Ilkley Harriers news archive 2021
British selection for Tom Adams
Wed 1 Sep 2021
Congratulations to Tom Adams who is selected for the British team in the World Trail Running Championships in Thailand in February 2022 at 40km.
Read the full British Athletics press release here.
Harrogate and District Summer Race League
Wed 1 Sep 2021
From Paul Stephens…
Congratulations to Colin Williams who was overall winner of the seven virtual races in this year’s Harrogate and District Summer Race League having completed all of the 7 courses including our own course out to Addingham and back, and the furthest away – Thirsk and Sowerby Harriers’ course along Sutton Bank. Colin was also the highest placed Harrier in the two physical races organised by Wetherby and Harrogate Harriers.
Look out for next year’s league which will hopefully revert to the usual format – five races including the final handicap race.
Tuesday club runs – exciting news for October!
Wed 1 Sep 2021
We’re delighted to confirm that from October 5th, the Tuesday club runs will return to Ilkley Lawn Tennis & Squash Club, all starting at 7pm.
Members have been sent full details via email and SignUp will reflect the changes by 11am this Wednesday.
The eight groups and likely paces will be as follows:
1/ Mike AC: 7-8min/mile
2/ Nick Kealey: fast headtorch moors run
3/ Peter Roll: 8-9min/mile
4/ Jayne Norman: 9-10min/mile
5/ Paul Sugden: 10-11min/mile
6/ Bernie Gibbons: 11-12min/mile
7/ Antonio Cardinale: 12+min/mile headtorch off-road
plus 8/ Jane McCarthy’s steadier group will still run from Burley
Please continue to book your place for all runs via SignUp.
Ilkley Incline – Sun 26th Sept
Wed 1 Sep 2021
From Caroline Howe…
A small but hardy bunch of Harriers took on this year’s Ilkley Incline event! First to finish was Rob Cunningham, with Lucy Williamson in second place. Pete Shelley was first by age grade and Jenny Roberts was second female (both overall and by age grade). All four win £25 adidas vouchers – many thanks to the anonymous Harrier who donated these! There was an appearance by Andy Wolfenden – the inventor of the Ilkley Incline race, which has been running since 2002, and will be celebrating its 20th anniversary next year, when the race will return in its full format! Many thanks to our marshals Dawn Turner, Hilda Coulsey, Sally Armitage and Mike Williamson; finishing team of Neil Chapman and Jeff Green; and Jonathan Turner and Dan McKeown behind the scenes. Well done to all who took part.
Results:
Position / time / name / age-graded position / (prize?)
1 8:45 Rob Cunningham 4 (1st male)
2 9:36 Lucy Williamson 3 (1st female)
3 9:40 Forrest Hamilton 9
4 9:41 Peter Shelley 1 (1st by age grade)
5 9:45 Iain Young 10
6 10:07 John Hayes 5
7 10:13 Jenny Roberts 6 (2nd female)
8 10:16 Tim Johnson 2
9 10:39 Richard Joel 8
10 11:03 Jeremy Greenwood 7
11 11:06 Matt Snow 12
12 11:08 Leah Chown 11
13 11:28 Michael Ho 13
14 11:42 Danny Thompson 16
15 13:00 Lucy Hayes 14
16 13:38 Chris Cunningham 18
17 14:34 Sarah Hayes 17
18 15:13 Andy Wolfenden 15
Calderdale Way Relay – Sun 26th Sept
Wed 1 Sep 2021
From Jayne Norman…
Sunday saw the return of the Calderdale Way Relay which takes in the sights around Halifax, including for some a trip up to Stoodley Pike. We finished an amazing 16th out of 62 teams.
There were some last-minute changes due to snake bites (and not the drink variety!) but we managed to snag a super-sub in Tom Adams to accompany Jack on Leg 1.
