Ilkley Harriers news archive 2021
Kilnsey Show – Tue 31st Aug
Mon 30 Aug 2021
From Rachel Carter…
In the absence of any women in age categories beyond mine, or men aged 60 years or over taking part, I was set off first in this handicapped ‘Metric Mile’ (1500m) race – involving 3 and a bit laps set out on a Dales field opposite Kilnsey Crag – think dry cross country (some wore spikes) with longish grass! The handicaps were set based on 1500m Track World Rankings/Records so I didn’t hold too much hope even without tired and sore legs from Ilkley Skyline the day before. 15 of us took on this challenge in the main arena of Kilnsey showground with a good number of people watching – the queues to get there were back to Skipton! I held onto ‘the lead’ for at least half a lap before being overtaken. Unofficial results show I finished 10th, with U20 Yorkshire 1500m champion Alex Thompson of Wharfedale taking first place! I was happy to have taken part and also rather relieved to be excused from the renowned Crag race (1 mile, 350′) due to childcare when I saw the infamous chimney scree descent route. It was an inspiring spectacle to watch though and the women’s record was broken by Ailish Graham of Wharfedale.
Ilkley Skyline – Mon 30th Aug
Sun 29 Aug 2021
From Rachel Carter…
When I saw that Peter had recced part of the Skyline route in July I commented on Strava that I would be interested in running it too if that was his intention as I knew it would be good training for the 3 Peaks in October. August BH weekend was pencilled in and Monday confirmed just a day or two beforehand. The weather looked ok (i.e. not too warm), stepping stones clear and I would have a whole day of resting my legs on the Saturday for the occasion while on the car journey back from our holiday in Scotland. I knew parts of the route (track to shooting hut, 12 Apostles to Buck stones and the hill up to Beamsley etc.) but hadn’t undertaken any recces as such.
All in all we had a good run – reasonable underfoot except for a few bog-jumping sections on the far moor, only young timid cows to negotiate a couple of times and not too much long wet grass. We lacked any ‘Skyline Views’ in the rain but managed to get round in one piece and quicker than Peter had predicted in 3h 31min 34s. Thinking about it after I realised it is only the third time I have ever run over 20 miles…so that must be why my legs ache so much!
Nendaz Trail ‘Petit Parcours’ – Sat 28th Aug
Sat 28 Aug 2021
From Petra Bijsterveld…
Haute-Nendaz is a village and ski resort in Valais in the mountains above Sion (Switzerland) and the Nendaz Trail event is held every year on the last Saturday in August. A very low key and small event compared to the UTMB which is held at the same time not so far away, it is very easy to enter and attracts mainly Swiss runners, with a few French, Belgian and Dutch in the mix. There are 3 distances to choose from, 16k (not worth getting out of bed for really), 30k or 70k (way too long for me). I had done the 30k in 2019 and was delighted to be able to return and tackle it again. Two matters could definitely have derailed my plans: the uncertainties around travel to the Continent during the pandemic, and injury. I managed to strain my calf in early June and was only able to resume a tentative run/walk regime from the second half of July, which left precious little time to do any kind of distance or hill training. The last few weeks could best be described as an ‘inverse taper’, with a lot of caution not to get injured again. The furthest I had managed to run in preparation was 13 miles.
