

And finally, 45 seniors and juniors took part in a parkrun this week and the weather seems to have put some fire in their heels as there were some great results. There were top ten placings for Samesh Chotai, juniors Michael and Isobel Moore, Jaysson Sawyer, Steve and Gaenor Coy, James Horrex and Finn Maxwell. There were also impressive age gradings for Samesh (80.47%), Steve Coy (82.68%), Nick Kealey (81.39%) and Harry Sime (80.33%). Well done to everyone who took part.

Ilkley Harriers is a friendly welcoming club, open to all. If you would like to try us out, please register first on the training page at www.ilkleyharriers.org.uk and then come along to our main club night at 6.45pm on Tuesdays, meet upstairs at Ilkley tennis and squash club.

Cape Town Marathon – Sun 24 May 2026

Mon 25 May 2026

From Hilda Coulsey…

Cape Town was hosting the Abbott World Marathon Majors World Championships and aiming to become the eighth World Marathon Major.

They put on an excellent and wonderful experience for us internationals, including inspirational speeches from Eliud Kipchoge and Francois Pienaar.

Their aim was clear, Africa needs a designated Major marathon. Africans win all the major marathons and they deserve this to inspire and encourage young and old in the continent. Eliud started his speech with quotes by Nelson Mandela and his own philosophy reminding us that “pain is part of the process” and “keep pushing forward no matter how tough it gets”.

Eliud didn’t win but was waving and taking selfies with the crowd and to be fair this was an undulating course with many twists and turns, not suited to his talent. His wife, Grace, took part too, running her first marathon.

Course records were broken by the winners Huseyidin Mohamed Esa in 2:04:55 and Dera Dida Yami 2:23:18 both from Ethiopia.

I had qualified last year at Abingdon with 4:44, having been felled by a cyclist crossing my path, both of us falling in a heap. I’d hoped to run at least that time but it wasn’t to be. I was struggling to get long training runs done, I struggle in the heat and humidity and I am useless at pacing always going off too fast.

I pushed forward, ‘accepting the pain’, smiling at the very African entertainment and stunning views, finished, got the medals (for the race and the world champs) and continued on my journey of collecting marathon majors stars. I have the original 6, added Sydney in 2024 and hence this would be the 8th.

I finished in 5:12:02, 42nd in the over 70s (the race listing combines over 70, over 75 and over 80) hence I’m not yet sure what my actual position is in the FV70-75 category which was won by Andrea Simmons in 3:41:52. The winners of the age categories across the board have astounding times illustrating the gap between these elite, world record performances, and us also rans.

Discussions afterwards confirmed that this was a tough race, the course and the weather, with many experienced runners cramping and struggling and I was in good company in that respect. Also no world records were broken by the age champs (despite the shoes).

There is obviously much poverty and unemployment, however this is a beautiful city and country and the overwhelming feeling was how welcoming it was.

Edinburgh Half Marathon – Sun 24 May 2026

Sun 24 May 2026

From John Hayes…

Two years ago I had a go at the Edinburgh marathon. It was a fabulous race, but my abiding memory is of being lashed with freezing cold rainstorms. This year I opted to do the half marathon. The weather was the complete opposite – very hot and sunny all day. The heat was pretty draining but we somehow powered through it.

Sarah and Lucy also ran the half marathon and Oliver ran the relay with three of his cousins. The crowds are amazing, and to finish near the sea is great for those (like me) who swear by the healing qualities of a cold swim. Two years ago I was too cold and shivery to take a plunge. This time I went straight in the water as soon as I could. It was both freezing and a wonderful antidote to the intense heat.

Results

1st David Meehan 01:08:01

214 John Hayes (3rd MV55) 01:28:52

2190 Lucy Hayes 01:54:29

6192 Sarah Hayes 02:20:09

10371 ran

Jura Fell Race – Sat 23 May 2026

Sat 23 May 2026

From Alison Weston…

Nea and I returned to Jura for the fell race at the weekend and the pub campsite swelled in numbers – not that it deterred the deer from evening grazing though.

The race goes over 7 summits (4 pips and 3 paps) with 2,370m climbing and 28km. No heat wave for us but the tops were clear which was a real bonus this year.