A few changes on Leg two, with Justin and Kyle doing a sterling job via Stoodley Pike to hand over to leg 3, who thought they were there for the selfies! A few navigational mishaps was the adventure for leg 4 (even with two Garmins to assist). Leg 5 saw a tumble on the mass start with Alison pushing the pace and making Jayne really work off the hockey legs from the day before. Leg 6 saw the home straight and with an old school drawstring PE bag setting the trend for the day. A great day had by all and probably more stories to be told. These relay events are a fab way of running with new people, running in different locations and team camaraderie all the while, can we get two teams or more next year?
Leg 1 – Jack Wood and Tom Adams
Leg 2 – Justin Pierce & Kyle Bethell
Leg 3 – Dave Foyston and Mike AC
Leg 4 – Helen Thurston and Steve Gott
Leg 5 – Jayne Norman and Alison Bennett
Leg 6 – Iain Gibbons and Lawrence McCourt
Reservoir Dogs – Sat 25 Sept
Wed 1 Sep 2021
From Petra Bijsterveld…
Reservoir Dogs is a local ultra, organised by Punk Panther, starting and finishing in Otley as many of their races do. As the name suggests this event is a tour around several of the reservoirs that serve our area: Lindley Wood, Swinsty and Fewston, Thruscross, John O’Gaunts, Beaver Dyke and Scargill, before heading South via Almscliffe Crag, Huby, Castley and then back to Otley along the Wharfe. The full route is 36 miles (2900 ft), I took the shorter option leaving out the Thruscross loop, which was 28 miles (2100 ft), or the ‘fun run’ as my acquired running mate explained to a passer-by. There was also a separate 20 mile option which Punk Panther have introduced this summer to some of their races as an easier introduction to running further.
Matt Cox, Colin Williams and myself were the Harriers lining up at the start line in Wharfemeadows Park, Matt and Colin going for the 36 miler. We did a lap around the tennis courts to spread us out before going up single file along Farnley lane, soon turning off left to go through the fields to Farnley, past Lindley Wood and through many fields and woods to Swinsty and then Blubberhouses which had the first checkpoint at 9 miles. A spectator said I looked ‘fresh as a daisy’ which made me wonder if she needed her eyesight checking as I was definitely feeling the effects of 9 miles of gradual climbing and the muggy warmth! But it was a nice encouragement. Most people went on across the A59 to Thruscross but I carried on east along Fewston for the 28 mile option. I had walked around Thruscross earlier in the week with a friend anyway, surely that counts! If you do the full route that loop is definitely the most scenic part though. Another 28 mile runner had just left the checkpoint too and was confused about the directions (we had to turn left off the Fewston reservoir path for the higher one or incur a time penalty, we were being tracked!), I knew that turn, and from then on until the finish the ‘man from Mansfield’ (I never asked his name…) and I spent a lot of time together, often running separately, chatting occasionally, and coming together at stiles, gates and many ‘points of navigational uncertainty’. We did not really see any other runners apart from the top 10 or so on the 36 mile route who passed us, including Matt and Colin.
Leaving Swinsty the route crosses Brame Lane by the Sun Inn. Coming out into the fields behind the pub I had my ‘faffing in a farmer’s field’ episode where I probably lost 10 or 15 minutes trying and failing to work out which of the 3 telegraph poles to aim for, and cursed the fact that I had not recced the route. You would think that with a .gpx file on my watch, a printed route description and a taped course there could not possibly be any difficulty in finding the path across a field! I had to wait for ‘man from Mansfield’ to catch me up, which took forever, as he had his own navigational challenge finding the way through the pub car park. It briefly put me in bad mood as I had lost so much time but I managed to get it back into perspective, after all, I was never going to bring the trophy home and who really cares about the time. Together we worked it out and finally also spotted the tape on the correct gate. The course was pretty well marked but with beautiful golden yellow tape which blends in beautifully with an autumn landscape….. Onwards along Beaver Dyke where the eventual winner, Stephen Kirk, sailed past effortlessly, and lovely to see Matt (who was to become 2nd) and a friend overtake us at Scargill reservoir looking very strong. A brief stop at the second checkpoint at 16 miles and then downhill all the way on a mixture of tracks, roads and fields, via Almscliffe Cragg to Castley at 23 miles. By now I was starting to feel pretty tired. I was therefore delighted to see Andrew Merrick who was helping at the checkpoint, moreover, just thinking about his phenomenal recent UTMB performance put my last 5 miles to Otley totally back into perspective and it gave me a real boost to just grit my teeth and get on with it. Colin overtook us in the last few miles along the Wharfe which was great to see.
