Ilkley Harriers news archive 2022
Ilkley Gazette report – w/c 28 Nov
Mon 28 Nov 2022
From Jean Sullivan…
Alison Bennett continued her fine form and set a new club FV60 record for a 10-mile race, by nearly five minutes, with Alison completing the Morecambe 10-mile road race. This out-and-back route, held as part of the Morecambe Festival of running, goes along Morecambe promenade, offering superb views across Morecambe Bay and across to the hills of the Lake District. Alison finished second lady overall, completing the course in a superb time of 1:18:36, despite the conditions being tough and a strong headwind to be contended with in the second half of the race. Alison’s time is even more impressive as even though the course is largely flat, there are two hills to climb in the last half mile of the course.
On the fells, Harrier Ben Rothery stormed to the finish to win the Sale Fell Race in Cumbria, finishing just six seconds outside the course record, in a great time of 24:16. This 3.7 mile fell race with 900ft of ascent, is organised by Cumberland Runners.
This week saw seven Ilkley Harriers compete in the last race of the Leeds EvenSplits 5km series. These monthly 5k races are held on a purpose-built, tarmac, one-mile circuit cycle track at the Leeds Brownlee Centre.
Edward Hobbs led the Ilkley Harriers home, finishing in fifth in an impressive time of 16:15. He was followed by youngster Jake Norris in 17:36, with Michael Abrams-Cohen on 18:23 and Kyle Bethell hot on his heels completing the course just four seconds after Michael in 18:27. Ruth Kitchen led the Ilkley ladies home in a fast time of 20:03. Mum Diane also had a great race, completing the course in 25:28.
Ilkley Harriers took third club place overall in the EvenSplits summer championship league, which included EvenSplits race results from July to October inclusive.
In terms of individual resuts Ilkley Harrier Ruth Kitchen won the ladies summer championship league, with fellow Harrier Tracey Watson finishing in an impressive fifth place. Diane Kitchen finished in 14th.
And it was a double for the Harriers as Edward Hobbs won the men’s EvenSplits summer championships league, followed by Michael-Abrams Cohen who took sixth place overall and Kyle Bethell in 13th place. Special mention also to Junior Harrier Jake Norris who finished in seventh place in this league, as well as to Alison Bennett who achieved the highest WAVA age-graded scores in the July-October EvenSplits races.
Off road, this weekend saw the staging of the first race in the PECO cross country series, hosted by Abbey Runners and assisted by Valley Striders. This 4.5-mile race was held at Middleton Park in Leeds. Ilkley Harriers had a great turnout at this event. In the ladies race, the on-form Ruth Kitchen led the Ilkley ladies home, with Ruth finishing in a superb eleventh place overall, running the course in a great time of 33:56. She was followed by Alison Bennett in 38:15, with Alison taking first place in her age category. Kate Prior was hot on Alison’s heels finishing in another great time of 38:24.
In the men’s race Edward Hobbs continued his excellent running and led the Ilkley men home in 27:40, with Edward finishing in seventh place overall. He was followed by Steven Gott in 28:52, with Steven taking second place in his age category. Daniel McKeown was the third Harrier home in 29:22, with Daniel taking third place in his age category.
A great result also for Colin Williams who finished in fourth place at the Sir Titus Trot Winter Marathon, in a great time of 3:42:46. This was Colin’s 49th marathon/ultra race. This event was organised by It’s Grim up North Running and a selection of races were available from 5km distance up to the 32-mile Ultra. The marathon route was along the Leeds Liverpool canal, starting and finishing at Saltaire.
Ilkley Harriers continued their commitment to the weekly parkrun events, with a total of 27 Harriers taking part in events at various UK locations, with some great results. Michael Abrams-Cohen was the first finisher at the Cross Flatts parkrun, Michael completing the course in a great time of 18:13. Lots of Harriers finished with top ten placings, including David Foyston who was the second finisher at the Cliffe Castle parkrun, Dave Robson who was the fourth finisher at the Dewsbury parkrun and James Lee who was tenth to finish at the Bradford parkrun. Junior Harrier, Jake Norris also had a great run at the Bradford parkrun, the second finisher in a great time of 17:36.