It’s a tough race with lots of scree running, deep bogs and what feels like a huge amount of steep climbing. It was won by Luke Fisher from Carnethy in a new record of 3 hrs 13!

I just about managed to keep Nea in sight going up the Paps of Jura but she disappeared in the distance on every descent, finishing in a great time of 5hrs 36, with me 10 minutes behind in 5hrs 46. Nea’s boyfriend Alex had a brilliant run finishing in 4hrs 34.

Chuffed to receive a bottle of Jura malt whisky for 1st V60 and the post-race ceilidh was as good as ever, organised by the local islanders.

Be good to get more Harriers there next year!

Results

Nidderdale 10k trail race – Sat 23 May 2026

Sat 23 May 2026

From Geoff Howard…

Three Harriers joined another 141 runners at Pateley Bridge for the local club’s annual 10k trail race. A classic, quite technical, climb of 320m up through fields and Guisecliff Wood to Abraham Crags, a tri point, then contouring along the Nidderdale Way before a return descent.

For Edward Hobbs (1st in a brilliant new record 38m 30s) and Rachel Holder (4th W50 in 64m 26s) it was their visit time whereas it was my second (1st M70 in 67m 17s).

Fortunately all of us finished before it got too hot. First woman was Martha Barker of Saddleworth in 47m 58s. A great well-organised event not too far away.

Ilkley Gazette Report – w/c 18 May 2026

Tue 19 May 2026

[Sam Bentham in action at the Jack Bloor Fell Race, photo credit: Woodentops]

From Peter Shelley & Nicola Budding…

Two wins in a week for Sam Bentham as Harriers take to the hills

The Ultra Trail Eryri/Snowdonia took place over a long weekend with a daunting schedule of five mountain races taking place both day and night over distances ranging from 25km to 160km. Part of the UTMB World Series, the event attracts a strong field from the UK and overseas. The events were not made any easier by rain and thunder which led to some late changes in the schedule.

Sam Bentham stamped his authority on the Eryri 25k event which packs in 1,100m of ascent including the summit of Moel Eilio south of Llanberis. The course suited him well and he finished in 1:41:45 ahead of 753 competitors, an immense achievement. Ali Nash was pleased to claim 3rd in the MV55 category in place. Oceane Bergot finished 582nd.

Kate Archer took on the 80km event which started at sea level in Caernarfon before completing a circuit of the Eyri mountains climbing 2,500m overall before finishing in Llanberis. The start time of 7.30pm meant limited opportunity to enjoy the scenery, and most of Kate’s 10:59:48 time was spent running in darkness. Her reward was an excellent 70th of 341 finishers and 7th lady.

Changeable conditions met participants in the Calder Way Relay on Sunday. The route takes in many of the Calder Valley’s scenic areas, monuments and famously steep-sided valleys on its 79km circuit with 2,619m of elevation. Ilkley’s team came prepared for rain, wind chill and/or sunburn with Iain Young and Andrew Marshall setting a lively pace on leg one from Halifax, handing over to Nuno Cesar de Sa and Steve Murray in Cragg Vale. Andrew Merrick and Sarah Worley took over for the climb from Todmorden to Blackshaw Head. Team captain Nick Helliwell and Helen Ward ran leg four to Wainstalls. Lucy Kay and Becky Shaw ran leg five to Shelf before handing over to Finn Marshall and Andrew Marshall (on his second shift) who put in a strong final leg to Halifax. The team finished 26th in the open category and 42nd overall of 88 teams in a total time of eight hours 56 minutes.

The Jack Bloor Fell Race took place in its traditional springtime Tuesday evening slot and was very well attended by both seniors and juniors who put their local knowledge to work on the familiar but testing terrain of Ilkley Moor. Further motivation came from the race’s inclusion in this year’s Harriers league. Bright dry conditions helped with the challenge of the 8.4km route which scales 350m and includes some technical descents. A steep initial climb to the Badger Stone is followed by an exhilarating descent to the Millenium Way followed by another climb onto the tops for an anti-clockwise circuit of Rombalds Moor before the final plunge from Ilkley Crags via a network of paths to the finish. The point-to-point race route allows for some runner discretion in exactly which line to take with potential rewards for local knowledge.

Previous Jack Bloor success left Sam Bentham in no doubt which lines to take as he cut 47s off his 2025 winning time to finish in 37: 46. Sam’s time beat Greg Hull’s course record set in 2007 and gave a strong indication of intent as he headed to UTS Snowdonia.