I was pleased to finish in just over 6 and a half hours, still running. I can’t say I ran every single step of the way, and certainly not the uphills, but I had no protracted periods of walking. It was my first ultra as far as distance goes, and hopefully there will be some more to come. I hugely enjoyed it, if anything I would have liked a bit more elevation and a bit less road. Though that might come to haunt me when I do the next one in November! Watch this space….
Thieveley Pike fell race – Sat 25th Sept
Wed 1 Sep 2021
From Alison Weston…
Another of the FRA original 50 races from Holme Chapel. A bit like Ilkley fell race with a rollercoaster of ups and downs. Just over 4 miles with 1.115 ft climbing.
I can’t find official results but my time was 48:29 minutes (6th Lady). Antonio has also been doing a lot of these FRA 50 races and was also running.
More on South Mynds race from last week – This was the last of the six English FRA championship races and placed Kate Archer 3rd vet 40 (bronze medal) – a brilliant achievement!
Great Whernside Fell Race – Sat 25th Sept
Wed 1 Sep 2021
From John Hayes…
This race – which was the Yorkshire Fell Championship this year – is quite easy to describe: 2 miles uphill, touch the summit cairn and then 2 miles downhill the same way. Although, in fact, coming back down involves more route choice than you’d think. You have to dodge the other runners and navigate around some steep rocky sections. The Harriers Yorkshire ‘Dream Team’ (Jack Wood, Lawrence McCourt, Bob Hamilton and myself) posed for a picture with the Yorkshire flag at the end (although I don’t think we won anything!)
Evensplits Leeds 5K series – Wed 22 Sept
Wed 1 Sep 2021
Some fast times at the Evensplits 5K at the Brownlee Centre Circuit on Wednesday evening.
A new F60 club record was set by Alison Bennett.
(1 16:30 Matthew Wall, Leven Valley AC)
6 17:05 Christos Tzelis
13 17:33 Michael Abrams-Cohen
26 19:09 Jake Norris (junior)
30 19:26 Scott White
34 20:01 Colin Williams 1st M55
40 20:31 Tom Worboys
43 20:54 Claire McLoughlin 1st F35
45 21:03 Alison Bennett 1st F60 and new club record
58 22:11 Rob Budding
75 24:30 Mike Baldwin
98 ran
Ring of Steall – Sat 18 Sept
Wed 1 Sep 2021
From Tom Adams…
Photo credit: Scotland Skyline photographers
The Ring of Steall (UK final of the Golden Trail Series)
I travelled up to Kinlochleven on Friday and set up my tent in the pouring rain a couple of miles from the race start. On tonight’s menu was some chicken pesto pasta, a pretty boring meal, but nice and simple is best for me before a big race. I had a good night’s sleep despite the rain and I woke up to a reasonable morning. I wolfed down some overnight oats with banana and headed over to the Ice Factor where the race start was located.
The hour or so before a race is always a strange one with mixed emotions going through your head…why have I just travelled seven hours to run up and down some hills to then drive another seven hours home? Can I really compete against these top class athletes, some of which are half my age? Come on Tom, you’ve done well in similar events before, so let’s go and smash it. I chose to ignore the first couple of thoughts and got my race pack ready with all of the required kit and funnelled into the starting pen.
I felt quite at ease before the race, chatting to fellow runners and doing the odd leg rub to warm up the pistons. Before I knew it we were called up and we were bagpiped out by a piper with crutches.