PECO XC League Race 1 – Sun 27 Nov
Sat 26 Nov 2022
[Photo credit: Geoff Thompson]
From Alison Bennett…
Twenty five Ilkley Harriers joined forces to represent the club in the first race of the popular PECO Cross Country League. The weather and conditions were perfect for this event which was staged around Middleton Park, adjacent to the John Charles South Leeds Stadium. Such were the numbers of runners that the ladies started 15 minutes ahead of the men. The race began with a lap of a large field, before the competitors headed into the woods where, despite the recent heavy rainfall, the paths and trails were not too boggy. After weaving around and through the woods the runners emerged onto the field again for a flying run to the finish.
The ladies race was won by Eve Whitaker, Harrogate Harriers 30:43. Out of a total 365 ladies, Ruth Kitchen was the first finisher for Ilkley in a superb 11th place. Alison Bennett was the next counter and 1st FV60, closely followed by Kate Prior.
The men’s race was won by Benjamin Douglas, Hyde Park Harriers 26:25. In a large field of 478 men, Edward Hobbs was the first finisher for Ilkley in an impressive 7th place. Steve Gott was 2nd M45 ahead of Daniel McKeown 3rd MV40.
Morecambe 10 Mile – Sun 20 Nov
Sat 19 Nov 2022
From Alison Bennett…
It’s 10 years ago since I last attempted a 10-mile race so one was long overdue. I arrived at the Half Moon Bay Cafe, Heysham to collect my race number for an event billed as the Morecambe Festival of Running which also incorporated a 5k and 10k race.
With white-topped waves crashing on the shore it looked to be a cold and windy day so several layer options were considered before plumping for my usual kit; shorts and a vest!
Runners for all the different distances set off together then peeled off to return after their appropriate halfway stages along the promenade. As I headed north towards Bare, the wind seemed to have calmed but once I reached the turnaround on this out-and-back route, it became apparent it had not subsided and I was now facing into a headwind for the second half of the race.
With few runners competing at this distance it meant we were fairly well spread out along the promenade but there was company to be had in the form of families and folks enjoying the bracing seaside air.
Although the bulk of the race was on the flat, a couple of short hills in the last half mile sapped my energy but I was chuffed to finish as second Female in 1:18:36.
Tadcaster 10 mile – Sun 20 Nov
Sat 19 Nov 2022
From Nick Kealey…
It’s a fast one! Don’t take my word for it, look at the stats – 5% of the field completed in under an hour and if you were to scrape under this magical milestone you may feel slightly aggrieved to have only finished in 41st place!
I signed up late, three days before, which I find far more agreeable than many races where a six-month forward commitment can be necessary. In fact places were still available on the day so an opportunity to check the weather beforehand.
The race starts with two laps around Tadcaster town centre before heading out into the countryside. Apart from a short stretch along the A64, the route follows country lanes that are closed to traffic. Apart from a few gentle inclines it’s all relatively flat. For someone usually more at home on the fells, I couldn’t use the excuse of dropping the pace for the hills or enjoying a few cheat miles on the downhills. This was full on raw pace. The race to do for a PB.
Well done to all Harriers taking part. Particularly to Ed who finished in fourth place with a staggeringly quick time (shame he was too young to collect his alcoholic prize) and Dave who broke the 1hr mark for the first time and claimed 2nd MV45.
Results:
(1 Graham Rush, Leeds City, 50:04)
4 Edward Hobbs 54:07
37 Dave Foyston 59:37 (2nd MV45)
44 Nick Kealey 1:00:28
80 Iain Young 1:03:40
210 Sally Malir 1:14:03
Brampton to Carlisle 10 Mile – Sun 20 Nov
Sat 19 Nov 2022
From Helen Waddington…
A bigger field for 2022 possibly due to the race celebrating its 70th year anniversary and possibly because they have now introduced chip timing which makes everyone’s life easier.
The first five women (including Team GB Olympian Aly Dixon) all went under 60 minutes – this is a fast course which attracts a competitive field. Great organisation and, for the second year running for me, great conditions which made it well worth the trip.