The 30k ‘Petit Parcours’ starts at an altitude of 1350m. It is cold when I arrive in Nendaz early in the morning and I think I can almost feel frost tingle my fingers when I pick up my number and have my kit checked. But the sun rises over the mountains and soon the air warms up and it becomes a beautiful day, warm but never too hot. We set off at 08:30. Having climbed (by car) the hairpins out of the valley bottom it is hard to believe there is so much more ‘up’ possible, but the first 8k are spent climbing to the highest point in this race, Le Basso d’Alou at 2337m, to be rewarded with stunning views of the mountains all around. The descent is technical for a long stretch which is very much my weak point and this is where I have to let quite a few runners go past, they fly by like mountain goats. It is frustrating, running in mountain terrain when you are the world’s worst descender, but it doesn’t stop me entering these events. Leaving the rocks behind we reach a nice easy downhill track where I make decent progress and stop briefly for refreshments at the Sivier checkpoint at 1730m. We descend another 200m after the checkpoint to then start the second major climb which goes from 1530m to 2100m over 3k. When you are doing a 35min/mile you know it’s steep! Even though I have done the race before I can hardly believe how long this climb goes on for and I am also worried about my calves in case another injury strikes. Still, my ascending is fairly strong relative to my overall running ability, and I overtake quite a few people and fall into step behind a man maintaining a suitable pace for me and it all feels very zen going up in silence on pine needle strewn hairpin paths in the forest. Luckily for me the descent is on a wonderful track and I can maintain the advantage I have built up. I am only overtaken by a couple of the lead runners on the 70k. Back to Sivier for more coke, bouillon, cheesy biscuits and bananas (perfect!) and then after a short slog uphill it is back towards Nendaz along ‘les bisses’ for about 5k. These are artificial water channels for irrigation that are carved into the mountainsides with paths alongside, pretty much following the contour lines of the mountain. Fairly runnable, but the endless rocks and tree roots still require caution especially with my clumsy feet. Here I have company from a nice Swiss young woman and we take it in turns to do the ‘no after you, you really are faster than I am’ dance, but then in French. The last 3k are downhill again, a combination of road/track and a few more tricky (for me) descents through the woods. My Swiss companion and I keep switching positions as I have the better pace on the road, but she definitely wins the battle with the tree roots. The final few hundred meters are steeply down the grass and some stairs and I run for my life towards the finish arch as I have a PB to get, even though I failed to beat the 6 hour mark which had briefly seemed to be in my grasp. I hear my name over the tannoy as I cross the line and ‘néerlandaise’ which somehow pleases me no end. I bump elbows with my Swiss running companion who beat me to the finish line by about 30 seconds, and I sit on the grass, drink more coke with lemon and salt(!) and chat with a Dutch woman whom I had met earlier on the trail and we exchange Strava details. I was delighted to have taken 7 minutes off my previous time, but most of all it was a grand day out in glorious Swiss sunshine, surrounded by lots of lovely fellow runners and supported by friendly volunteers.
1 2:50:53 Bastien Quinodoz
187 6:04:20 Petra Bijsterveld
211 finished
UTMB – Sat/Sun 28/29th Aug
Fri 27 Aug 2021
From Andrew Merrick…
After my marathon work was done in 2015, a friend called me around Christmas time and asked me if I would be up for doing a race called Lakes in a Day in Autumn 2016. In a moment of weakness, I said yes – the same thing had happened with my first marathon in 2001, I must remember next time I get one of those Christmas calls…
So that set me on the path that culminated last weekend; after multiple qualifying races and many attempts in the ballot, I finally got a place in UTMB 2020, which was then delayed to this year.
The feel of UTMB is much more like a big city marathon than a more normal ultra, with a full expo in the centre of Chamonix, and a holding pen (large sunny field) where we were asked to assemble about 90 mins before our respective starts (there were three this year – 5, 5:30 and 6pm rather than the traditional 6pm on a Friday evening). As I sat in the field I reflected on the contrast between this and my previous ultra where we had set off as a pair from next to the organiser’s car on a soggy Saltaire street.
UTMB has a reputation for being very strict on kit checks, typically registration requiring all items to be checked. This year, for obvious reasons, there was no formal kit check at that stage but we were told that there would be checks during the race, and in fact some were undertaken in the holding pen. The additional cold weather kit (no open toed shoes (!), a third layer and some sunglasses) had been invoked the day before, and we had a mild panic on the Friday morning when we realised that the sunglasses had to be reactolite style so they were clear at night. This was creatively solved by the acquisition of the lightest, clearest swimming goggles we could find as a further addition to an already bulging pack.
Notwithstanding these covid times, as is traditional, the streets were lined on both sides with cheering well wishers as we headed out of Chamonix and it was nice to finally get going. My ultra friends Rob and Laura were also in the race, with Laura in the 5pm start, myself in the middle and Rob bringing up the rear.
Rather out of character with the rest of the run, the first 5 miles are pleasantly flat, so the challenge is not to get too giddy…… I had a number of people ask me what my race plan was… I had concluded that largely I would work the uphills, be careful/steady on the downs (to avoid any race-ending damage), and refuel sensibly. I was also working on the basis that there were 10 hills, 4 of which (including the longest) being before the halfway point at Courmayeur.