The start was nice and relaxed and somewhat steadier than the previous races in the series and we soon started up the first climb. I was running side by side with Seb Batchelor, and we were soon pulling away from the field. I felt good, but Seb obviously felt a little better as he pulled away towards the first summit and he seemed to be just far enough ahead to be out of site. I had a good descent and a short road section and a wooded trail allowed me to catch up with first place once again. I felt good at this point, but I was thinking, why is he being so restrained? We crossed a river and started heading back up. This is where I got into a few issues. I thought we just had one last climb before a nice long descent into Kinlochleven. Again Seb pulled away on the climb and I started to go backwards (not literally). I pushed on thinking if I just get to the top, you’re on the homeward straight, but this wasn’t to be. I dragged myself to the summit and could see people on the summits of peaks in the distance. I asked a marshal if we were done with the climbs, but he said you’ve got one small and two big to go yet! This almost destroyed me mentally, but I’m not one to give in easily, so again I cracked on and on and on and then through myself down a hideous technical descent and back into Kinlochleven.
I crossed the line nineteen minutes behind Seb, but I was in one piece and had a smile on my face. I knew that I had won the series and even though it would’ve been nice to win, I knew that I had completely underestimated how technical and taxing 2700m of ascent over 28km would be. Winning the series means that I now get to go to the Azores at the end of October to race at the grand final of the Golden Trail Series against the best of the best from all over the world.
South Mynd Tour Fell Race – Sun 19 Sept
Wed 1 Sep 2021
From Kate Archer…..
Three Harriers travelled down to Shropshire for the last race in the English champs fell league. 14 miles with 1270 metres of climb. The route had a bit of everything, some very steep sections and quite a lot of fast running on tracks and grassy paths. There was some route choice at the start and finish which meant that on the start line some runners were facing forwards with others facing completely the opposite direction! The final results for the league are not out yet but Dan Dry looks to be high in the MOpen category, Alison has had some excellent results in the WV55 category and I should have secured 3rd WV40.
(1 Chris Holdsworth, Calder Valley, 1:49:56)
11 Dan Dry 1:59:08
84 Kate Archer 2:31:17
143 Alison Weston 3:00:18
162 finished
Beckbusters 10k – Sun 19 Sept
Wed 1 Sep 2021
From Sue Williamson….
Photo credit Philip Bland
Three Ilkley Harriers competed in this lovely friendly and picturesque run starting in Bishop Monkton.
The race is multi terrain and passes through country roads, along the river Ure, then the canal and back to Bishop Monkton.
Geoffrey Howard was the 1st MV70 48.02
Kate Lofthouse 1.09.08
Sue Williamson 1.09.08
Embsay Fell Race – Sun 19 Sept
Wed 1 Sep 2021
From Rachel Carter….
Jack and I were the only Ilkley Harriers at the senior’s race on a warm sunny afternoon at Embsay.
Jack was 2nd (behind Simon Bailey who has won most of the men’s races this season) and I was pleased with 3rd female having been out for a run earlier on in the day having not been planning to run at Embsay.
Myrtle parkrun Sat 18 Sept
Wed 1 Sep 2021
From Mike Abrams Cohen…..
Jack Cummings on his first ever parkrun broke the Myrtle parkrun course record on his way to a brilliant win.
Myrtle parkrun is a course well known for its difficulty and a tough hill that is negotiated 4 times. A multi terrain course with a mixture of tarmac and grass, his time of 16:31 was about 3 seconds faster than Jack Kelly who got the record only 8 weeks prior.
Mike AC held on to a distant 2nd place with a time of 18:46 to complete the Ilkley 1 and 2. His quest for a 1st place once again thwarted by the greatness of a Jack from Ilkley.
1st Jack Cummings 16:31
2nd Mike Abrams Cohen 18:46
(122 runners)
Outstanding Achievements, August (as nominated by Ilkley Harriers members)
Wed 1 Sep 2021
From Jean Sullivan…
Running
Andrew Merrick – for his amazing performance at the UTMB
Petra Bijsterveld – for returning from injury and doing so well at the Nendaz Trail ‘Petit Parcours’ race
Tom Adams – 3rd place at the World Mountain Running Championships
Jane McCarthy – for completing and for being 2nd female finisher at the Dalesway Punk Panther race
Jill Ezard – 2nd FV50 at the Derwentwater Trail Challenge, part of the Lakeland Trails series
Hilda Coulsley for setting a new club 5 mile LV65 record at the Portrush 5 Miles race
Volunteering
Mark Iley – for organising and running the Wednesday night track sessions
Neil Chapman – for his great Thursday evening training sessions
Dan McKeown for his amusing report on the Leeds Dock Relay
West Yorks XC League – enter this week!
