Ilkley Harriers news archive 2025
Lairig Ghru Race – Sun 29 Jun 2025
Sun 29 Jun 2025
From Harry Brook-Dobson…
Photo credit Hamish Battle
Edwyn Oliver-Evans and I ran the Lairig Ghru Race on Sun 29th June. It’s approximately marathon distance and follows an old drovers road from Braemar to Aviemore. The going was pretty easy for the first third of the race, following the River Dee before passing the impressive Mar Lodge and taking land rover tracks to the more humble Derry Lodge. From here the tracks were narrower and rougher and required concentration on the gradual pull up to the Pools of Dee underneath Ben Macdui. The long descent through Rothiemurchus Forest was thankfully smooth and flowing and we were able to tick off the miles much quicker here. We finished together in just over 4hrs 30mins in 72nd (Edwyn getting the dip on the line) and 73rd (me) and had a fantastic day in the Scottish sun. Whilst it is a committing route, you manage to cover a lot of ground in amazing surroundings without needing to climb much at all. It’s a race I’d recommend highly but you will need to get organised with the entry as there are only 300 places available and they were gone within an hour this year.
XXXVI Prueba de Fondo “Río Dilar” – Sun 29 Jun 2025
Sun 29 Jun 2025
From Nick Helliwell…
My wife’s family are from Granada in Andalucia, southern Spain. While on holiday here, I decided to find a race. In this area they have a series of races throughout the year over varying distances and surfaces, all part of one big competition. The race that coincided with my visit was a fast-ish road 10k, with some elevation (500ft).
My visit also coincided with a heatwave in Spain, with daily temperatures exceeding 40 degrees. Thankfully the organisers pulled the start forward an hour, but it was still over 30 degrees when we set off at 930am.
The race was super well-organised and well-attended, with almost 750 runners. There was a police escort for the front-runners, a timing car and a team filming the race, to broadcast back to the start. And only cost 10 euros to enter! The standard was very high, with many Spanish clubs represented.
Not wanting to push too far forwards at the beginning, I got caught in a funnel of slower runners, but soon made my way through the jam. The heat was brutal, especially with the hills, making it really challenging to push very hard. By finding shade on the road, and taking on lots of water, I managed to hang onto those around me, and finish in just over 40 minutes, in 63rd place, 12th in my age category. The winning time, on a lumpy course, in severe heat, was just over 31 minutes: very impressive!
A great experience, despite the circumstances, and I’ll look forward to doing one of these again, hopefully on a cooler day!
HDSRL #4 Ripon – Tue 24 Jun
Tue 24 Jun 2025
From Alison Bennett…
There was a great turnout of 26 Ilkley Harriers at the fourth race in the Harrogate District Summer Race League which was hosted by Ripon Runners. The scenic 5-mile course started with a lap of the field at Hell Wath Nature Reserve before heading along undulating farm roads, tracks & footpaths through Studley Roger Village and the surrounding seven bridges, before returning to the finish on the field. The evening concluded with plentiful refreshments provided by Ripon Runners at the Rugby club, supplemented by hearty post-race chats amongst team mates and with other running club members.
Ilkley Harriers achieved some impressive results with Matthew Thackwray winning the race by some margin. Other Harriers to the fore were Matt Newell 4th, Harry Brook-Dobson 8th, Ritchie Williamson 10th and James Horrex 13th. Maddie Morris was Ilkley’s first lady to finish, and Peter Shelley was 1st in his age group category.
This race concluded the League races, but it is not the final event in the series. These results will form the basis for the exciting Handicap Race to be held on Wednesday 16th July, at Wetherby where prizes for the League will also be presented. Be there!
Kettlewell Anniversary Fell Race – Sun 22 Jun 2025
Sun 22 Jun 2025
From Alison Weston…
Quite local for the 3rd English championship race on Sunday. A good bit cooler for this short and steep 5 m and 1800 ft from Kettlewell village – up and down towards Arncliffe and then back over the top. Great turn out from clubs near and far made the competition very tough.
Ben came 2nd overall in a fabulous time of 34.23 with Sam 4th in 35.07 followed by George and Dan
We had an incredible 8 female Harriers in the race led home by Jane – 1st V50 in a great time of 47.40. Soon followed by Rachel, Katie, Sacha, Kelly, Rebecca, Jann and Alison.
Ilkley Gazette report w/c 22 Jun 2025
Sun 22 Jun 2025
From Will Worboys and Nicola Budding…
Success at Home and Abroad for Busy Harriers
Another busy week was had by the Ilkley Harriers, including a new world champion and lots of hot weather hill running.
Ilkley put out a good showing at the third counter of the English Fell Championship series in the Dales at the Kettlewell Anniversary Fell Race on Sunday. Current fell champion Ben Rothery was narrowly beaten into 2nd place by Dark Peak’s Finlay Grant. Rothery’s young clubmate Sam Bentham seems to be gradually closing the gap, being less than a minute back in 4th place.
Several other Harriers made the journey and excelled in the 5-mile event that includes 1,800 feet of ascent and is organised by North Leeds Fell Runners. George Whittlestone was the next one to finish and was 8th MU23 and 88th overall. There was a superb performance from Jane McCarthy who not only finished 15th female overall but also won the F50 category. Several other Ilkley ladies put in impressive shifts, including Rachel Carter coming home 9th F45 and 27th overall female. Katie Poulter and Sacha Jones also managed to be among the first 50 ladies and Dan McKeown finished 99th overall.
Meanwhile much further south, an amazing performance was had by a young Harrier at the World Duathlon Championships in Pontevedra, Spain. Christos Tzelis won the Open Age Group Sprint race, taking the gold medal. This race started off with a 5KM run, followed by a 19.7KM bike, then rounded off with another run of 2.5KM. Christos flew round beating a Spanish athlete into second by around 45 seconds. It is the culmination of a lot of hard training for the Ilkley athlete who can now be proud to call himself world champion!
The racing week had started back on Tuesday where some fast runs were had in the Leeds Evensplits 5K which took place at the Brownlee Centre. Ilkley’s Emily Butterworth was first in her category with a time of 22:17. Nick Helliwell seems well and truly back in form posting an excellent 19:22 and being first Harrier home. Kyle Bethell was hot on his heels in 19:31 and Claire McLoughlin also ran well to finish in a time of 22:39.
The following evening in-form Harrier Matthew Thackwray followed up his win at Yeadon with another first place finish at the latest Harrogate District Summer Race League encounter. This time at Knaresborough, Thackwray put a minute between himself and the rest of the field to win in 31:50. There was no shortage of other Ilkley runners out impressing on a warm Tuesday night. Next to finish was Harry Brook-Dobson who came 12th overall of the 328 finishers. Ritchie Williamson put in an excellent run to be 1st in the M50 category. While Pete Shelley was 1st in the M55’s. Jane McCarthy won the F50 category and Jann Smith was 3rd in the F55’s. The other Ilkley winner was Diane Kitchen who headed the F65’s. Honourable mentions too for James Horrex and Paul Carmen, both finishing inside the top 50.