All largely went to plan for the first half, although Morgan Williams was right to warn me about the climb up to and rocky run down from the col des pyramides calcaires, which culminated in a very cold check point in the bottom of the valley, where I hooked up with Rob, after he had overtaken me on the climb up. So I had company on the section up and over into Courmayeur which was largely very pleasant with lovely views, other than the dust bowl of a descent into Courmayeur Sports Centre, and some frustrating minutes spent waiting for my drop bag to be found… After a breakfast of pasta, a change of socks, and the application of a compeed (which stuck very well, despite my dusty and soggy feet, but as I subsequently discovered largely to my sock!), Rob and I were on our way again…
The climb up and out of Courmayeur was very tough – a steep zigzagging trail through the trees which appeared to go on forever, finally ending at the next checkpoint only 5k later at Refuge Bertone. After a refuelling stop there (generally refuelling at this stage was a combination of (largely clear) soup, a coffee and half a banana), I found that my ability to move uphill had deserted me. I shouted to Rob who was already disappearing into the distance that I was pretty convinced my race was over, but he persuaded me to crest the small climb and carry on since it was largely downhill from there to the next CP. I found I was still able to move ok on the flat and not-too-steep downs so we continued on until the Refugio Bonatti, the small climb up to which did for me again. I told Rob that I was going to stop there and encouraged him to carry on with our new trail friend Sidney (“I am trying not to fall over since I had my appendix out four weeks ago”). At this point I was sure there was no way I would be able to finish. I had done four of the ten climbs, with the toughest next and I couldn’t really move uphill. I decided to take a half an hour break in the sunshine on a bench outside the refugio to try to sort myself out… I looked at the UTMB wrist tag, which someone had told me gets cut off if you DNF, I looked at the pink socks I had changed into in support of a good running friend of mine … and I thought about what her approach would be. I decided I needed to find a way to move at my (very slow) uphill pace, and not be deflected by the speed of others. I also consciously put my cap on, so I would focus on the ten yards ahead rather than look further up any hill I was on. After 25 minutes I was back underway, the rest having helped too; I found my way down to the CP at Arnouvaz and after a short refuel I was on the climb up to Grand Col Ferret at just over 2500m. I found a slow person to follow for the first steepest section of the climb and the plan appeared to be working, and eventually I hit the very windy summit before a long but steady descent into La Fouly and the world was a happier place….. I passed Sidney at this point and was reunited with Rob at the CP, although he was then having his own challenges. We agreed I would crack on in daylight on the 9 mile leg to Champex, which I just about managed without a head torch.
The next two legs I had run previously when out in the Alps, but had completely forgotten just how steep they were, so they both were a real slow struggle through our second night. Rob had happily caught me up for the second one, and was very patient as I set the (snail’s) pace up and over before the long descent into Vallorcine. Both this and the previous leg vie for the title of the most contrived route to the checkpoint, with both having a range of difficult-to-run gnarly switchbacks which then still ended some way from the respective CP. But once we were in Vallorcine we had only one leg left most of which would be in daylight again. I had also been more prepared for the second night hallucinations this time and ignored the rocks pretending to be in the shape of Punch (as in Judy) and a battered van, and the runner dancing back towards me…
It was very chilly alongside the river as we set off (after more soup and coffee) for the final climb up to tete aux vents and on to Flegere before the drop down to the finish, but we soon warmed up on the climb, happily not as steep as the path I was expecting nor was there a drop and climb between tete aux vents and Flegere that Rob was expecting. I celebrated slightly prematurely with a glass of coke and a cookie at the final stop at Flegere, this time more successfully than my previous request (in my best French) for a coke with little fizz – on that occasion, I was proudly provided with a coke topped up with a little fizzy water…..
I am sure I reconfirmed with the still very patient Rob multiple times whether we just had to get down to Chamonix from there… After a few more gnarly tree rooty, stoney switch backs which I was not going to run down, we got onto the track down to Chamonix. I think I was rather too tired to completely enjoy the fantastic reception that awaited us, more spectator lined streets, as we finally finished, in my case just under 42 hours later…
A gruelling experience with some epic views and climbs – there were times when I thought 36 hours might be possible, others when I didn’t think I would make it at all – ultimately the challenge was to finish! I don’t plan to do it again, but I am very happy to have done it once!
parkruns – Sat 28th Aug
Fri 27 Aug 2021
From Jonathan Turner…
A busy day on the parkrun front on Saturday saw two particularly notable displays.