(1 Philip Sesemann, Leeds City AC, 48:47)
324 Helen Waddington 01:13:24 (PB)
711 ran
Tour of Pendle Fell Race – Sat 19 Nov
Fri 18 Nov 2022
From Jeff Green…
One road marathon was enough for me and I remember thinking similar thoughts after running the Tour of Pendle three years ago after seeing stars on the way up the last – and steepest – climb. It’s a brutal route with six major climbs and plenty of strength-sapping bog, which packs in more climb per km than the Three Peaks fell race. However, after a relatively injury-free year and some encouraging results, I decided to have another crack at it to see if I could knock a few minutes off my previous time.
The race started well for me and I felt good on the first climb, though conscious that there were five more to come. The long downhill stretch to the second checkpoint had changed slightly since last time which – combined with a bank of fog rolling in – left me hoping that the runners I was following knew where they were going, as I had no clue! As the cloud lifted, I started to recognise the route again and the sun even came out for a while, prompting a hasty removal of my base layer to avoid overheating on the second climb.
My knees hadn’t fully recovered from the OMM a few weeks earlier, so I was pleased to get the steepest descent of the day over with (known as “Geronimo” apparently, though my descending style was more Geriatric than Geronimo!). Ben caught up with me shortly afterwards as we started to climb out of Ogden Clough and we ran more or less together for a while. It’s always nice to exchange a few pleasantries with a fellow Harrier on a race instead of having to politely decline offers of WD40 for my squeaky ankle braces! Pacing and fuelling were working out well for me and with only two more climbs to go, I was comfortable skipping the jelly babies and sweets that various spectators were kindly offering. No stars on the last climb this time, but it’s steep enough that having four points of contact with the ground is a sensible tactic, both to take a bit of pressure off the quads and to avoid the feeling that you might fall over backwards.
With the worst of the last climb over, it’s a short section of track up to the trig point for the second time of the day. As more cloud rolled over the summit, I took my compass out as a precaution, though as I descended out of the mist, the wall on the far fell-side became visible as a useful sighting-point. From the last checkpoint, it was just a case of hanging on for the last 2.5km down to the finish. A final reminder that my legs are no longer as springy as they once were, was seeing a youngster ahead clear the two cattle-grids in a single stride, while I took three gingerly-placed steps over each! Nevertheless, I was delighted to beat my previous time by just over 12 mins… but no, it hasn’t inspired me to try another road marathon!
From John Hayes…
For climbers in the mountains worried about the perilous drop beneath them, they apply this simple rule: Don’t look down!
As I ran, stumbled and then crawled on hands and knees around the Tour of Pendle course, I realised a similar rule applies but in reverse. To avoid becoming an emotional wreck as the climbs become ever steeper: Don’t look up! However, for the final three (of six) climbs, this is hard to achieve. Two of them loom up ahead of you, and it is impossible not to notice the line of runners, winding their way up the steep skyline. Then for the last climb – which is even more brutal – you are forced to look up, if only to try and vanquish the feeling that it may never end.
Why do we put ourselves through such torture? Well, it is a classic race over a great route. And the lovely team in the village hall at the finish serving cups of tea, soup and cakes, make it all worthwhile. There was a great Harriers turnout and some excellent times/results including Nea Weston winning 1st female under 21. Congratulations Nea and everyone else who got round!
From Alison Weston…
A great turnout at Tour of Pendle from the Harriers and a pretty good weather day in the end despite all the rain last week. Lots of bog and hills (well the same hill really just up and down from different directions!). First home Jeff Green in a brilliant 25th position out of 350 runners and 3rd MV50, with Ben Sheppard just a few minutes behind. Great runs by Steve, Paul, John and James followed by Nea and myself in under four hours (and Nea 1st FU23)
(1. Harry Bolton, Keswick AC 2:21:39)
25. Jeff Green 2:47:15 – 3rd MV50
43. Ben Sheppard 2:51:54
105. Steve Turland 3:16:07
162. Paul Carman 3:27:09
185. John Hayes 3:31:57
197. James Batterley 3:35:50
256. Alison Weston 3:56:22 – 2nd FV55
257. Nea Weston 3:56:23 – 1st FU23
350 finished
Fewston and Swinsty Marathon – Fri 18 Nov
Thu 17 Nov 2022
From Colin Williams…
On Friday I took part in the Fewston and Swinsty marathon, day two of a 4 in 4 days marathon serious, this year I only ran one day. The event was organised by It’s Grim up North Running and as always, they offered a selection of distances. I lined up with 18 others on the Marathon start line. The route was four loops of the Fewston and Swinsty reservoirs. The route was well signed with plenty of cake, goody bags (chocolate and beer) and medals for all finishers.