Back to the weekend and on the hottest day of the year so far, three Harriers chose to spend it navigating 13 miles and 7,000 feet of Cumbrian fells. The Great Lakes Fell Race took place on Saturday at Langdale, with great performances, if not a few navigational issues from Ben Sheppard, Charles Wain and Paul Carmen. The winner by some distance was Finlay Wild of Lochaber AC.
Closer to home there was a good turnout of Harriers at the ‘Solstice Saunter’. A scenic, five mile, Saturday evening tour of the Bolton Abbey trails, the race is always a popular one emphasised by the 751 total finishers. Kirsty Wicks had a brilliant run finishing 2nd female and 17th overall. Next up John Hayes did well to not only be 2nd Harrier home but also 1st M55. There were plenty of other good runs on a warm mid-summers day, with Joanne Williamson finishing as 4th female. Rebecca Brown impressed coming 2nd in the F35 grouping. Rumana Chowdhury, Andrew Whiteside and Sarah Hayes all managed to beat the heat to finish in the top hundred of their gender category in the large field.
Onto the road and the Freckleton Half Marathon, which proudly proclaims to be the ‘oldest continuously running half marathon in the UK’, The sole Harrier Sally Armitage put in her usual superb effort to finish 2nd female and 20th overall of the 478 total finishers in a time of 1:25:40. The race is a fairly flat lap of the roads of the Fylde coast of Lancashire and has been going since way back in 1964!
Another lone Harrier made the trip to the top of Wharfedale for the Buckden Pike Fell Race. Just over 4 miles in length and taking in 1,500 feet it is a challenging event that takes place as part of the Buckden Gala. John Marsham braved the hills and heat to finish in 27th place with a time of 55:38.
For Ilkley’s Junior Harriers it’s been a relatively quiet week, but nonetheless an important week for fell racing as the highly anticipated FRA British Junior Fell Inter Counties Championships were held on Saturday. Organised by Bowland Fell Runners, the Clough Pike Fell Races are traditionally held on the third Saturday in June as part of the Quernmore Sports and Village Country Show. This year, in addition to being the Junior Inter-Counties race, it was also the fourth counter in the FRA Junior Championship series, attracting a large turnout of runners. The various routes took in rough farmland with tricky stream gullies and woodland sections.
In total, five of our Juniors were competing and two of those had been selected to run for their age group Yorkshire Teams: Joseph Bentham in the U17 Boys Team and Oscar Shinn in the U19 Boys Team. In the U17 Boys Race, Joseph Bentham had a great race to finish in 5th place with a time of 26:55, helping the Yorkshire U17 Boys Team take the Bronze Medal. Alexander Wolfenden was the first Harrier home in the U19 Boys Race coming home in an excellent 5th place in 41:57 followed by Oscar Shinn finishing 13th in 45:49 and George Whittlestone in 28th place (56:53). The Yorkshire U19 Boys Team also took the Gold Medal. Matilda Irvine, our only female U19 competitor (and also a Reserve for the Yorkshire U19 Female Team), finished in 12th place coming home in just over an hour.
Finally in this week’s 5K parkruns, there was just one junior taking part. Isobel Moore had a good run at Roberts Park coming home as 9th female in 25:14. In a decent turnout of Harriers, Alison Bennett also came 5th female at the event and Andrew Overend 7th overall. Meanwhile at Conyngham Hall James Horrex was 2nd finisher and Alicia Horrex 2nd female. At Chevin Forest Claire McLoughlin was 8th female and at Banstead Woods Alex Foyn finished in 4th place.
Freckleton HM – Sun 22 Jun 2025
Sun 22 Jun 2025
From Sally Armitage…
Another day, another Lancastrian road race. A half marathon I’d wanted to enter last year but I think I missed the entry deadline. The great British heatwave has started to fade and conditions were good, a little windy but not too noticeable on course, or at least not if you’re small enough to draft behind a larger runner!
Sold as a flat course, I would call it lightly undulating, probably as flat as you get in Lancashire. The race starts and finishes on a playing field in the village and consists of 1 lap around the Lancashire countryside, almost glimpsing the sea at one point.
Freckleton half marathon also holds the title of the oldest half marathon in the UK, first ran in 1964. Run on open roads, there was a little dicing with death due to traffic, but lots of local support on course, music, drinks, jelly babies, some people even had their hosepipes out offering runners a cool down, I gladly accepted!
I was really pleased with my run, I’d aimed for 1:26 so was pleased to just dip under that, I’d wondered if the wind would hinder my chances but it didn’t. There were some fast looking ladies on the start line too so to manage 2nd place was a big confidence boost. Furthermore, the generous £75 shop voucher I won was for none other than Ilkley’s very own Complete Runner! A good day on the roads!
1st male – Rob Danson Preston Harriers 1:12:50
1st female – Dee Allen Leigh Harriers 1:23:29
20th (2nd female) Sally Armitage 1:25:40
478 ran
Great Lakes Fell Race – Sat 21 Jun 2025
Sat 21 Jun 2025
From Ben Sheppard…
Paul Carman, Charles Wain and Ben Sheppard headed for the baking heat of Langdale to test themselves against the merciless cruelty of the Great Lakes fell race. Category AL, it is listed as 21 km (13 miles) and 2,130m (7,000ft). For those who don’t get their navigation quite right, or who against their better judgment follow the wrong people the wrong way, it can be longer and involve more climb, as Paul can attest.
Having been on the race calendar for fifteen years, it was said that this year’s would be its last running. So, gathered together in the yard of Stool End Farm, a hundred or so willing victims took in the short race briefing and joined with the race organiser in thanking the owner of the farm, Jean, her late husband recently departed. They had generously allowed the race to take place from their farm since 2010 and never asked a penny in return. Jean was visibly moved by the appreciation shown on behalf of the fell running community.
After a sharp ascent of The Band to Bowfell, we were treated to a high-level summit-hopping circuit of Upper Eskdale, including Scafell Pike and Scafell via Foxes Tarn (thankfully Broad Stand is not an option). Then to Slight Side, where two third of the Ilkley Harriers made a mess of the navigation, one finding himself down-climbing crags and another following a non-local a mile off the bottom of the race map. Meanwhile Charles nailed the right line and got on with the slog across the trackless reaches south of Great Moss to Blisco. The final descent from Blisco is the kind of steep that has people bum-sliding past you as you systematically punish your quads trying to stay upright.
The race was won by Finlay Wild of Lochaber AC in a new (and presumably lasting) course record time of 2:29, some 15 minutes ahead of the previous record holder, Ambleside AC’s Tom Simpson (who may have been saving a little for the English champs race the following day where he finished 14th), the trio of Ilkley Harriers grateful to be done with it only a couple of hours later.
World Duathlon Sprint Age Group Championship – Sat 21 Jun 2025
Sat 21 Jun 2025
From Neil Chapman…
Christos Tzelis had an early start on Saturday in Pontevedra, Spain, where he was competing in the World Duathlon Sprint Age Group Championship. He had a few issues before the race including bike problems, which could have upset his preparation, but the hilly course did play to his strengths.