Wed 1 Sep 2021
Entries for the West Yorkshire Cross Country league are now live! The deadline for entries is 19 September.
Dates for the league are:
Sunday 3 Oct – Cleckheaton
Saturday 30 Oct – Nunroyd, Guiseley
Sunday 21 Nov – Thornes Park, Wakefield
Sunday 12 Dec – Harrogate Show Ground
Races are suitable for everyone. Entry to all 4 races is only £15 (subsidised by the club).
The Ilkley Incline 2021
Wed 1 Sep 2021
From Caroline Howe…
Hi Harriers! The Hill Everyone Loves To Hate is back!!! On Sunday 26 September at 10am we will once again be holding a Harriers-only Ilkley Incline event… 1 mile, 560 ft of climb… you know you want to! Free to enter, with 4 x £25 sports voucher prizes up for grabs. It will be pre-entry via this form. We also need a few volunteers to help run the event so if you don’t want to run (!) and can spare a couple of hours, let me know.
Montane Dragons Back Race – 6th-11th Sept
Wed 1 Sep 2021
From Steve Turland…
Pleased to report that I managed to complete the Dragons Back Race last week. Extended by an extra day from previous races, this is a six-day mountain race, 240 miles down the length of Wales from Conwy Castle in the north, to Cardiff Castle in the south, with a total ascent of around 60,000ft. There are three (reasonably tight) cut off times each day which you have to meet to stay in the race. The hot weather on the first couple of days really took its toll – from the 400 runners who started the race, two thirds of the field had either retired or missed the cut offs by the end of day two, with only 90 runners eventually making it to the finish line in Cardiff. I managed to finish in 74th overall in a total time of 82 hrs 40 mins. A tough race, but the most amazing experience through the mountains of Wales and thoroughly enjoyed every minute.
Vale of York Half Marathon – Sun 12th Sept
Wed 1 Sep 2021
From Jeff Green…
This was my first ever half marathon and first road race for many years. Entries were well down on the 2019 event (from over 1400 down to under 500!) and with official results based on chip time, rather than gun time, the start felt fairly relaxed. This is definitely a PB potential course – almost completely flat with just a couple of inclines over the railway and plenty of pace runners targeting 1:20 to 2:20. From my pre-race test runs, I decided I was aiming for 1:25 and managed to keep pretty close to, or just outside, my target 4min/km for the first 15km. Fortunately, I had a bit left in the tank to pick up the pace for the last few km and finish just inside 1:25!
(1. Scott Harrington, Otley AC, 1:09:22)
70. Jeff Green 1:24:33
462 finished
IMFR – thankyou!
Wed 1 Sep 2021
From Peter Roll…
A very big thank you to all the Volunteers on the Ilkley Moor Fell Race yesterday.
Your help and assistance is all greatly appreciated, it couldn’t be done without you!
First impressions are that a good time was had by all.
Ilkley Moor Fell Race – Sun 12th Sept
Wed 1 Sep 2021
From John Hayes…
The chances of having to navigate deep bogs or large snow drifts were significantly reduced by holding this year’s race in September instead of February. Indeed, in contrast to the usual snow, hail or freezing rain, this year’s challenge was coping with the heat. I can usually depend on the the snow/bogs to slow me down, and so it was a bit of a shock to the system to find the ground fast underfoot. Even the jungle-sized bracken in places didn’t get in the way. I assume this was a result of the enthusiastic efforts of those who “pruned” the route in advance (including my dad Spike, who likes that kind of thing). Huge thanks go to Steve and the many helpers and marshals who pull together every year to maintain this race’s status as a favourite in the fell running calendar. I remarked to Steve at the finish that today’s event had been such a success that perhaps the race should become biannual. He responded with a wry smile and a polite but firm no!