Oli Murphy secured third place in 40:15. Harry Brook-Dobson was 9th, Oscar Stapleton 12th, George Whittlestone 18th and James Horrex 20th . There were strong finishes outright and specifically in the M50+ category for Nick Kealey, Matthew Kennedy and John Hayes. A total of 34 club placings among the 144 finishers helped Ilkley Harriers beat Leeds City Athletic Club to the team prize.

Proceeds from the race go to the Jack Bloor Fund which supports young people’s participation and development in adventure sports.

The Jack Bloor junior races ranged in distance from 0.75km for the U10/U12 races to 2.2km for the U18s. Winners respectively were Archie Hallworth (BU10), Leo Freer (BU12), Isobel Moore (GU12), Michael Moore (BU14) and Joseph Bentham (BU18).

The Grassington Trail Race took place on Sunday on 5km of trails through the drystone-walled fields surrounding the Dales village. At 205m, the ascent and was not excessive and, other than the odd stile to climb, the route was highly runnable. Being the second Harriers league race of the week ensured the race had strong Harrier attendance. Club chair Nick Kealey took a fine win in 35:17 with Owen Parker third, John Hayes fifth, Luke Watkeys seventh, Ash Winter 11th and Colm McCann 16th. 14 Harriers were among the 119 finishers overall.

BOFRA’s Sedbergh race on Saturday followed the classic formula of a short but hard route heading steeply up and down a single peak (Winder 352m just north of the town in the Howgills). Gawain Moore made light work of the 3.75km route taking 5th place in 24:30 whilst George Whittlestone demonstrated his growing fell prowess with an U23 win in 25:55. Well done both!

There were impressive performances from the juniors too with Isobel Moore 2nd GU12, Thomas Bailey 12th BU12 and Michael Moore 1st BU14.

Sunday saw further fell action in the Esk Valley Fell Races at Chop Gate – a tough course of steep fields and open moorland. Olly Brooks finished 21st in the BU14 race over 4K with 230m climb. Oscar Shinn produced a superb run to finish 4th in the U20 race, with George Whittlestone following in 9th tackling 8km and 275m of climbing.

Jaysson Sawyer ran an excellent 1:21:55 at the Chester half marathon finishing in 76th place 9th MV45 despite enduring pain from the second mile.

Paul O Looney and Nic Anness finished 57th and 373rd respectively at the Cookridge Community Run, a 10k trail race in the green spaces of the North Leeds suburbs.

Dan McKeown ran 18:47 at the East Holmes Field parkrun. John Bailey, Phil Chappell, Martin Campbell and Craig Berry all ran personal bests.

Nick Kealey’s 18:18 at Roberts Park primed him well for Grassington. Finn Maxwell also made it a racing weekend with an 18:31 personal best in advance of the Calderdale Way Relay. Juniors Nura and Mariam Allen ran 24:26 and 24:49 respectively.

Daisy Lowe travelled to Fountains Abbey and claimed 1st place in her JW11-14 age category with a time of 27:01.

At Riverside Gardens Junior Parkrun, Leo Freer stormed home in 1st place in 7:48, followed by Harris Poulter in 3rd place with a PB of 8:42. Poppy Freer completed the trio, finishing in 12:25.

Grassington trail race – Sun 17 May 2026

Sun 17 May 2026

From Ash Winter…

One of my highlights of the year last year was the Grassington Trail Race. Heading into the Dales on a beautiful day to race a small but well-formed trail race with a delightful atmosphere and goodie bag to match. Plus, I came 7th, which was an excellent ego massage we all need every so often. Now a Harriers Race League counter, I eagerly anticipated the 2026 edition, bringing some of my friends along to enjoy the vibes.

And vibes there were. I picked up Colm McCann and started the journey, arriving in good time to catch up with the multiple Harriers who had eschewed the Calderdale Way Relay to partake. As we lined up at the start, our own John Hayes got a birthday shout out and round of applause which set the tone for an excellent morning of racing. The five-mile course had a couple of climbs earlier on, followed by some undulations on farm tracks, with a speedy finish into Grassington. Makes use of the various trails and tracks around Grassington without straying too far from the town. A very smartly designed course.