As you would expect in a sprint race with a high quality field it means going hard from the start and getting your transitions right. Christos got off to a good start completing the first 5k run in 15:18 finishing with the leading group before jumping on the bike for 19.7k. He broke away on the bike, but got pulled back by the group, so learnt from a previous race to sit in and go with the group and not do all the work himself. He completed the bike in 30:36, averaging close to 25 mph, going into the final 2.5k run with a group of around seven others, all hoping for the win. Christos completed the final 2.5k in 7:54, needing a sprint finish to win by 6 seconds ahead of Pablo Gonzalez-Perez of Spain who took the silver medal.
Those times are very impressive given that it was a hilly course, so Christos should be very proud of his achievement and the gold medal around his neck. Well done Christos.
Solstice Saunter – Sat 21 Jun 2025
Sat 21 Jun 2025
From John Hayes…
I’ve never run the Solstice Saunter before. I blame this on my obsession with Ilkley Lido. On 21 June every year they hold the Solstice Swim. That involves getting up at 4.30am and joining a surprisingly large crowd of people for a sunrise dip. By evening, therefore, I’m too tired to do a race. Sarah (who is tougher than me) has been doing both the Solstice Swim and Saunter for years and has kept telling me I’m missing out on a brilliant event. So this year I decided to stop being a wimp and do both. (It helped that it was a Saturday so I could sneak in a daytime sleep between the two events). The route takes in the best of the trails at Bolton Abbey. It raises funds for the Sue Ryder charity which is a fabulous cause, close to many people’s hearts. This year it was incredibly hot (27 degrees C). Despite this, they still held a funky mass “warm up” with various dance moves (which I was hopeless at) interspersed with squats and lunges (ditto). It was good to see other Harriers at the finish, all feasting on Jammy Dodger biscuits which are handed out alongside the medals. Many congratulations to Kirsty Wicks who came in as 1st female.
HDSRL #3 Knaresborough – Tue 17 Jun 2025
Tue 17 Jun 2025
From Alison Bennett...
There was a great turnout of 32 Ilkley Harriers at the third race in the Harrogate District Summer Race League which was hosted by Knaresborough Striders. The race was approximately 9km, mainly on tarmac. The race started and finished in Horseshoe Field at the rear of Conyngham Hall. After a rather narrow and for some congested lap of the field, avoiding the rabbit holes guarded by strategically placed marshals, the runners headed out along the Beryl Burton Cycleway to a turnaround point, returning through Bilton before rejoining the cycleway again back to Knaresborough. The ample spread of food afterwards was enjoyed by many of the 409 finishers in the warm evening sunshine.
Ilkley had some impressive results. Matthew Thackwray took an early lead in the race and finished just over a minute ahead of second placed runner, Scott Harrington of Otley. Harry Brook-Dobson was 12th, James Horrex finished 20th. Jane McCarthy was Ilkley’s first lady to finish and was also first in her age group. Other Ilkley Harriers also scooping first age group category placings were Richie Williamson, Peter Shelley and Diane Kitchen.
Ilkley Gazette report w/c 16 Jun 2025
Mon 16 Jun 2025
From Jill Ezard and Nicola Budding…
Photo credit Haylie Eaton
Yorkshire team success on the fells and podium places on the road
Racing started early this week with a midweek, evening trip to Otley, with eight Harriers taking on the ever-popular Otley ten mile road race. In it’s 40th year, this hilly route goes out to Pool in Wharfedale, climbs up to Leathley, with an added hilly loop at the top, before going on to Farnley, with still more undulations to contend with. After Farnley the route flattens with a downhill finish back to Otley for a grandstand finish. It was a very warm evening for the race and despite the conditions there were some great performances: First over the line was Edwyn Oliver-Evans in 1:11:08 followed by Tony Pye in 1:14:20; Rachel Carter was the first female Harrier to finish in 1:1501 taking first place in her age category; Luke Greenwood, Martin Stubbs, Marc Westerman and Jeremy Greenwood all had great runs with Jean Sullivan the only other female Harrier finishing in 1:30:01 and taking second place in her age category.
On Saturday, three Harriers, Jack Cummings, Oli Murphy and Sam Bentham, donned their Yorkshire vests to take part in the 2025 British Inter-Counties Mountain Running Championships, this year being held at the Pen-Y-Ghent Fell race. This 12.2km race takes participants from Horton up through the Limekiln Pastures, up the steep scramble through the southern crags and back to Horton via Whitber and Jackdaw Hills, an impressive 612m of climb! Along with two other Yorkshire runners the team beat some tough competition to take first prize after some superb performances: Jack Cummings was 14th in 50:35; Sam Bentham 24th in 51:12; and Oli Murphy was 38th in 52:44. There were other great Harrier performances in the race with Nathan Edmondson (a reserve for the Yorkshire team) finishing in sixth place in 49:14, Adam Gerrish in 1:18:07 and Paul Disney seconds behind in 1:18:34.
And the impressive performances continued at the Run For All 10k race in Leeds on Sunday and the Windermere marathon. In Leeds, four Harriers set off from the University of Leeds buildings on Woodhouse Lane, round Woodhouse Moor, out to Headingly and Meanwood before finishing at the Art Gallery on The Headrow. Matthew Thackwray continued his run of form taking a superb second place in 31:25. All Harriers broke the one hour mark with David Lewis the second Harrier to finish in 51:14 followed seconds behind by Karl Hutchinson in 51:44 and Will Worboys in 58:44. Meanwhile, in an entirely different road race, one of the “Jeffing” group, Esmail Zadeh, put in a superb performance at the Windermere Marathon. Starting at Waterhead near Ambleside and completing almost a full lap of the lake, the race climbs over 2000ft offering some breathtaking views on the way to the finish line at Brockhole on the lake. Esmail completed the race in 5:02:10.
Further afield two Harriers took on two very different challenges. Alison Weston ventured to the Isle of Arran, off the west coast of Scotland to take part in the challenging but somewhat romantically titled Glen Rosa Horseshoe, a traditional fell race. The route is a mix of steep heathery ascent, contouring on mixed terrain, ridge running and easy scrambling. Navigation skills are required and definitely were at the weekend given the mist and rain on the day! Alison completed the race in 4:25:12 and was third in her age category. Nigel Illingworth however, took on the innocuous sounding Bridge Run on its 25th anniversary. A half marathon road event, the race starts in Denmark but finishes in Sweden running the full length of the Øresund Bridge! Nigel completed the event in 2:36:39.
Finally, our juniors and younger Harriers had a great turnout at the Hawkswick Dash, the fifth race in the BOFRA Race League, on Sunday. The race begins gently running along a narrow track before a steep climb up to the ridge. The U14 runners turn at this point to retrace their steps to the finish. The U17 and U23 runners continue along the skyline before a steep descent (not for the faint hearted) to the finish having completed 1.4 miles with a climb of 170m. In the U23 George Whittlestone was fifth in 14:21 and Oscar Shinn had a great race taking third place in the U17 race. Michael Moore was second in the U12 boys’ race with sister Isobel placing sixth in the U12 girls’ event alongside Lottie Prior who was 20th. Martha Prior was ninth in the U9 girls’ race. Well done to all!