Bradley Fell Race – Sun 12 Sept
Wed 1 Sep 2021
From Kate Archer…
I had entered Ilkley Moor but the children have enjoyed Bradley Show in the past and were keen to run so plans were changed at the last minute. The senior race is short (3.5 miles), an out and back course and all very runnable.
(1 James Hall, Wharfedale Harriers, 23:38)
29 Kate Archer 31:10 (2nd Lady/1st LV40)
41 David Singleton 33:09
89 finished
Richmond Runfest – Sat/Sun 11th/12th Sept
Wed 1 Sep 2021
From Hilda Coulsey…
This is a series of events over the weekend from 1 mile to a marathon with the start inside Kew Gardens and with additional entry for partner and children making it popular and enjoyable.
18-20 months ago England Athletics ran its usual qualifying races for Age group / masters international events which I qualified for in the 10k and together with Sally Malir in the half marathon. These internationals were to be held in the summer of 2020 at Bristol and Fleet respectively. With the disruption EA decided a good option would be to run these races at Kew alongside this Runfest as they had a 10k on Saturday and half marathon on Sunday, great from an EA organisation viewpoint but less so for a few of us who had qualified for both! But as they say, ‘in for a penny, in for a pound’.
10k – Sat 11th Sept
This was run entirely through Kew Gardens. It was a tortuous route, lots of corners and switchbacks but flat. It was early morning, 8.20, but warm and humid. It was lovely having supporters and although not my best time I was pleased to give it a blast.
My category winner was Dorothy Kesterton, Sheffield Steel City, who I’ve met many times previously always as the winner, in another great time of 47:34.
To follow then a 3-4 hour walk with coffee stops through the gardens making the most of the opportunity, and why not?!
1 James Bellward 32:30
519 Hilda Coulsey 51:41
2102 ran
Half marathon – Sun 12th Sept
It was lovely to meet up and warm up with Sally and again at the finish. Weather was the same, warm and muggy, the start was the same although a little later to accommodate the marathon start.
A different course, but similar with switchbacks and corners in the Gardens then after 6k we joined the Thames path for a very lengthy stretch westerly to km15, then through a housing estate and back onto the Thames path for another few ks and into Old Deer Park for the finish. The Thames path is narrow, unmade mostly (bearing in mind this is a replacement for a road half marathon) and on a Sunday morning as might be imagined is very busy with walkers, runners, toddlers on bikes, speedy cyclists and even an e-scooter. This is not a PB course. My legs had had enough by 10k but I kept going to enjoy the experience and the challenge. Slightly annoyed with many others we weren’t allowed back into Kew for the pleasant coffee and changing facilities (the lesson-read the small print). Not at all sure of the course length 21.29k recorded not just by me, but to be fair that was probably the extra dodging of pedestrians etc.
Again reflecting on some outstanding age grade / masters times in UK, the winner of Sally’s category was Jackie Murdy 1:31:42 and for mine Lynda Hembury in 1:42:08.
1 Craig Ruddy 1:08:54
430 Sally Malir 1:42:56
944 Hilda Coulsey 1:58:40
2140 ran
Blackpool Marathon – Sun 12th Sept
Wed 1 Sep 2021
From Colin Williams…
The Blackpool Marathon, like so many races, was postponed from earlier in the year, originally due to be run in April.
This is the third time that I have taken part – it is a flat course, two laps of the seafront on closed roads.
I started well but found it hard going 2/3 of the way, and was a few minutes down on my previous results.
I finished 49th in a time of 3:32:40, the race was won by Michael Taylor in a time of 2:26:12. 195 Ran.
Great North Run – Sun 12th Sept
Wed 1 Sep 2021
From Alex Hyde…
And so the ‘big’ races are back! A staggered start (over 3 hours!) and a revised route meant that the 40th Great North Run could take place safely and I have to say the organisation was tremendous. Apparently there were 57,000 signed up for the race and although there were noticeably fewer supporters lining the route than in previous years, there was still an amazing atmosphere, especially with the bonus of crossing the Tyne Bridge twice. For me personally it was a bit of a battle just to get to the start line for my first race since the Dewsbury 10k some 19 months ago. I had managed to keep training through Covid (sort of!) but then had a badly sprained ankle in February followed by the return of a bothersome piriformis …. quite literally a pain in the backside … meaning that my prep for the race was pretty much non-existent. My pace through the first 15k was pleasingly consistent though averaging just over 6 mins/km, but then the wheels fell off with the last 6k averaging over 7.5 mins/km. But I got to the end! A time of 2:22:11 and a placing of 18,980th is hardly going to set the world alight, but it put a smile on this old bloke’s face!