One of the highly amusing things from last year was the rush of juniors from the start, tiring themselves out on the first climb through Grassington’s high street. Same again here, but Nick Kealey was speeding ahead too, but not likely to fade after a couple of hills. Owen Parker and John Hayes were not far behind either. Luke Watkeys gradually reeled me in on the climb from High Lane to Edge Lane and then remained slightly out of reach for the rest of the race.

The main climb out of the way, a long section of farm track along Edge Lane held a water station, then up a horrible road climb before the first part of the descent. Fast feet required on a grassy slope or two. After that, it was stile after stile, probably in double figures. It felt like one of Ali Nash’s club run routes, but while attempting to go way faster. Various drainage pipes were on the route too, which required leaping over, adding to the flavour. You hit tarmac again on Bulling Lane, ready for the dash to the finish in Grassington. I was in 10th at this point, but someone was gradually gaining and beat me at the last! Ah well.

Nick Kealey was the overall winner in 35:17, another great performance and his first overall race ‘W’, earning him a bottle of Baileys! Which he magnanimously handed over to Jean Sullivan, who after her own excellent performance, will give it a good home. Owen Parker showed further good form with 3rd in 37:24. John Hayes was 5th, Luke Watkeys 7th, I was 11th, Colm was 16th. First Harrier Lady home was Heidi Hoad, continuing the excellent form shown at the Leeds Half last week with a time of 47:11, followed a minute or so later by Alison Weston. Special mention to Geoff Howard who looked fresh despite the horrors of the Leeds Marathon the week before, crossing the line in 50:40. Daisy and Lucy Lowe ran together as they do so often, which is great to see. Finally, a shout out to Esmaeil Zadeh with a time of 50:19, rounding off an excellent day to be an Ilkley Harrier! Finally, finally, extra credit goes to Richard Joel as chief photographer and cheerleader.

Results

Eryri (UTS) 25K race – Sat 17 May 2026

Sun 17 May 2026

From Ali Nash…

As well as Sam winning overall, another Harrier managed the podium… delighted with a v55 age group third in my first race for nearly a year after illness and injury. Well worth the trip to Llanberis.

Ilkley Harriers 40th anniversary celebrations

Thu 14 May 2026

Click here to sign up to run some or all of the relay.

Click here to sign up for the Bini Brew social.

Ilkley Gazette Report – w/c 11 May 2026

Tue 12 May 2026

[Geoff Howard climbing Otley Chevin heading for a new club record, photo credit: Ilkley Harriers]

From Nigel Illingworth & Nicola Budding…

New Harriers club record at the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon

Ilkley Harriers had another strong week across notable local races on the roads, trails and fells.

The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon attracted over 4,000 runners with 10 Harriers taking on the challenging and scenic 26.2-mile course winding through Leeds’ suburbs and the Yorkshire countryside. Geoff Howard secured a new MV80 club record with his 17th marathon and a truly outstanding 4:37:29. Gawain Moore came 16th overall and third M40 (2:45:48), followed by Rachel Carter for second F50 (3:36:25).

Harriers also had a strong showing with nine runners in the Leeds Half Marathon, led by Jack Cummings in second place (1:09:35) and followed by Jane McCarthy for second F50 (1:34:25).

Earlier in the week saw the Dick Hudson’s Fell Race across Ilkley Moor and back. We are awaiting full results, but 19 Harriers joined the field of 88 on the start line. Oli Murphy was first, followed by Harry Brook-Dobson in third, Forrest Hamilton fifth and Dan McKeown sixth and first MV40. Strong results in the age categories saw Matthew Kennedy take first MV50 and Bob Hamilton first MV70. Also, John Hayes second MV50, David Rees third MV40, Adrian Hall third MV50 and Becky Taylor third LV50.

Over in North Yorkshire, Harriers ran the Ripon 10 Mile race – known as a hilly but picturesque course leading runners from Hell Wath around the Studley Royal Estate with beautiful views of Ripon and the stunning, surrounding countryside. Matt Newell claimed fifth (1:01:18), followed by Jaysson Sawyer in ninth and third M40 (1:05:44) and Steve Newell third M60 (1:14:25). Together they also won second team prize for the Harriers.