Nick Kealey bagged his maiden first-place finish at Myrtle in 18:50 while Geoffrey Howard topped the age-grading charts from nearly 400 runners at Fountains Abbey, with his time of 22:05 earning a stunning figure of 89.06% for the MV75-79 band.
And I was lucky enough to take part in the first-ever Chevin Forest parkrun above Otley. A soft launch, which deliberately wasn’t publicised, saw just over 100 runners take part at an event that has been 11 years in the making.
The organisation was superb and very welcoming. It’s definitely not a PB contender as you’re faced with two up-and-down loops entirely on trails, but sunshine and blue skies meant it was far less testing than it could have been.
It’s great to now have a parkrun on our doorstep – if you’re going to give it a try and have to drive then allow a bit of extra time as the start is at least a 10-minute warm-up jog from the suggested car park at Surprise View.
Consolidated club results here
Portrush 5 miles – Fri 27th Aug
Thu 26 Aug 2021
From Hilda Coulsey…
I signed up for this race on holiday planning to enjoy a lovely seaside evening on the Friday and I would volunteer for the beach parkrun on Saturday morning. It was a super evening and we came to the finish as the sun was low, setting over the sea, a beautiful scene.
I tend to imagine that the course along the coast would be flat, out towards Portstewart and back to the promenade in Portrush. However when the course description says starting at the prom then up Blackrock hill, a bit more up then some down and more up, finally down and back I knew I was in for a bit more of a challenge as if 8k isn’t challenge enough, basically trying to maintain 5k pace for longer! (exaggeration, I know, as this is UTMB week, the Yorkshireman etc etc). Lots of local running club members were taking part and the atmosphere before and afterwards was chatty and friendly.
I was happy with the result, a new pb/IH record and I can look forward to volunteering at the parkrun on Saturday.
Results: Here
(1 Ricky Johnson, Jog Lisburn Running Club, 26:35)
79 Hilda Coulsey 40:40
155 ran
Brighouse Humpday 10k – Wed 25th Aug
Tue 24 Aug 2021
From Sally Armitage…
I trundled over to Brighouse to take part in the final week of a 3 part 10k road race series that Run Able have been holding throughout August. It was a super-small field of only 38 runners, the course was mostly flat with a return along the canal. As expected, the field became really spread out very quickly and I was grateful to be able to keep the gentleman in front of me just within sight or, with no marshals on course and only the occasional arrow on trees/lampposts, I would’ve absolutely gone the wrong way!
Results: Here
(1 Joshua Mitchell, unattached, 34:32)
6 Sally Armitage 40:56 (1st lady)
38 ran
Piethorne 10k Trail Race – Sun 22nd Aug
Sat 21 Aug 2021
From Jim Ryder…
My last hilly race was the Ilkley Moor Fell Race 2020 just before lockdown. So it was nice to pull on the red and green vest once again at the Piethorne Trail Race over near Rochdale. A varied 6.4mile, 890ft elevation, route with trails alongside reservoirs, bridleways and a few sharp climbs up and over. I was 17th in a field of 119 and 2nd V55. A friendly race very well organised.
Results: Here
(1. Andrew Worster, Calder Valley Fell Runners, 38:06)
17 Jim Ryder 48:18 (2nd MV55)
119 finished
parkruns – Sat 21st Aug
Fri 20 Aug 2021
Horton Park – from Dawn Turner…
After an 18 month hiatus it was great to get back to a parkrun and where better to return than to the scene of our last one – Horton Park, Bradford.
This park holds special memories for me, not only was it a frequent childhood playing haunt but the site of my primary school is literally a cricket 6 over the perimeter hedge. Happy days.
After reacquainting ourselves with the hill on the warm up – was it always this steep? – I sought a suitable position in the starting lineup and at 9am prompt we were off. The 5km run comprises three laps of the very attractive park and on the final descent I was lapped by the race winner!
At the finish funnel JT was waiting for me, he’d crossed the line in third, with the runner a place ahead of him the wonderfully-named Mohamed Farah. I was 21st and was very chuffed to finish first in my age category.
Upton House – from Adrian Hall…
Taking advantage of a local parkrun in Poole, Dorset whilst visiting family, we ran this enjoyable 5km trail route.