Yorkshireman – Sun 12th Sept
Wed 1 Sep 2021
From Steph Fox…
Some months ago in a moment of running madness, I half-heartedly agreed to run the Yorkshireman Half Marathon with (new to the club – but not running) Teresa Brooks. I had hoped that a casual agreement over a sunny mooch over the Moor along with the tick of the confirmation box was just a figment of my imagination.
So imagine my surprise when I found myself at the bottom of Haworth Main Street on Sunday morning, particularly when fell racing isn’t something I would ordinarily choose to take part in.
The Yorkshireman half and marathon is a superbly organised event by Keighley & Craven AC. The regular updates and social media streams sustained enough anticipation for the race over the weeks and months. In addition to this, the club host regular recces over the summer months and so with a little trepidation I had joined one of the runs on a very wet August afternoon.
In fact the two ladies who took out my recce skipped home in first place in the marathon pair’s race!!
The weather conditions were perfect, dry underfoot, not a wisp of air, and an ambient temperature, so with a packed whistle, waterproofs, map and compass – we headed off up a brute of a hill start.
Once the initial climb was conquered, I was able to find a suitably comfortable plodding pace and for a very brief moment experienced some elation and the views.
I was heartened that the group I had managed to fall in with, all slowed to a fast march up the hills rather than a lung busting, heart stopping run and I was able to relax into the race.
At mile 8, I inhaled around a dozen jelly babies (I even ran back for more!) and then trudged on the tarmac for a short spell, before heading back on to the uneven moorlands. I secretly rejoiced at being back on the uneven terrain and with a skip, jump and thankfully not a tumble headed down into Oxenhope.
The race finishes as it starts with a small incline (the sting in the tail otherwise known as Butt Lane) and as I trudged up the hill I could almost smell the finish line and the slice of pizza before stumbling to chip in with my time with a sense of achievement and a tear in my eye (again!) and a can of coke in hand.
This is fantastic event, with supportive helpers, including the children who handed out the pizza to some very tired runners and I would highly recommend it to everyone.
From Sarah Edwards…
A perfect day for running over the moors above Haworth. I ran the “half” marathon, which is a beautiful and tough 15-mile route taking in some varied terrain and fabulous views. A killer finish up the hill to Haworth primary school but well worth it for the pizza afterwards.
1 Jack Wood 1:46:56
24 Rachel Carter 2:06:59 (3rd lady)
29 Paul Calderbank 2:10:04 (1st MV60)
58 Paul Disney 2:22:35
109 Chantal Busby 2:38:59
118 Sarah Edwards 2:42:10
130 Adela Reperecki 2:45:39 (2nd FV60)
151 Stephanie Fox 2:52:45
158 Teresa Brooks 2:58:44
235 finished
Ron Hill Rivington Pike Fell Race – 11th Sept
Wed 1 Sep 2021
From Alison Weston…
One of the original FRA races 50 years ago, and this year run in memory of Ron Hill who completed the Pike fell race an incredible 40 times and won it on three occasions. His PB was 16:52 minutes to run the three miles up to the Pike and down! All runners received a Ron Hill programme outlining all his vast achievements including the 1964 Tokyo, 1968 Mexico and 1972 Munich Olympics, 10 mile, 15 mile and 25 km world records, international marathon wins and tributes from previous Pike winners.
This year the race was won by Daniel Haworth from Matlock AC in 17:34 and I was pleased to come 121st in just under 30 mins (28:26).