Our parkrunners were having fun at home and abroad too with 20+ Harriers taking on the weekly timed events. There were top 10 finishes for Sam Angus and Maddie Morris in the Netherlands, and Emma Barclay, James Horrex, Alicia Horrex, Steve Gott and Andrew Overend closer to home. There were PBs from Hattie O’Looney, and Kate Williams and fantastic age gradings for Hilda Coulsey, 85.41%, Alison Bennett, 87.32% and Diane Kitchen, 81.64%. Well done to everyone that took part in these fun and free events which are open to runners of all abilities.
The Bridge Run 2025 (or Broløbet/Broloppet) – Sun 15 Jun 2025
Sun 15 Jun 2025
From Nigel Illingworth…
Yesterday I ran a half marathon from Copenhagen (Denmark) to Malmö (Sweden). The race marked the 25th anniversary of the opening of the bridge over the Øresund strait.
If you’ve watched the TV show The Bridge, I can confirm there were bodies on the bridge, but all were receiving good medical attention.
I enjoyed the event and experience since I watched the tunnel and bridge being built in the 1990s while working in Copenhagen and Lund, near Malmö. In those pre-bridge days you had to fly to Copenhagen Airport and then take a helicopter to Malmö Airport.
My race time was unremarkable due to a headwind on the bridge, a long wait to cross the finish line, and the usual lack of training and ability, but I learnt two things.
Firstly, we enjoy a very high quality of race organisation in Ilkley and the UK compared to this experience. The starting waves were poorly-policed and the toilet queues huge, leading to runners all starting in the wrong order. The 20-minute wait to cross the finish line was followed by longer delays to get through a narrow exit from the finish area. Many runners waited hours for transport back to Copenhagen. We luckily skipped the queues with some un-British queue-jumping and a coach driver who knew a shortcut.
Secondly, we enjoy a level of runner support, friendliness and safety in Ilkley and the UK which sadly wasn’t matched here. Early on, faster runners were cutting in front dangerously. Several times I had runners barging through, and often had my feet caught from behind – as a runner who has a habit of falling over, I found this very disconcerting. Worst was witnessing one runner shove another to the ground and run over him, since there was no way around.
Overall, a great long weekend with friends soaking up the vibe in Copenhagen and Malmö, but I’ll be focussing on those friendly, supportive local trail and fell races in future. Thank you so much to all those that do such a great job organising our races.
Glen Rosa Horseshoe – Sat 14 Jun 2025
Sat 14 Jun 2025
From Alison Weston…
Arran Runners resurrected this race this year after a 10 year gap – it is an AL , 20 km with 1670m climbing. I’d looked across at Arran from Jura in May and thought the ridges looks spectacular.
The route is a mix of steep heathery ascent, contouring on mixed terrain, ridge running and easy scrambling. Unfortunately I couldn’t actually see any of the ridges on the day due to mist and rain but enjoyed the easy (except when wet!) scrambling up Goat Fell and the long descent down.
Disruption with the ferry service prevented a fair few from getting to the start line which was a shame as bagpipes set us off on our way. Finlay Wild was the unsurprising winner in a new record time of 2 hrs 16 minutes. I was pleased to finish in under 4 1/2 hours in 4:25 and 3rd FV50.
Hopefully with the help of Arran mountain rescue team it will continue to be an annual event now.
Pen-y-Ghent Fell race – Sat 14 Jun 2025
Sat 14 Jun 2025
From Adam Gerrish…
This year the Pen Y Ghent Fell Race also hosted the Inter-Counties Mountain race alongside the British Mountain Running Championships. This meant it was packed full of the best fell runners from around the country. Heavy thunderstorms unfortunately meant that the women got a soaking as they set off for the 12.2km (612m climb) route, which had been altered this year to include more distance and climbing than usual.
Luckily the rain had stopped before the men then set off 30 mins later along the same route. Yorkshire came away with both the men’s and women’s team prize, with Nathan (6th), Jack (14th), Sam (24th), and Oli (38th) all in the top 40 of an elite field. Paul Disney and I enjoyed our own battle at the more leisurely end of the field, both coming home in 1 hr 18.
Otley 10M – Wed 11 Jun 2025
Wed 11 Jun 2025
From Jean Sullivan…
A popular fixture in the summer calendar, especially for those wanting to get a mid-week race under their belt, the Otley 10-mile road race took place this week, celebrating it’s 40th anniversary. The race starts and finishes at Otley Cricket Club, with a grandstand finish, barbecue, prize giving, and a great friendly atmosphere.
Eight Harriers lined up on the start line, all a bit nervous due to the unexpected rise in temperatures compared to a few days previously. The hilly route goes out to Pool in Wharfedale, over the bridge, climbs up to Leathley, with an added hilly loop at the top, before going on to Farnley, with still more undulations to contend with. After Farnley the route flattens and the downhill finish back to Otley is very welcome, especially as it was a complete slog going up the hills in the heat!
There were some great results despite the challenging conditions! Edwyn Oliver Edwards was the first Harrier over the line in a speedy 1:11:08. He was followed by Tony Pye, in 1:14:20, his time even more impressive as he had run the Pete Shields 10km just 3 days previously. Hot on his heels was Rachel Carter, who finished 8th lady overall and took first prize in her age category. Lovely to meet Luke Greenwood, Jeremy’s son who enjoyed his first go at this race, and had an excellent result. Great runs also by Martin Stubbs, Marc Westerman and Jeremy Greenwood. I brought up the rear of the Harriers contingent, but I was very pleased to finish 2nd in my age category, a rare occurrence!
Ilkley Gazette report w/c 9 Jun 2025
Mon 9 Jun 2025
From Peter Shelley and Nicola Budding…
Photo credit Peter Shelley.
Harrier victories, course records and category trophies in another busy week on the fells, trails and roads.
Events throughout the week and over the weekend kept the Harriers busy on the fells, trails and roads. They were duly rewarded for their efforts with great results and positive (or at least memorable!) experiences all round.
The highlight for many was the second running of the club’s Pete Shields Ilkley 10k race on Sunday. Celebrating the life of Ilkley Harrier coach and stalwart Peter Shields, the race looks set to become a favourite. Slightly modified from last year, the route uses fast flat closed roads along the northern banks of the River Wharfe, with two laps of an out and back format allowing great spectating and support both for and among the participants. Nathan Edmondson ran perfect splits to take his second victory of the week (first one being the Chevin Fell Race) and ten seconds off his 2024 winning time. Christos Zelis was his closest competitor, taking nearly a minute off his 2024 time. Alexander Wolfenden, increasingly one of our best contenders, was third Harrier home in 6th. Matt Newell followed him home in 7th with Samesh Chotai an excellent 12th. Gawain Moore was top MV45 in 14th. Jonny McKenna was 21st, Harry Brook-Dobson 22nd, Stephen Coy 29th and first MV50. Jaysson Sawyer was 30th, Ritchie Williamson 31st (achieving a personal goal and showing that ultra running need not diminish speed), Justin Phillips 33rd, Rob Cunningham 37th, Louis Sturman 39th, James Lee 41st, Sally Armitage 48th, all recording times under the magic 40-minute mark. Sally finished first in the FV45 category. Jane McCarthy took the FV50 category in 76th place and Jann Smith the FV55 in 139th. Further excellent age group performances among the 49 Harriers who competed came from Geoff Howard first MV75 in 163rd and Diane Kitchen first FV65. Well done to all those who participated, organised and supported the race making this such a good day for the club and the town!