Emma, who is a member of the JIH, running in Sally Westlake’s Wednesday group, was second JW10 in 29 minutes and 21 seconds.
Other parkruns…
Well done to Catherine Gibbons who was the first lady at Richmond and also to Geoff Howard, who topped the age-grade standings at Skipton.
Consolidated club results here
Leeds Dock Relay – Thu 19th Aug
Wed 18 Aug 2021
From Dan McKeown…
We had a renegade quartet of Harriers at the Leeds Dock Relay on Thursday evening – a highly furtive event that I stumbled across while I was doom-scrolling through Twitter. Teams of up to four aiming to complete as many 0.9-mile laps of the dock as possible within a one-hour time limit. I came up with the team name ‘Scrooge McDock’ and emailed the organiser to grab a berth.
Alongside my usual running buddies Danny Thompson and Lawrence McCourt, a recruitment plea on a long-since archived Fell Relays Facebook chat turned up some guy called Jack Wood, so we had a fearsome foursome and were ready to hit the docks.
The format: the course was a pavement-pounding slog round the docks with a quick scuttle across some cobbles at one point; there was a kind-of socially distanced changeover and each runner had to collect a token at the end of their lap to stick in their team’s envelope. Any team out on course at the end of the hour would be allowed to complete that lap, and the fullest envelope would determine the victor. It sounds like a faff, but it worked fairly well.
Roundhay Runners had clearly got the memo about the event as they showed up with 15 teams. Alas for the blue wall, it was to no avail – a lung-bursting fourth lap from Jack Wood (whoever he is) allowed Lawrence to get away for his own fourth lap – our 14th in total – just before the hour expired.
This was enough to secure us a famous victory and possibly our own likeness in the shape of a waterfront statue in days to come (TBC – the organisers haven’t got back to me about that one yet). Roundhay’s ‘A’ team had to settle for an unfortunate 13 laps, while there was a six-way tie of teams on 12 laps for third place, making for a somewhat crowded podium.
The event was organised by Run Leeds as part of the Leeds Waterfront Festival, which is on until the end of the month, so if anyone’s looking for something to do with the kids / in-laws there are events like canoeing and (checks website) er, Tudor jousting. (More on https://leedswf.co.uk/)
There don’t appear to be any results posted up online and I wouldn’t be surprised if none were forthcoming. The main thing is, we have our victory medals, plus we got the upstairs decking at the Brewery Tap all to ourselves, so I’m chalking that up as another win.
Result:
1. Scrooge McDock (14 laps)
Jack Wood (4 laps)
Lawrence McCourt (4 laps)
Dan McKeown (3 laps)
Danny Thompson (3 laps)
Dales Way Ultra – Sat/Sun 14th/15th Aug
Sat 14 Aug 2021
From Jane McCarthy…
Tackling the iconic Dales Way in one go has always been on my bucket list, so when Punk Panther Events announced they were running it again in 2021 (after the fiftieth anniversary and first edition ultramarathon ran in 2019) I signed up. The aim was always to finish it and enjoy it – both achieved, although I couldn’t say I enjoyed ALL of it.
The Dales Way Challenge is run North to South, finishing in our lovely home town after an official 81 miles. With checkpoints a little way off the trail and a few minor wrong turns it turned in to 84 miles. The 1,570m of climbing is far gentler than the 3,770m on the alternative Dales High Way, yet the number of stiles and gates to negotiate is massively more. I couldn’t find an answer when I googled it but I reckon there must be about 200! This made sections that are fairly flat and runnable quite a lot slower and more stop-start than I was expecting.
Luckily, there was amazing company all along the route. I was running with a friend from another local running club, and we grouped up with about six other runners early on to hear some amazing tales from the ultra-running world, which was pretty intimidating, yet everyone was so friendly, supportive, encouraging, positive, and happy!
The checkpoints are positioned every 10 miles which breaks the route down nicely and again runners are met with enthusiasm, cheers and kindness to get you motivated, re-fuelled and on to the next section with a smile. We were lucky to have Andrew Merrick kindly supporting in the early stages, making such a difference on a long event. Entering Wharfedale above Buckden (mile 50’ish) felt like a watershed moment (our home valley!) and had the added bonus of fellow Harriers Jean S, Becky White and Gail Welsh cheering us on.