Up in the Lakes, the Fairfield Horseshoe Fell Race is an out-and-back from Rydal Hall, over Great Rigg, Fairfield and Dove Crag. Alison Weston claimed first F60-69 category (2:12:54), Kelly Wilby tenth F40-49 (2:41:33) and Nea Weston 12th F23-39 (2:12:16).

Holmfirth Harriers AC hosted the Yorkshire Veterans Athletics Association Grand Prix Series 2026 Race 1, with Dave Robson taking third MV50 (44:29). This was the first in a series of ten races – mostly 10k on trails – so we will be following Dave’s progress.

Bank Holiday Monday saw the Coiners Fell Races, taking runners across Erringden Moor, up to the iconic Stoodley Pike, and across Bell House Moor. George Whittlestone won the OU21 category (57:05). In the Juniors races, Isobel Moore was 11th in the U12 Girls Race, Michael Moore fourth in the U14 Boys Race and Ollie Holder fifth in the U18 Race.

Across the Pennines in the Alderley Edge 10k, Ruth Kitchen secured fifth female and third in the Senior (20-34) category (37:49).

The Howgills Fell Race was the opening race of the FRA Junior Championship League, starting from Sedbergh School, runners tackled tough climbs, farmland, tracks and open fell terrain in challenging conditions. Oscar Shinn was seventh (43:11) and George Whittlestone 11th (48:22) in the U20 Race; Joseph Bentham was 13th (40:46) in the U18 Race; and Olly Brooks was 34th (32:41) in the U14 Race.

In the Yorkshire County Track and Field Championships, Junior Harrier Heather Crolla delivered an outstanding performance in the U16 Girls Discus, throwing a huge PB (25.34m) to become the Yorkshire U16 Girls Discus Champion.

As always, Harriers were active in the weekly 5k parkruns this Saturday.

Two outstanding times from Matthew Thackwray who was first at The Cinder Track (15:37) and Samesh Chotai also first at Brueton (16:16).

Sarah Marsden was fourth female at Fleetwood Promenade (23:47).

Sisters Nura and Mariam Allen both ran Lister Park. Nura was fifth female (23:48) and Mariam eighth female with a PB (24:47).

At Cliffe Castle, Joseph Morris was seventh and first JM11-14 with a PB (23:22).

At Myrtle, Heidi Hoad was seventh female (27:04), Lucy Lowe eighth female (27:05) and Daisy Lowe ninth female and first JW11-14 (27:47).

Rob and Nicola Budding both ran Armley securing tenth male (22:05) and tenth female (26:00).

Daniel Paterson achieved a PB (22:48) at Bramley.

Finally at Ilkley’s own East Holmes Field, John Hayes was sixth (20:41), followed by PBs from Jacqui Foster (26:56), Dawn Turner (28:22) and Ruth Jones (33:42).

Leeds Marathon – Sun 10 May 2026

Mon 11 May 2026

From Rachel Carter…

Leeds was my 3rd marathon having run London in 2022 and 2010. Training focused on the 3 peaks race two weeks earlier so I came to this really keeping my fingers crossed that I would get round without the necessary respites of gates, stiles or hills that require walking/crawling to climb.

I travelled in with Geoff Howard (this his 17th marathon) who had stuck rigidly to the ‘only bring an A4-sized bag’ memo containing more or less nothing but big enough to fit his travel clothes in. I on the other had had a banana, hot drink, water, gels and a top to keep warm in before the start! Fortunately my small-ish rucksack passed the baggage check!

Headingley stadium hosts this event very well – amazing organisation of two distances, loads of toilets and a great vibe. A short group warm up, a few words from Kevin Sinfield and we were off – first towards Leeds before a steady climb through Headingley to Adel (and a quick toilet stop!). The marathon bears right here on some undulating roads behind Golden Acre Park before a down on King Lane to Bramhope. Steeper down to Arthington before a sneaky loop out and back towards Pool.

Onto Otley where the crowds made it feel like I was at the finish line before the long climb back up towards Dynley Arms and Bramhope. In Bramhope you meet the half marathoners so a fair bit of weaving entails but also provides a different focus. It only felt truly down from Weetwood Hall roundabout and from there on the crowds are amazing – narrowing the course in places. The stadium looms only for you to have to run around a side or two of it before being allowed inside to the finish!