Ilkley Harrier Juniors activities started on Monday evening at the British Milers Club Regional Meeting, this time hosted by Leeds Beckett University. Helena Coy, competing in her first 3000 m track event finished her race in 10:33.
Wednesday evening saw the third meeting of the West Yorkshire Track and Field League take place in Wakefield where sisters Heather and Rosa Crolla were out in action again. On this occasion, Rosa took on her first 100 m track event finishing the U13G race in 16:94 and also competed in the field events.
Nathan Edmondson posted another victory at the Otley Chevin Fell Race. The course distance is just 4.5 km but packs in 210m of climb and technical challenge. Nathan’s time of 17:09 took him within five seconds of Ian Holmes’ 2001 course record. Gawain Moore was 9th, Edwyn Oliver-Evans 11th, Steve Gott 22nd, Adam Gerrish 45th, Alison Weston 85th and Darryl Stead 107th. 125 ran.
Thurs saw race two of the Harrogate District Summer Race League. Organised by Dragons Running Club, the race took participants on 8.7km of trails and 130m of ascent through the woodland and fields of Yeadon and Esholt. Matthew Thackwray, a specialist at this type of event and distance, won in 30:06. Tom Adams made it an Ilkley 1-2 finishing in 30:55 to take the M40 honours. Harry Brook-Dobson was 15th, Edwyn Oliver-Evans racing again just 24 hours after the Otley Chevin was 26th, Ritchie Williamson 27th and 2nd M50, Jaysson Sawyer 31st, Forrest Hamilton 35th, Robert Green 59th, Luke Watkeys 56th, Tony Pye 68th, Ash Winter 82nd, David Singleton 97th, Robert Budding 123rd, Mike Williams 134th and Mark Iley 136th. Other notable results among the 36 Harriers who competed include Diane Kitchen who took 2nd in the F65 category. Ilkley’s active participation puts them in a strong position in the team standings with three more races to go.
Thursday also saw the Bronte 5 take place on two laps of the quiet undulating roads of Penistone Country Park outside Haworth. The race incorporated the Yorkshire Vets 5-mile men’s and women’s road championships. Mark Hall finished an immensely strong 13th of 96 taking the MV65 category by some margin.
Saturday’s Wharfedale Trail Half Marathon has long been a favourite among Ilkley Harriers. Covering 600m of climb and a variety of terrains on its route over the hills north of Grassington, through Conistone and up Mastiles Lane to the fells on the western side of the Wharfe, this is not an event for those targeting a half marathon personal best but rewards those who can pace themselves over the long climbs and descents on mixed terrain.
Jack Cummings was first home among the 17 Harriers in the event. In most previous years his time of 1:22:49 would have been enough for the win. This year however Jack had to reckon with the presence of Andy Heyes from Dark Peak Fell Runners who ran 1.20.39 to take the win. Both men were within Chris Holdworth’s previous course record, an impressive achievement.
Nick Helliwell ran a strong race to finish 14th and 2nd MV45. Rachel Carter was 36th and 1st FV45 while Ash Winter finished 38th. Other notables included Jonathan Sinclair 43rd and 2nd MV60 and Derek Oliver 56th and 4th MV60. Well done to all the Harriers who took on this challenging half marathon!
The Ennerdale Horseshoe, one of Lakeland’s classic fell races, took place on Saturday. Classified as a ‘Super Long A’ category, with 37km/2290m on rough terrain over the peaks of Red Pike, Kirk Fell, Pillar and Crag Fell, the race is not for the faint-hearted. Martin Hartley, Katie Poulter and Nea Weston took on the challenge in wet conditions which were difficult but thankfully not as severe as forecast, finishing in 45th, 82nd and 88th respectively. The race was won by Finlay Wild of Lochaber. 97 ran.
The Stanza Stones Ultra set off from Marsden on Saturday morning for its third summer iteration. The race winds its way through 80km and 2,100m of ascent via Pennine moorland and towns to Ilkley. A variation on an established long distance walking path, the route connects all six Stanza Stones which bear the poetry of Poet Laureate Simon Armitage. Carved into the rock in remote locations, the poems explore the theme of water and its impact on the flora and fauna of remote rural England. Runners must visit all the stones in addition to checkpoints and food stations in Mytholmroyd, Haworth and Bingley. Ben Sheppard put himself through the wringer to take 24 minutes off his 2023 time, finishing in 9:44:11 to take a strong 8th place. One position behind was Ann-Kristin Marsham finishing in an excellent 9:48:41 taking the FV40 category and vastly surpassing her own expectations on a first attempt at the ultra. Peter Shelley was 18th and 2nd MV55. Further competitive showings came from Louisa McCallion in 30th, Robin Moffatt 44th and Kirsty Wicks 52nd. 91 runners completed.
Settle Saunter is an annual walking/running event along footpaths and bridleways in the lower fells of the Yorkshire Dales. Adela Reperecki and Penny Coulthard opted for the longest of the three distances on offer, covering 37km in 5:18:09 and 5:45:40 to finish 35th and 40th of 84 respectively.
Nicole Liptrot took part in the Coniston Marathon Challenge, one of several Lakeland Trails events on offer over the weekend. Also opting for the longest of three distances, Nicole covered the 42km and 1,000m of ascent on a complete offroad circuit of Coniston Water and Tarn Hows in 5:06:32 finishing 40/170 and 7th lady. Not bad for a marathon debut!
As distinct from Coniston Marathon Challenge, the Coniston Marathon uses the same route but is subject to stricter cut-off times. Helen Thurston paced it well to complete the marathon in an impressive 4:10:59 securing 37th place and 2nd FV40.
Another fantastic solo performance took place in the Swansea Half Marathon. Having qualified last year to run for England in a home international, Hilda Coulsey saw off strong Welsh competition to finish 2293/5731in an impressive 2:02:49 taking silver F70.
Further creditable Harrier performances took place at the BOFRA Championship League Ulverston fell race where Ben Hallworth finished 13th in the seniors race and Archie Hallworth 2nd in the juniors race.
Round Three of the FRA Junior Championships took place in the Peak District with Dark Peak Fell Runners hosting the Edale Fell Race. Ranging in distance from 1 km for the U9 race up to 7 km for the U17 and U19 races, the courses included rocky terrain, steep descents and stream crossings. Three juniors competed with Robert Brooks finishing 6th in the 4.2 km BU15 race and in the 7 km MU19 race Oscar Shinn finished 5th in 39:35 followed by George Whittlestone finishing 14th in 45:25.
Matthew Thackwray’s fast twitch muscles were working again at Fountains Abbey parkrun setting the fastest time of 15:33, a new personal best for him on this course. Likewise Samesh Chotai ran 17:47 to set his now customary fastest time at Skipton parkrun. James Lee ran at Chevin Forest finishing in 2nd place in 20:54 followed by Isobel Moore finishing as 4th female in 25:02.