As night fell, the head torches were on and our heads were down for a slog back home. This is where the hole in the enjoyment experience came. The stiles loomed every few hundred metres, the ground felt hard, there were a few too many cows nearby, the beautiful Wharfedale views were reduced to our 2 metre head torch beam…… which is the point in a race/event that I always tell myself “If it was easy, everyone would be doing it…” So Rebecca and I cracked on and got ourselves back to Ilkley, clocking in at 4am. This is a tough event, 27 finished out of 38 starters. There was mention at the end by one of the PP team that it may also be run as a relay event next year, which would be an excellent way to encourage more people to enjoy this iconic trail.
Results: Here
(1 Greg Judges 17hrs 07mins)
10= Rebecca Cesar de Sa and Jane McCarthy 19hrs 28mins (2nd= female)
27 finished
Eldwick Gala Fell Race – Sat 14th Aug
Fri 13 Aug 2021
From Richard Joel…
Nice to see the return of a village gala! Four Harriers ran in today’s Eldwick Gala fell race, organised by Bingley Harriers. This 3-mile route takes you to the trig on Baildon Moor and back, involving 550 feet of climbing. Conditions were fine and not too hot with a bit of a breeze at the top.
Well done to Jack for coming second overall, Fay for second Senior Lady and Alison for first LV50.
Results: Here
(1. Joe Baxter, Pudsey & Bramley AC, 16:49)
2. Jack Cummings 17:10
32. Richard Joel 22:25
44. Fay Walsh 23:28
66. Alison Weston 26:35 (1st LV50)
96 finished
Littondale Fell & Road Races – Sat 14th Aug
Fri 13 Aug 2021
From Jonathan Turner…
My first experience of the Arncliffe Gala races and hopefully the first of many. It’s a very friendly and well-organised day, with tea and cakes on the picturesque village green and a brass band playing. Lots of junior Harriers took part in the various sports and races, with Samuel Bentham winning the U17 event while Poppy Anderson was first WJun in the four-mile road race which preceded the main event. What are thought to be record turnouts of 130 seniors and 128 juniors took part in the fell races, with Ted Mason of Wharfedale Harriers claiming his first BOFRA championship win of the season in a time of 10.34 for the 2.4km route and Iain Gibbons leading us home in 13:12. It was nice to meet him as well as David and Matt – and the less said about my shambolic descending back to the village the better!
Results: Here
Fell Race
(1. Ted Mason, Wharfedale Harriers, 10:34)
23. Iain Gibbons 13:12
43. Jonathan Turner 15:01
52. David Singleton 15:54
65. Matthew Snow 16:51
130 finished
Road Race
(1. Joe Monk, Preston Harriers, 20:06)
13. Jonathan Turner 24:17 (1st MV50)
36. Poppy Anderson 28:33 (1st WJun)
104 finished
Kings Challenge – Thu 12th Aug
Wed 11 Aug 2021
From Bob Hamilton…
It’s reassuring to find fell races now being held in their usual slots on the calendar. This was the seventh running of the Kings Challenge and just my second, the race having fallen below my radar until 2018. The only change was an adjustment to the previous start on the road opposite the Kings Arms (from which the race takes its name) to a more sensible one in the park opposite. There is something very appealing about races that begin in a village and run to the top of the nearest hill, in this case, the trig point on Addingham High Moor.
The great thing about an out and back course is that it puts you closely in touch with the race, able to see who is leading, who your targets might be, and who might be targeting you. I was able to witness Ian Holmes fly past near the front of the race (he ultimately finished 2nd, which at 56 years of age is nothing short of astonishing and making me very happy that we move into different vet categories at almost the same time!). Soon after the turn, I was able to see that two fellow Harrier vests were hot on my heels, spurring me on to a faster descent than I might otherwise have taken. I’ve always found that there’s nothing quite like the rivalry inspired by seeing a club vest in front of you! I managed to hold Paul and Duncan off until the last quarter of a mile where I failed to discover a response to their sprint finish that I don’t think I’ve ever managed to find. We all helped each other push ourselves a little more than we otherwise might have done, which is a big part of the fun of running for a club.
Congratulations to Fay Walsh as first woman home and also Alison Weston as the first LV50.