I came 2nd in a time of 4:04:20, the race was won by Mark Williamson of Hornsea Harriers, in a time of 3:48:00
Sue Ryder Bolton Abbey runs – Sun 13 Nov
Sat 12 Nov 2022
From Sue Williamson…
This year the races – a half marathon, 10 miles, 10k and a fun run – set off in waves from9am beginning with the half marathon and as we set off it was a very misty morning.
The routes all start and finish opposite the Cavendish pavilion, running around the beautiful Abbey then off through the woods and trails for the 10k. Taking a different route the half marathon and 10 miles went higher up into open land, it would have been beautiful scenery but the mist was still too thick. The sun eventually peeped through towards the end of the run.
A well-organised event raising money for this great cause – Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice.
It was lovely to see so many Harriers taking part in most of the races.
Results:
10-mile race – 1st Lucy Williamson 1:10:51
10k race – 1st Paul Howard 41:10
Dunnerdale Fell Race – Sat 12 Nov
Fri 11 Nov 2022
From Paul Atkinson…
The Dunnerdale is a classic short race round the tiny but rugged Lake District fells between the Lickle and the Duddon valleys. The scenery is superb, the course is tough and varied and there’s a very nice pub at the finish. The race is ably organised by the Black Combe Runners. Five miles and 1500 feet of climb over four small steep tops.
With only the Ilkley Moor Fell Race as previous fell racing experience, I entered the Dunnerdale to see how they do things in the Lakes, where they love their fell racing as much as we do in Wharfedale. I was not disappointed! The sun shone on this loveliest corner of Lakeland (just by Coniston), the birds sang, the other competitors were all very friendly, and there were free pies at the end. Oh, and I got round in 72 minutes, exactly twice the winner’s time, finishing 29th in the MV60 category. But who’s counting? I shall be back…
Post Hill Challenge – Sat 12 Nov
Fri 11 Nov 2022
From Forrest Hamilton…
The Post Hill Challenge is a 3.5-mile trail race run through the Post Hill woods in Pudsey with 570ft of elevation gain mostly coming from the notorious climb (which you go up twice) after which the race is named.
One local pre-race could be heard exclaiming with mild horror that a madman was warming up by jogging up Post Hill…
The photos perhaps don’t do the gradient (which Strava calculates at 51%!) justice and it was hands on knees for the vast majority of the field, Tom being the exception as he galloped up the cobbles to win by over a minute.
With great local support and fast, flowing descents to enjoy after your calves have been brutalised on the climbs, it’s a fantastic little race which I hope will stay in the Ilkley Race League and attract some more Harriers in the future.
Results:
1 – Tom Adams 22:50
13 – Forrest Hamilton 26:52
38 – Colin Williams 31:26
113 finished
Wharfedale Skyline – Sat 12 Nov
Fri 11 Nov 2022
From Petra Bijsterveld…
Photo Credit: Punk Panther Endurance Events
The Wharfedale Skyline (in previous years called A Short Circuit) by local ultra event organisers Punk Panther is a largely off-road 35 mile loop from Otley with approximately 4500 ft of elevation. Starting with a steep climb straight up the Chevin the route goes to Bramhope, touches the top of Cookridge before taking you round the perimeter fence of the airport and to Yeadon Tarn and the first checkpoint. From Yeadon you run to Esholt before climbing steeply through Hollins Hall and Bradford golf courses, arriving at Tranmere Park and tackling the Odda, then descending into Menston for the next checkpoint. Onwards via Burley Woodhead and the moor to the Cow and Calf, descending to Ben Rhydding and along the road to Denton, with another welcome checkpoint before climbing again to Ellercar Pike, followed by a downhill section to Timble. Turning south and homeward you run through fields along the Washburn, another climb onto Lower Norwood Rd which leads to the last checkpoint, before climbing again and following the high route above Lindley Wood Reservoir, eventually coming to Farnley and the final 2 mile descent into Otley.