Lakeland Trails Marathon Challenge – Sun 8 Jun 2025
Sun 8 Jun 2025
From Nicky Liptrot…
At the Lakeland trails Coniston weekend there are events running across Saturday and Sunday to cater for all, with the marathon and half marathon on the Sunday. Lakeland Trails offer both a race option and a challenge option, with an earlier start and more generous cut off times. I opted for the marathon challenge on Sunday, having done the half marathon in previous years and really enjoyed it. This was my first marathon event, and my aim was simply to appreciate the views and get round! I had done enough (but not excessive!) training and was lucky to do most of my long training runs with fellow Ilkley Harriers, which really helped!
On the day, the route was just as advertised, with stunning views of the surrounding peaks, taking in a complete circuit of Coniston Water, Tarn Hows and the elevated Beacon Tarn. To achieve the views however quite a bit of climb was necessary, with 3,400 feet of elevation. The route is mainly on tracks and trail, with some fast steep climbs and fast descents. I started off very steadily and walked the steeper hills to conserve my energy, so managed to thoroughly enjoy the first 22 miles! The weather was perfect, not too warm, with only a couple of very light rain showers and this made going underfoot very good generally, with only one boggy section around Beacon Tarn. The challenging part (as I had been warned) was at around mile 22 when the route dipped down to the shores of Coniston and through a wooded area, as the tree roots made it very tricky going for a couple of miles, on tired legs! Delighted to be out of the woods without tripping, I ran the final 2.5 miles with a fellow runner from Lancaster, which was a massive boost as we had both felt pretty spent, but this gave us both strength to push on for a strong finish!
The organisation of the event was excellent, the course was very well signposted, with frequent and brilliantly stocked food/drink points and marshals were superb. I thoroughly recommend this event hope to be back! I managed to finish in 5:06:32 and was 7th of 66 ladies, which I was delighted with. Fellow Ilkley Harrier Helen Thurston also ran the marathon that day, but unfortunately I didn’t see her, as she opted for the race and finished in a fantastic 4:10:59!
Swansea Half Marathon – Sun 8 Jun 2025
Sun 8 Jun 2025
From Hilda Coulsey…
Overall a very enjoyable and well organised race. The route starts and finishes at the Marina in Swansea. We headed out towards the Mumbles before an about turn to visit the university and through town before heading out by road again along the coast with the lighthouse in view. Another about turn to run back in, this time along the promenade.
I was ambitious with my initial pace, but hey I was wearing an England vest so why not! This went well for 8k. The remaining 13k was steady paced too but 20 odd secs/ k slower, I’d obviously got too over excited at the start. I was pleased to tough it out and so glad to see the finish.
The weather was good, a little hot and breezy but dry. It’s a fairly flat course hence a PB potential assuming the coastline breeze is reasonable. I’d definitely recommend it.
I’d qualified last year at Chester to run in an England vest at a 2025 home international race by coming first F70 and within the required time. However it wasn’t, at that time, confirmed where the race was to be. Swansea was chosen with Wales as the opponents. As is usual the international rivalry is a very small part of the already existing open race. It was interesting seeing so many Welsh club and fun runners, a few out to beat us qualifiers, together with the other England qualifiers from the two other races elsewhere in England plus a combined Armed Forces team. Obviously, whilst the Forces provided very strong competition at the front end of the race, it was non-existent in the F70 category!
Swansea however clashed with our Peter Shields 10k, which I would have loved to run and put a major shift into the volunteering. As Pete first alerted me to these England Masters opportunities and encouraged me to qualify I felt it would be fitting to run in Swansea.
Andrea Simmons, also England, won my category in a time which tops the F70 UK ranking table for this year so far and is also faster than the top F70 half marathon time in 2024. I was delighted to come second, first of the rest, and receive the silver trophy.
1 1:03:13 Omar Ahmed, Birchfield Harriers
21 1:12:13 Natasha Wilson, Micky Morris Racing
1059 1:42:27 Andrea Simmons, Hayle Runners 1st F70
2292 2:02:26 Hilda Coulsey 2nd F70
5730 finished
Pete Shields 10k – Sun 8 Jun 2025
Sun 8 Jun 2025
From Neil Chapman…
Photo credit Peter Shelley
It was only the 2nd year running our 10k in memory of Pete Shields, who was such an important part of our club for many years. So we were hoping to build on last year’s success. It was always going to be a record time for the winner because we changed the route slightly to improve the finish both for runners and spectators. It not only improved the finish for spectating, but also watching the middle of the race as runners started their second lap. Unusual to be able to see the start, middle and end of a 10k by only moving 400m, was an unplanned bonus.
A fantastic run from Nathan Edmondson from Harriers, saw him defend his title from last year, finishing in 30:34, knocking 10 seconds off last year’s time on what could be considered a marginally tougher course. He was chased hard all the way by Christos Tzelis, who improved his time from last year by almost a minute to finish in 32.00, six seconds ahead of Adrian Holliday from Border Harriers.
Ilkley Harriers had four runners in the top 10 finishers with Matt Newell getting back into form finishing in 34:06, and just ahead of Matt was 17 year old Alex Wolfenden running his first ever 10k in a sub 34 time of 33:58. Another young Harrier, Samesh Chotai, had a great race knocking two minutes off last year’s time, finishing in 34:57.
The ladies race was won by former Harrier, Jemima Elgood running for Nidd Valley in 34:42, with Georgia Malir of Leeds City, second in 35:11, and Gemma Bridge of Oxford City, in 35:59. Ilkley’s first lady home was Sally Armitage in 39:24, which also placed her 1st in the FV40 category, with Jane McCarthy also 1st in her FV50 category in 41:34.
In the men’s age categories there were 1st places for Steve Coy finishing in an impressive 37:27 and placing him in 29th place overall, and 1st V80 was Geoff Howard in what to us is a remarkable time of 48:36 and overall 163 out of 360 finishers!
I think it is fair to say we have got the Ilkley 10k on the map, and now what we need to do is get the race entry to the full capacity of 800 runners which I think would be quite a race to see and be part of. I am sure Pete would have been impressed with everyone out there, but I think he would be mightily impressed with the quality and potential of the young runners we have, but not forgetting those excellent age category winners, in particular his good friend Geoff Howard who continues to set the bar for all runners young and old to aspire to.
From Peter Roll…
Nathan Edmondson quite literally ran away with the win this year, 30:34, so 10 seconds quicker than last year & 1 minute 26 seconds ahead of Christos Tzelis who 56 seconds improvement from last year to secure 2nd place. Former Harrier Jemima Elgood took the Women’s trophy with 34:45. Alexander Wolfenden 6th & Matt Newell 7th completed the Ilkley top 10. However there were fabulous performances all through the field.
Sally Armitage 5th Female & 1st FV45,
Jane McCarthy 11th Female & 1st FV50
Jann Smith 1st FV55
Steve Coy 1st MV50,
Richie Williamson 2nd MV50,
Harry Sime 2nd MV60,
Mike Williams 2nd MV65
And that was just the podiums there were amazing performances all through the field from all the Harriers & former Harriers.
Congratulations to all competitors. That said, there was no one who deserves praise more than Neil Chapman.
Who else do you know who can pull off organizing 2 successful races within 2 weeks?