Results: Here
(1. Paul Pruzina, Pudsey & Bramley AC, 42.00)
30. Fay Walsh 54.33 (1st lady)
35. Duncan Cooper 56.26
37. Paul Disney 56.32
38. Bob Hamilton 56.35
61. Alison Weston 1.03.18 (1st LV50)
91 finished
Round Hill Fell Race – Sun 8th Aug
Sat 7 Aug 2021
[Photo courtesy of Steve Davey]
From Matt Cox… I made the short trip up to Timble for the Round Hill Fell Race, along with three other Harriers. It’s been a while since I have run this race (2008 & 2009), so I thought I’d have another crack at it given it’s so local. The course was what you may call “moist” after several heavy downpours in the days preceding the race, and on the morning itself just before the start. Once the gun went however, the sun was out and it really was a great run along to Lippersley Pike, Round Hill and then down towards March Ghyll Reservoir. The stream crossings that had been a mere trickle on my recce the week before had become much deeper, as Sam Green from Wharfedale who was just in front of me as we made the first crossing found out and took a full Tom Daley style dive head first into it. No harm done thankfully! After a slight battle with Sam, I held on for 3rd overall and 1st MV40, just sneaking under the hour. Fay Walsh also had a great run to finish 5th lady.
Overall a cracking little race, and one I’d recommend to anyone wanting to try a fell race without worrying about navigation as the course was well flagged, marked and marshalled.
From Colin Williams…On Sunday the Round Hill Fell Race took place, the numbers of runners was down on the last time it was run and only four Ilkley Harriers took part.
The forecast was for showers and the heavens opened 15 minutes before the start but luckily the shower passed and the race was more or less rain-free, but the overnight rain made the course very wet underfoot.
The star of the Ilkley Harriers was Matt Cox, who came third overall and also was the fastest MV40 in a time of 59:54.
Results: Here
(1. Gary Priestley, Salford Harriers, 57:21)
3 Matt Cox 59:54 (1st MV40)
36 Colin Williams 1:13:30
40 Fay Walsh 1:16:10
46 Paul Disney 1:17:35
97 finished
Harriers AGM – 21st Sept 8.30pm (on Zoom)
Sun 1 Aug 2021
As is required in our Club Constitution we must hold an AGM after the end of our financial year, end August. This year our AGM is remote via Zoom on the 21st September 2021.
We must have an AGM with a quorum of members and the committee would appreciate if you could join to hear what the committee and others in the club have undertaken on your behalf, to question us and to input your ideas as well as get to see fellow members.
It would therefore be appreciated if as many of you who can join do so.
The details (including meeting ID / passcode) are all on the agenda (via this link) and you should also have received that and the minutes from last year’s meeting via email. Over the next few weeks we will prepare reports on our activities for discussion and these will be available beforehand along with the final agenda. This notice will also be posted on Facebook and WhatsApp.
Finally, there are still some key roles available so please step forward to support the club as part of the committee, race captains or race organisers. We look forward to seeing you in a few weeks.
Regards,
Steve
On behalf of the Ilkley Harriers Committee
England U17 mountain running
Sun 1 Aug 2021
Congratulations to Emily Gibbins on her selection for the England Women’s U17 B team for the upcoming mountain running Junior Home International in Northern Ireland on 4 September.
This is now the highlight of the mountain running season for the Juniors with the recent postponement of the world championships.
Today’s England Athletics announcement read: “Emily secures her first England vest after a strong showing in the trial for the U18 Home Countries Youth Cup in Ambleside, where she finished six seconds behind automatic selection. Like her teammates, Emily’s experience over Cross Country has produced a bronze in the 2020 U17 Yorkshire County Championships and a commendable 17th place in the CAU Inter Counties FU15 championship race in 2020. Emily also finished fifth in the 2021 English FRA FU17 championships.”
Ilkley Moor Fell Race – please volunteer!
Sun 1 Aug 2021
The Ilkley Moor Fell Race takes place on Sunday 12th September and we still need a few more volunteers – please sign up here if you’re able to help. If you’re wanting to run in the event then click here to enter.
Ilkley Moor Fell Race 2021
Sun 1 Aug 2021
We’re pleased to announce the Ilkley Moor Fell Race will take place in 2021, on 12th September rather than its usual slot earlier in the calendar. More details to follow shortly and you can enter here.