Saturday turned out to be a beautiful sunny and still day with the perfect temperature for running. After the very strong winds on Friday this was a particular relief! The light from the low sun on the trees in their autumn colours was just stunning. Everyone expected very muddy underfoot conditions after the rain earlier in the week, especially round the airport (that perimeter path can be completely waterlogged) but it was surprisingly dry underfoot and my feet didn’t get wet until just before Ellercar Pike.
Simon Stokes and I were the Harriers on the 35 mile version, Steve Ladhams and Duncan Cooper opted for the 20 mile loop. A Half Marathon version was also available for the first time.
I ran this event last year and finished in just over 8 hours. With a bit more ultra experience gained I was keen to have a finishing time starting with a 7. I set off towards the back of the smallish field not wanting to be in the way of any fastcats on the narrow steps up the Chevin, yet after the initial climb I was still being overtaken by quite a few people in the early miles. I had to make some mental effort to silence the voice of doubt which started to rear its head, wondering if perhaps I had not recovered enough from the Snowdonia Marathon 2 weeks earlier. ‘Just run your own race Petra’ I had to keep telling myself, after all, you can only influence your own performance, within your own running ability, and have no control whatsoever over your fellow runners in the race. My plan was to barely stop at the checkpoints other than to take a quick slurp of coke and grab a snack, and to be better at resisting the temptation to walk as soon as any incline came my way, in order to get my overall pace as near to 5 miles per hour as possible. This worked as I started to overtake people around Menston (16 miles in) and from that point onwards no one came past me again as I gradually overtook more and more runners. Whilst my legs were pretty tired I still felt good, by ultra standards, on the (mercifully very downhill) return into Otley, and I ‘sprinted’ to the finish at Station Top crossing the line in 7:29 which I was absolutely over the moon about. I had definitely been in ‘competing’ rather than ‘completing’ mode all day, not chatting or looking at the landscape much, and it had paid out its dividend, taking 38 minutes off my previous time.
Excellent results from all Harriers (do shout out if I have missed someone!) yesterday, Simon had a tough race having recently been laid low with Covid so getting it done is a fab achievement, and Steve and Duncan ran very well in the 20 miler, Duncan coming home with the 1st MV50 trophy.
Special thanks to Dawn and Enzo who waited for me on the moor at Burley Woodhead and kept me company for a bit, and to my non-Harrier friend Gill who followed me round on her road bike for the entire northern section, popping up at Denton, Timble, Norwood and the finish, keeping me company on the road sections and pedalling furiously in between to catch me at the next point. I think she had the harder job as I reckon cycling uphill is worse than running!
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Results
35 miles
(1 4:46:25 Keith Wigley)
28 7:29:38 Petra Bijsterveld 1st FV50
47 8:21:58 Simon Stokes
61 finished
20 miles
(1 3:05:40 Sam Hainsworth)
5 3:21:30 Steve Ladhams
9 3:30:51 Duncan Cooper 1st MV50
26 finished
Guy Fawkes 10-mile – Sun 6 Nov
Sun 6 Nov 2022
[Photo credit: Philip Bland]
From Mike Williams…
I was reminded that no reports had yet been submitted to the Harriers website by the arrival of my fabulous winnings from this event (£5 voucher 3rd V60). Very few races provide prizes beyond 1st place after V55 so it was nice to get something.
Only seven Harriers ran this race which was surprising given it’s on the race league calendar and happens to be an iconic event. It is tough with nearly 1,200ft of climb packed into its 10 miles but it doesn’t seem as challenging as Otley which has less incline. You run through some beautiful countryside to the west of Ripley affording great views, if you have any breath left to appreciate them.
The weather was forecast as 10 celcius and slightly overcast but a heavy mist descended that morning meaning that temperatures were closer to 5 celcius. A chilly start but the course soon helped warm everyone up.
The Harriers were very successful with Sally once again becoming ladies ‘chicken dinner’ by a considerable margin and breaking the club record. Astonishing given the course. First Harrier home was Jeff Green (2nd V50), followed closely by Dave Foyston (1st V45) and Sally. Some great times also from Andrew Overend, Iain Young and Tony Pye.
