Running Log

A wet and windy morning did nothing to dampen spirits at the YORKSHIRE VETS ROAD RELAYS.

The course took a 2.9-mile loop from Ilkley Lido alongside the river and then a tough mile upwards, before a crazy descent through Middleton Woods.

In the over-35s category, Keighley & Craven ladies (Trish Gavins, Liz Tomes and Tizz Woffenden) and Hallamshire Harriers men (Stuart Maycock, Scott Wilson, Dean Furniss and Darren Newbold) were gold medalists.

Ilkley’s home teams won silver ahead of Otley AC’s men and Wharfedale Harriers’ women, while Baildon came a close fourth with Quentin Lewis, Steve Watkins, Dean Williams and Steve Pickard performing strongly.

Nigel Bedell, Shaun Wilkinson, David Shaw and Loz Helliwell led Keighley & Craven to another win in the men’s over-40s, finishing third overall. Wakefield Harriers and Bingley Harriers fought a tight battle for second, with Wakefield edging it by ten seconds.

Bingley had greater success in the over-45s as Andrea Dennison, Mary Green and Sue Beconsall beat two Ilkley teams to claim first place in 58min 43sec. They also won two other categories.

Matt Cox (Ilkley) ran the second leg in 15:52, earning him fastest male time. Woffenden and Sally Morley (Ilkley) both recorded times of 18:48 to tie as fastest females.

Ilkley Harriers’ home-baked cakes were particular favourites in a delightful setting with great atmosphere.

A record field turned out for the WITHINS SKYLINE FELL RACE.

Starting from Penistone Hill Country Park near Haworth, the seven-miler proved a challenge as a muddy Bronte Moor made for treacherous terrain and more than a few tumbles.

Lloyd Taggart (Dark Peak) won the race in 43:27, with Tom Adams (Ilkley) hot on his heels in second place. Mark Addison (Helm Hill) was third and Gareth Hird (Wharfedale) fourth.

Jo Buckley (Calder Valley) was the first lady, with Keighley & Craven’s Helen Glover second.

On Hallowe’en there is the choice between the popular but tough GUY FAWKES TEN-MILER from Ripley castle, north of Harrogate, and the BRONTE WAY EIGHT-MILE TRAIL RACE from Wycoller.