So did I enjoy it? Well yes I think so, reflecting on it and writing this report! Did I have any doubts – yes plenty – needing the loo from the start (despite all the toilets!), legs aching on the way out through Headingley but what makes this race is all the support from the crowds and what it stands for. There were so many kids with handmade signs and hands to high-five I decided to take a leaf from Lucy Lowe’s recent London experience in enjoying the moment and hopefully inspiring some runners of the future!

With free post race massages available and a short commute back on the train it’s definitely an event everyone should consider for next year!

From Geoff Howard…

Don’t get into London! So what do you do? Run the Horsforth Marathon of course! So that’s what I did forty five years and six days ago in the first year of both those events.

Funny how history can repeat itself because that’s what happened yesterday. Well o.k. it was Headingley not Horsforth but near enough.

Apart from: several thousand runners rather than 234, chip timing, tracking, instant results, goodie bags, the scale of sponsorship (instead of just the local garage back then), specialist organisation (instead of the remarkable Janet Kitchen of the local Community Education) etc. etc., it was very much the same experience namely: hilly terrain of the northern part my home city, wonderful support (easier in 1981 because it was two laps), shared challenging experience with a multitude of strangers, initial exhilaration/steady running followed by every increasing bodily rebellion, the ‘how can I possibly keep going” desperation during the last parkrun distance, and the final all encompassing relief at the sight of the finish line.

Different, though, yesterday because of the Rob Burrow factor which I’m sure affected all who watched and took part, and also because of the reassuring company to the start from Ilkley of fellow Harrier Rachel Carter – who ran brilliantly to take second in her age group. Also, now mightily glad that the time against my name for the Harriers’ v80 record is no longer 7h 15m.

Results

Yorkshire Vets: Race 1 Holmfirth – Sun 10 May 2026

Sun 10 May 2026

From Dave Robson…

This Sunday was the first race in the Yorkshire Vets Grand Prix series, hosted by Holmfirth Harriers.

I think I was the only Ilkley Harrier present and finished 21st and 3rd MV50.

Next race is Kirkstall on Tuesday 26th May. There are 10 races in the series and your best 6 count so plenty of time to sign up if you’re interested.

The races are mostly trail races of around 10k. Website results link here.

Fairfield Horseshoe – Sat 9 May 2026

Sat 9 May 2026

From Alison Weston…

We had a ladies team out at Fairfield Horseshoe on Saturday – Kelly, Nea and myself. A lovely 9-mile route starting and finishing at Rydal Hall and going over Great Rigg, Fairfield and Dove Crag.

There was clag down on Fairfield but otherwise great conditions for running.

Nea had a great race and made the most of the long descent, flying past me and disappearing towards the finish. All three of us found the 1 km track at the finish quite soul destroying, as faster runners already finished are meandering the opposite way back to their cars!

The race was won by Will Barton in 1 hr 22. Nea did 2 hrs 12 followed by myself and Kelly.

Ilkley Gazette Report – w/c 04 May 2026

Tue 5 May 2026

[Photo credit: Dave Woodhead]

From Luke Watkeys & Nicola Budding…

Climbs, costumes and county caps: A milestone 40th anniversary for the Harriers

Our beloved club turned 40 last Friday and, after officially joining the esteemed ranks of veteran age categories, shows no signs of slowing down. Given we’re now well into spring, there were many race options across all disciplines, and people took advantage, featuring everything from fancy dress at relays and prestigious inter-county representation to international road racing and podium finishes on the fells.

The week’s action began on Tuesday evening with the Bunny Run Relays, a highlight of the Bunny Series organised by Wharfedale Harriers and held on a dry and sunny evening at Penistone Hill. Teams of three tackled 2.4 km (1.5 mile) loops. It’s as much about the costumes as it is about the competition, and the trio of George Whittlestone, Oliver Holder, and Oscar Shinn, running under the team name ‘The American Dream’, proved successful on both fronts (see photo above!). They secured sixth place overall with a combined time of 33:27 and took home the Best Fancy Dress prize.

Elsewhere on Tuesday, Dave Robson was in action at the low-key Wray Caton Moor Fell Race, an FRA-sanctioned event held as part of a local scarecrow festival. It’s 11km (6.8 miles) with 335 metres (1,100 ft) of climb, held over the way in Wray, Lancashire. Dave finished 13th in 50:16.