(1 James Eaton, Tadcaster Harriers, 57:33)
20 Jeff Green 1:03:21
23 Dave Foyston 1:03:45
24 Sally Armitage 1:03:48
43 Andrew Overend 1:07:14
45 Iain Young 1:07:36
69 Tony Pye 1:10:53
118 Mike Williams 1:16:55
786 finished
New York Marathon – Sun 6 Nov
Sun 6 Nov 2022
From Hilda Coulsey…
Another month another major world marathon! This is undoubtedly an iconic marathon in an iconic city. The race follows through all five boroughs starting in Staten Island, ending up in Central Park, passing or with views of the main landmarks and skyline.
You either take a provided bus to the start or public transport and the ferry. I took the bus from the Central Library near Empire State Building. There are transport issues every year, it takes much longer than it should and all runners need to be in the start villages prior to any of the races starting. I saw the wheelchair racers go to the start and I saw them finish on the big screen where I watched the elites to almost two thirds of their journey before being called. They spread out start times, presumably as a Covid measure, which meant a very long wait.
Each wave is started by singing the Stars and Stripes and New York, New York and the firing of a cannon which certainly geed up the Americans, as you can imagine. Over the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge in Brooklyn initially with stunning views of Manhattan which seemed a very long way. Each borough is entered over a bridge which, together with undulations on particularly 5th avenue, provided the elevation gain of 300m. The bridges are quiet then you enter a cacophony of sound as you leave. Support is outstanding particularly too in Central Park when you need it most.
The weather was “unseasonably” warm. Normally 5-8 deg C, today it was 22-23 and very humid. Lots of runners struggled, emergency services were very busy. I don’t normally see many walking around me but the majority were walk / jogging in the second half. I felt the start of muscle cramping but it didn’t progress so I was pleased with my hydration etc. The race organisers are very generous with finish cutoffs and leave the finish area in Central Park manned until the last one comes through which can be after 9pm.
It was dark when I set off for the bus and dark before I reached my hotel – did I say it was a very long day!
There were 47,700 finishers whereas 52,000 was predicted. I finished in 4:55:09, pleasingly under my 5hr target but 14 mins slower than Chicago last month. The lady winning my category ran 3:36, her pace graph like any others I looked at including my own showed a noticeable decline in the second half and she is from California.
World Mountain/Trail Run Champs – 4-6 Nov
Sat 5 Nov 2022
Harriers Emily Gibbins and Tom Adams were both part of an incredible performance by the Great Britain and Northern Ireland team at the World Mountain & Trail Running Champs in Thailand.
Tom was in action first in the men’s squad that landed bronze in the ‘short’ (40km) trail race.
They were led by Jon Albon who was third individually, with the other two scorers Kristian Jones (fifth) and Billy Cartwright (25th), with both Three Peaks winner Brennan Townshend and Tom both inside the top 50.
Italy took gold and France the silver.
And then on Sunday, Emily and her team were on the top spot of the podium following an amazing display in the up and down junior women’s race.
Jess Bailey (Leven Valley), Rebecca Flaherty (Bingley) and Ellen Weir (Hercules Wimbledon) were first, second and fourth respectively to add the team gold to their individual heroics.
And Emily, coached by Sally Malir, was inside the top 20 in joint 18th.
Burley Moor Run – Sat 5 Nov
Fri 4 Nov 2022
From John Hayes…
Young Harrier Ed Hobbs – winner of the Ilkley Incline in September – notched another victory at the Burley Moor Run.
He clocked 42:50 to hold off Harry Kingston of North Leeds Fell Runners.
There were three other Harriers in the top 10 – Michael Odell, Jon Denniss and Steve Gott.
Winter Sugar Loaf fell race – Sat 5 Nov
Fri 4 Nov 2022
From Lucy Williamson…
After seeing the weather forecast, the organisers sent out a note the night before saying they were considering a shorter course, but on the morning the weather wasn’t quite as bad as expected so we all set off in the rain into the mist for a lap up and around the sugar loaf mountain. A lovely fell race (6 miles/1590 ft) made better by a pub to warm up in at the finish.
Results:
(1 Felix McGrath, Bristol and West AC, 40:17)
20 Lucy Williamson 51:39 – 2nd lady