Wharfedale Trail Half Marathon – Sat 7 Jun 2025
Sat 7 Jun 2025
From Nick Hellewell…
There were mixed conditions for this year’s Wharfedale Trail Half Marathon. The rain over the last couple of weeks left the exposed limestone slippery (more about that later), with lots of mud and water throughout the course, especially the final descent . And although the rain was falling as the gun went, it was also too warm to wrap up, so runners were dressed from just vests, to those covered up in full waterproofs!
Jack Cummings returned to defend his title, and have a go at the course record. He achieved the latter, finishing in just under 1h23m. However, Andrew Hayes of Dark Peak went that bit better, and managed around 1h20m, to break the record by even more, and take the win. Still a great 2nd place for Jack, carrying on his run of great results.
Nick Helliwell was the next Ilkley Harrier over the line in 14th position, with a time of 1h47m, as he continues his return from a year of injuries. Rachel Carter was the first lady over the line for the club, in 36th overall, and first in her FV45 age category. Next came Ash Winter, just behind Rachel, who suffered badly with the slippery limestone, falling twice, and reaching the finish line with several injuries, thankfully nothing too serious.
Completing the Ilkley finishers were Jonathan Sinclair, Sam Angus, Steve Ladhams, Derek Oliver, Colm McCann, Peter Roll, Stephen King, Peter Ferguson and Madeleine Morris. And let’s not forget Robert Hamilton, who finished 87th, and first in his MV65 category.
From Peter Roll…
A total of 14 intrepid Harriers set out in drizzly weather to Grassington, fortunately on arrival the conditions improved so we quickly shed our waterproofs before the start.
Anybody who’s done this race will tell you about the unrelenting incline of ‘Mastiles Lane’. This year it didn’t disappoint with the added feature of a head-on wind.
Despite this the Harriers put in a splendid performance. No more so than Jack Cummings coming in 2nd behind Dark Peak’s Andrew Heyes who apparently set the course record.
Nick Helliwell 14th (2nd MV45),
Rachel Carter 36th, (1st FV45) 7th Female overall
Ash Winter 38th (6th MV45)
Jonathan Sinclair 43rd (2nd MV60)
Sam Angus 44th? (9th M Senior)
Steve Ladhams 52nd (3rd MV40)
Derek Oliver 56th (4th MV60)
Colm McCann 58th (12th MV60)
Peter Roll 59th (5th MV60) (personal worst)
Bob Hamilton 87th (1st MV65)
Steve King 90th (11th MV60)
Peter Ferguson 104th (4th MV65)
Madeleine Morris 138th (7th F Senior)
Out of a field of 212 a very respectable outing, accept for me of course.
Otley Chevin Fell Race – Wed 4 Jun 2025
Wed 4 Jun 2025
Photo credit Woodentops
Otley Chevin Fell race winner Nathan Edmondson Ilkley Harriers 17.09 misses Ian Holmes’ 2001 record by 5 seconds.
Ilkley Gazette Report – w/c 2 Jun 2025
Mon 2 Jun 2025
From Jill Ezard and Nicola Budding…
Photo credit Alistair Nash
Podium success and some awe inspiring feats of endurance at home and abroad.
It seems that the spring Bank Holiday put an actual spring in the step of Ilkley Harriers this week with some fantastic performances and achievements. The week’s racing started early, with two younger Harriers heading to Lancashire on Tuesday to take on the Mearley Clough Fell race in the Pendle hills: At 3.5miles and 1247 ft of climb this is a tough challenge. Oscar Shinn was the first Harrier over the line in a fantastic fourth place and first U23 in 35:22, with George Whittlestone finishing in 41:38 and sixth U23.
Hot on the heels of his success at the Ilkley Trail race, Jack Cummings lined up for the Apperley Bridge Canter on Thursday evening. This challenging, multi-terrain 10(ish)k starts and finishes at Woodhouse Grove School and winds through scenic trails and backroads of Apperley Bridge and Horsforth. Jack put in a dominant performance to take the win in 35:06, over three minutes ahead of the second place finisher. David Singleton and Matt Snow were the next Harriers over the line in 51:18 and 52:35 respectively. Louise Nash had a superb run crossing the line in just under the hour in 59:29, taking third place in her age category.
Meanwhile in Switzerland, Jack Wood was taking part in the Auffahrtslauf St Gallen half Marathon, a series of runs to mark Ascension Day. The route starts and finishes at the largest football stadium in Eastern Switzerland – the St. Gallen Stadium, taking participants on a tour of the city and back. Jack well and truly flew the red and green flag for Harriers taking the win in a blistering 1:13:58.
And even further afield on Thursday, Harrier Dr Shaunna Burke took on an inspiring challenge: the Tenzing Hillary Everest marathon, the highest marathon in the world. Starting from Everest Base Camp at 5356m above sea level where participants camp before the race to acclimatise, the race ends at Namche Bazar, at 3440m. Although the race is mostly downhill, it is not for the faint-hearted with technical trails requiring cautious descending! Shaunna, who had previously climbed Everest 20 years ago, was taking on the challenge to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support having been diagnosed with incurable cancer last year. She completed the race in 20th place in a breathtaking time of 7:41:38m, the fourth non-Nepali woman to cross the line.
And the long distance successes didn’t stop there. On Saturday, Petra Bijsterveld set out on the Hardmoors 110 mile race: Starting on the coast in Filey, participants have only 36 hours to complete the race, following the Cleveland Heritage coastline visiting Scarborough, Robin Hood’s Bay, Dracula’s Whitby, Staithes, Runswick Bay and Saltburn, before passing through the Cleveland Hills and across the North York Moors to finish in Helmsley. Petra, continuing her run of form on these events, completed well within the cut off time in 34:26:21, one of only 12 women to complete the challenge.
At the OMM Lite Mountain Marathon in Grasmere, four Harriers took on the two day navigational challenge in less than ideal, claggy conditions. Participants can choose from one or two day events, long course and short courses, and run as solos or in pairs. In each case there are checkpoints placed around the course that, having been given a map only at the start line and with no planning time, participants have to find as many as possible to accumulate points, making sure to be back at the start within the cut off time. With an odd choice for birthday celebrations, Jann Smith and Jane McCarthy entered as a team in the two day long course. After a navigational glitch on day one and a resultant time penalty, day two proved much more successful seeing the pair coming 19th overall and taking third vets place! Meanwhile, John and Sarah Hayes entered the two day short course route, with John finishing 15th overall and sixth vet and Sarah and her team mate finishing as 46th vets.
In contrast, in an event taking, hopefully, far less navigational skill, Alistair Nash spent 12 hours running round a 400m race track in Manchester to see how many loops he could do! Clearly with less views to distract him, Ali had a fantastic run completing 261 laps, or 104.4km/64.9miles, taking fourth place overall.
And back to events that more of us could conceive of entering, on Sunday four Senior and twelve Junior Harriers took to the fells in the latest race on the BOFRA calendar at Kettlewell. The seniors route sounds innocuous at only 1.4miles but with 600ft of climb and a narrow gully to get through this is no easy run out. Sam Bentham continued to show his skill on the fells taking first place overall and first MU23 in 11:43, with Gawain Moore coming in 17th in 14:27 and taking third place in his age category. Iain Gibbons was second in his age category in 15:01 and George Whittlestone completed the race in 16:00. Tackling races of different lengths for each age category the juniors had some great runs: In the U9s, Archie Hallworth was fourth and Martha Prior eighth; U12s, Michael Moore took to the podium in third with Isobel Moore in eighth, and Lottie and Esme Prior in 18th and 29th respectively; U14s, Max Brett was seventh with Robert Brooks eighth; and in the U17s, Joseph Bentham was on the podium in third with Oscar Shinn in fourth. Well done to all the juniors that represented the club.