Moving to the weekend, on Saturday, Alison Weston and Kelly Wilby tackled the Coniston Fell Race, a challenging 12.9km (8-mile) course featuring over 1,000 metres (3,300 ft) of climbing. Despite mist on the summits that made navigation difficult, Alison finished 147th and claimed first place in her category with a time of 1:59:16. Kelly followed in 188th, securing third in her category with a time of 2:10:11. The same day, Dave Robson competed in his second race of the week, the Cake Race in Saddleworth. The 16km (10-mile) route has 518 metres (1,700 ft) of climb, traversing Saddleworth Moor and a section of the Pennine Way, featuring a fast middle section around reservoirs and a final stretch of steep stone steps. Dave finished 23rd overall and third in his age category in 1:20:55, before enjoying the traditional reward of unlimited cake.

Representative honours were at the forefront on Sunday at the UK Athletics Senior Inter-Counties Mountain Race, an up-and-down mountain running trial held in Sedbergh, which served as trials for the European Off-Road Running Championships. Joseph Bentham delivered an excellent performance in the U20 race, covering 5.8 km (3.6 miles) with 390 metres (1,280 ft) of climb. Joseph finished 17th against elite competition, an impressive feat as one of the youngest in his age category. The senior race was 14.5km (9 miles) with 980 metres (3,215 ft) of elevation. Sam Bentham and Edward Hobbs both represented Yorkshire, Sam delivering an outstanding performance to finish 16th overall (second in his age category) in 1:10:59, with Edward following in 23rd place (fourth in his age category) in 1:13:13. Dan McKeown also represented the club in the senior men’s field, finishing 72nd in 1:28:41.

Sunday also had road racers headed to North Yorkshire for the Melmerby Ripon 10K. Jaysson Sawyer led the club home in 14th place overall and third in his category with a time of 36:45. Sally Malir also secured a podium category finish, coming second in her category with a time of 48:57. Further afield, Malcolm and Julie Shand represented the Harriers in Spain at the Estepona 10K, a popular annual road race in the coastal town of Estepona on the Costa del Sol. The race followed a scenic route along the Mediterranean coast, though runners were greeted by a sharp hill finish and warm conditions. Malcolm finished in 54:07, with Julie crossing the line in 1:04:06.

In parkrun news, personal bests and category wins were reported from across the country. Matthew Thackwray clearly recovered from his excellent run at the London Marathon a few weeks ago to finish first at Sandringham parkrun in 16:17. Samesh Chotai continued his parkrun sweep of the country to claim first place at Kingsbury Water in 16:36. At Chevin Forest, Alexander Wolfenden took second place in 17:10, followed by Oscar Shinn in ninth. Rachel Carter was the first female finisher in 22:43, and Michael Moore was first in his age category, finishing just two seconds ahead of Isobel Moore, the second female finisher overall. At Cliffe Castle, Archie Hallworth won his age category with a 23:07, and Lerryn O’Neill finished as the first female with 23:32. Nura Allen achieved a PB and a category win at Lister Park, while Leo Freer set a new personal best at Keswick with a time of 20:41.

Inter-County Fell Championships – Sun 3 May 2026

Mon 4 May 2026

[Photo of the Yorkshire team featuring Ed, centre, and Sam, right, courtesy of Dave Woodhead]

From Dan McKeown…

Sunday saw this year’s Inter-Counties Mountain Race in Sedbergh: a nine-mile three-lap course which included three visits to the summit of Winder and two visits to the summit of Arant Haw. As well as the inter-county competition, the event served as the British team selection race for the European Off-Road Running Championships.

We had a couple of Ilkley runners in the Yorkshire team: Ed Hobbs (who had managed a brilliant fourth place in Friday’s uphill-only race) and Sam Bentham, plus one freelancer – me.

To explain my unlikely presence on this illustrious start line: I signed up for the race a few weeks back, then contacted my birth county, Warwickshire, to see if they needed a runner to supplement their team. To my horror, they already had a full squad and said no thank you.

Fair play to Shakespeare’s County for raising a team, although I did find it a bit galling that Dark flipping Peak had eight runners at the race representing seven different counties, and I couldn’t even blag one measly county vest. There was even a guy on the start line in an Avon and Somerset vest who lived in Sedbergh and hadn’t even had to get in the car that morning!