Ultra-Trail Snowdonia – Sat 11th Sept
Wed 1 Sep 2021
From Jann Smith…
This mountain ultra of 32 miles taking in 11,000 feet of ascent is billed as “Beautiful beyond belief, Savage beyond reason,” and carries a disclaimer that you may die or seriously injure yourself doing this event … I liked it!
The challenge in particular for me was the very technical rock face scrambling sections and ridges which scared me but I managed to conquer!
The weather was drizzling and clagged in mostly which made the rocky course pretty dicey, a great adventurous event, with an elite worldwide field. Will Simmons had a fantastic run to take second place, as did I, unfortunately Paul wasn’t feeling too well and suffered!
1 Harry Jones 6hrs 13mins
2 Will Simmons 6hrs 56 mins
61 Jann Smith 9 hrs 32 mins (8th lady, 1st F50)
143 Paul Carman 10hrs 57 mins
Be bright, be safe
Wed 1 Sep 2021
Just a reminder as it starts to get dark before many club runs and sessions have finished – for your own safety and that of the group, please wear hi-vis clothing and head/chest torches.
Anglesey Half Marathon – Sun 5th Sept
Wed 1 Sep 2021
From Lucy Williamson…
It was a beautiful day for the Anglesey half marathon on Sunday. Starting on the Menai Suspension Bridge and running out and back to Beaumaris with fantastic views of the Menai Straits and Snowdonia. This race is usually held in March but postponed this year, it was great to run it in slightly warmer weather!
(1 Martin Green, North Wales Road Runners, 1:13:44)
10 Lucy Williamson 1:25:56 (3rd Lady)
347 Ran
Wetherby 10k – Sun 5th Sept
Wed 1 Sep 2021
From Jonathan Turner…
Well done to Sally (third lady overall and second LV40) and Hilda (first LV65) as the popular Wetherby 10k made a welcome return on Sunday. It was a little warmer than forecast by the 2pm start time which added to the challenge. The scenic loop from the racecourse is mostly on tarmac, with a bit of track and trail thrown in to keep things interesting. (Photo above courtesy of Philip Bland)
(1 Scott Harrington, Otley AC, 32:41)
23 Andrew Overend 38:22
24 Jonathan Turner 38:29 (2nd MV50)
42 Sally Armitage 40:16 (3rd lady, 2nd LV40)
199 Hilda Coulsey 53:19 (1st LV65)
571 finished
Skipton Trail Half Marathon – Sat 4th Sept
Wed 1 Sep 2021
From John Hayes…
The route for the Skipton Trail Half Marathon takes in Sharphaw (twice), Flasby, Hetton and the trails and backroads up and around Winterburn Reservoir. At about mile 12, when your legs have had enough and your thoughts are turning to the post-race meal, there is a steep climb back over Sharphaw. Most runners at the finish agreed that that climb was brutal (although not Alison Weston who remarked how much she was looking forward to the big climb when she was running the more gentle undulating sections of the course!) It is a friendly, well run event, with a goody bag to go with the meal. As ever, there was a good Harriers turn out with some excellent results.
Bullock Smith Ultra – Sat/Sun 4th/5th Sept
Wed 1 Sep 2021
From Colin Williams…
The Bullock Smith Ultra was an event postponed from last year. It’s a challenging 56-mile route, if you don’t go the wrong way and add three miles on like I did. It’s a well-organised event run by Hazel Grove Scout Group, with checkpoints about every five miles offering drinks, snacks and friendly support to keep you going.
I finished in 19th place in a time of 13 hours 9 minutes, the race was won by Rory Harris in an amazing 8:19, 1 hour 20 minutes ahead of the second runner. 261 runners started and 217 finished.
Harrogate HDRSL – Thu 2nd Sept
Wed 1 Sep 2021
From Colin Williams…
Five Ilkley Harriers turned out for the last HDSRL race of the season. The well organised event, organised by Harrogate Harriers, was over an undulating 9km route around the Harrogate showground.
(1 Scott Harrington, Otley AC, 29:51)
21 Colin Williams 38:00
40 David Singleton 40:48
60 David Holder 43:44
84 Paul Stephens 46:52
86 Philip Hirst 47:14
134 Ran