Finally for the race calendar, in a route with decidedly less hills, four Harriers took on the Epilepsy Action Bradford 10k also on Sunday. The route this year was the flattest to date and took runners through the beautiful new pedestrianised streets of Bradford City Centre, out and back on Canal Road to finish at City Hall. In another case of “I’ll have what he’s having”, Jack Cummings topped his already stellar week with not only the win but a new course record of 30:47! Rob and Carole Cunningham were next over the line in 40:11 and 59:25 respectively with Carole comfortably in the top ten for her age category. Amanda Newham also had a great run completing the race in 1:05:59. Well done to all!
Our parkrunners were out in force with over 40 taking part in one of the weekly times 5k events this weekend. Notable personal achievements include: Superb age gradings for Geoff Howard, Alison Bennett (both 85.69%), Mark Hall (88.87%), and Hilda Coulsey (81.81%); and first three finishes for Claire McLoughlin, James Lee, James Horrex, Steve Coy, and Samesh Chotai. A great turnout for these fun and free events which are open to everyone.
England selection news
Sun 1 Jun 2025
From Hilda Coulsey…
Next month sees the return of the Snowdon International Mountain Race (19 July) and the England team are ready and raring to go!
The Snowdon Mountain race is one of the most popular races in the calendar, as well as being one of the toughest, as it tests your speed, climbing and descending skills to the limit.
The selected athletes make up a very competitive team with a mix of experience and athletes making their England debuts.
Nathan Edmondson (Ilkley Harriers AC): Nathan has raced Snowdon twice before finishing in a fantastic 3rd in 2022. He has also run sub 30 mins for 10km and ran 2hr 21mins at the London Marathon this year. Nathan was 6th at the Inter Counties selection race.
Lawrence McCourt, who has previously been an Ilkley Harrier and is currently running for Morpeth AC, has also been selected.
Read more here
Hardmoors 110 – Sat 31 May/Sun 1 Jun 2025
Sun 1 Jun 2025
From Petra Bijsterveld…
Photo credit Jenny Noakes
The adjective ‘iconic’ can be overused. But I think the Hardmoors 110 (miles) race probably deserves this title. With 2025 staging its 18th edition, it started in 2008 as a small race with just 17 finishers. Ultra running was still very much a niche pursuit within the running community. As for me, I had only just taken up running then (I started in October 2007) and was immensely pleased to be able to run without stopping from Burley to Menston and back!
Since those early days Hardmoors has grown as a race organiser and now offers races across various distances from 15 all the way up to 200 miles, but the 110 probably remains its flagship race. Covering the entire Cleveland Way National Trail, starting in Filey, it heads north up the coast all the way to Saltburn, passing through Scarborough, Robin Hood’s Bay, Ravenscar, Whitby, Runswick Bay and Staithes. At Saltburn the trail turns inland past Guisborough to Roseberry Topping, passing Kildale, Bloworth Crossing and the Three Sisters before turning south at Osmotherley all the way down the western edge of the moors to Sutton Bank and the White Horse. From there it heads east to the finish in Helmsley.
Not only do runners have to cover 110 miles, but there is also around 6000m (19,000ft) of elevation to deal with. Though my Strava eventually settled on 5000m. Anyway, it’s a lot. You have to complete the run inside 36 hours and there also are cut-offs along the way at several of the checkpoints.
Many runners are crewed and have family or friends supporting them in between the official checkpoints with food, drink and suitable encouragement. You are also allowed a support runner from Sandsend (36 miles) onwards. I chose to run unsupported, there are enough checkpoints along the route to be sure of always having enough water, we also were allowed 3 dropbags so I did not have to carry all my fuel from the start, as that would have been too much. Unsupported runners also had to pack a few more warm layers in their compulsory kit, and had to provide evidence of previous ultra experience. Even though I had no crew myself, it was lovely to receive encouragement as well as offers of supplies along the way from people who were supporting other runners. I also knew quite a few runners, especially from Punk Panther events, as there is quite a big overlap between PP and Hardmoors. As is my habit I largely ran on my own, but had lots of nice chats with people along the way.
I had estimated it would take me between 32 and 34 hours, in the end I finished in 34 hours and 26 minutes. I did find the race harder than I had imagined. Cut-offs were constantly on my mind and I had to keep motoring on fairly relentlessly. It was warm and humid on Saturday which made for extra hard work. Later in the race I suffered quite a bit with dizziness and then with two nasty blisters, one under each ball of my feet. Having never really suffered with blisters I have now had them two races in a row this year so perhaps I need to change something in my approach. Though I believe the rock hard ground has a lot to answer for.
I reached the finish in Helmsley on Sunday late afternoon after 34 hours and 26 minutes, which is more or less what I had expected, maybe a tad slower than what I had hoped. I was also pretty broken. I had planned to just have a snooze for a few hours in my car before driving home, but instead I had to book myself into a hotel. Considering the attrition rate I am very pleased that I finished, and well within the cut-off too. In the 110 mile race there were 19 female runners of whom 12 finished, and 89 male runners of whom 52 finished. A total of 44 DNFs out of 108 runners (40%). I am pleased to add that all three F60s finished (I was second). All power to older women!
There was a 160 mile race too (they started on Friday evening) with 26 runners and a DNF rate of 60%, though brilliantly all three women in that race finished.
When I feel a bit more recovered there will no doubt be a lengthy account of this adventure in my blog. If you like that kind of detail: stay tuned!
1 21:53:40 Lewis Wardale
4 26:51:53 Alice Kershaw 1st F
48 34:26:21 Petra Bijsterveld
64 finished
OMM Lite Grasmere – Sat 31 May/Sun 1 Jun 2025
Sun 1 Jun 2025
From John Hayes…
At some point, Jane McCarthy and Jann Smith must have decided there was no better way to celebrate their birthdays than team up and enter this fabulous two-day mountain marathon. They were rewarded with a prize for 3rd vets and came in as 4th fastest females and 19th overall in the Long Score event Not to be left out, Paul Carman came along to the Lakes too and got up at 3am to support a 20 mile leg of the Joss Naylor Challenge. He arrived back on Saturday morning at about the same time as Sarah and I were heading out to do day one of the Short Score course. Sarah teamed up and walked round with her sister and it was lovely that various other members of her family entered too. I ran solo. Now, there are mixed opinions about that race strategy. Some people think that it is beneficial to run as a team, bouncing route choice ideas off each other and correcting the other’s navigational errors. The counter view is there is no one to debate with and if you make a navigational error, no one will ever know (unless they obsessively scrutinise your Strava trace). Anyway, I enjoyed my solitude and came in 15th overall, 8th male and 6th vet. This meant I didn’t make it onto the podium like Jane and Jann. But I made up for this by eating large quantities of their birthday cakes.