(Still, if Warwickshire did need to get a ringer in on a Cascarino, they should probably swing for the fences and get someone decent, instead of some old bald spoon with bad knees.)

As I’d stumped up the entry fee at this point, I felt like I might as well make the trip and see how I did. My day didn’t get off to the best start: I stepped out of the back door to find that my best fell shoes had been sat outside all night in the rain. Plan B: I threw my well travelled Mudclaws in the back of the car and set off for the Howgills.

The course was one short lap to the top of Winder, and two long laps to the top of Arant Haw, visiting Winder on the way back. All three laps were a patient slog on the way out, with a breathless, bone-shuddering downhill return.

The men’s race set off five minutes before the ladies, so I got to see the first of the ladies passing me early in the second lap. There were also some points where I could see the lead male runners flying along in the opposite direction, with Sam and Ed very much to the fore. Sam picked up the MU23 silver medal (16th overall), and with Ed finishing 23rd after Friday’s heroics, Yorkshire secured county bronze, behind Cumbria and Scotland (North).

For my part, I trundled in a very footsore 72nd of 105 finishers, having bested not only the Warwickshire team, but also Humber and Nottinghamshire. However, I give all credit to those who travelled from far and wide to take part from those parts of the country less blessed with fell running opportunities.

I won’t hold my breath for a call from the British selectors. The European Champs are the first weekend in June anyway and I’ve got something planned in Otley, plus it’s Sarah’s birthday so I can’t really make it. Next time, maybe.

Results

16 Sam Bentham (Yorkshire) 1:10:59

23 Ed Hobbs (Yorkshire) 1:13:13

72 Dan McKeown 1:28:41

105 finished

Estepona 10k – Sun 3 May 2026

Sun 3 May 2026

From Julie Shand…

Malc and Julie Shand ran the Estepona 10k on Sunday 3rd May. 54mins and 1.04 respectively. A warm but lovely run along the Med, with a sharp hill to finish!

Wray Caton Moor & The Cake Race – Tue 28 Apr & Sat 2 May 2026

Sat 2 May 2026

From Dave Robson…

Back on my quest for different events, I found two fell races with a theme this week…….

The first required a trip across the border into Lancashire for the Wray Caton Moor (& Scarecrows) Fell Race. It’s one of those great, low key races where you park on the village green & pay a fiver on the day. As part of the Scarecrow festival, the race has the bonus of providing a collection of giant scarecrows to run past during your warm up. The course is just over 6 miles with 335 metres of tough but runnable climb in the first half, up to the turnaround at the trig point. The route back is fast and grassy with excellent views back across to the Yorkshire Dales.

The second event was ‘The Cake Race’. A 10 miler on Saddleworth Moor, including a bit of the Pennine Way, and around 450 metres total ascent. After the initial climb onto the moor, the middle section is fast and more like a trail race around several reservoirs. There is then a tough section, down and up some steep stone steps before the final climb back over the moor and a downhill blast back into the village. The reward for finishing, is as much cake as you can eat, back at race HQ, the Diggle Band Club.

Both races were well organised, flagged & marshalled, so no navigation or recces are required if you fancy a go at either. Fell shoes were better for Wray (some boggy and tussocky bits), but trail shoes were definitely the best option for the Cake Race.

I think I was 13th at Wray (results still to be released) and 23rd at the Cake Race.

Results

Coniston Fell race – Sat 2 May 2026

Sat 2 May 2026

From Alison Weston…

Only Kelly and I went to run Coniston fell race this year. Just under 8 miles with about 3,300 ft climbing, the race starts from Coniston village with a huge climb up Wetherlam and then on to climb up Swirl How. A great run along the ridge to reach Coniston Old Man before a short and steep descent back to the start. Mist on the tops made it difficult to find the optimum line to avoid a bit extra climbing but I’m not complaining – at least it wasn’t too hot like last weekend!

The race was won by Tom Simpson from Ambleside in 1:11:20. Kelly was 3rd V40 and I was 1st V60

Results

(1st Tom Simpson from Ambleside in 1:11:20)

147th Alison 1:59:16 (1st V60)

188th Kelly 2:10:11 (3rd V40)

241 finished