Running log

Tom Adams shrugged off a strong north-westerly wind to storm to victory in the Stanbury Splash.

The Ilkley Harrier looked as if he had just been out for a training run as he completed Sunday’s gruelling seven-and-a-half-mile race in 45min 45sec.

The course, which involves over 1,300ft of climbing, is one of a classic series of races on the Bronte Moors above Haworth organised by Dave and Eileen Woodhead.

Dave’s final shouted instruction of “no splashing” to the field of almost 400 runners at the famous quarry start spoke volumes of the conditions underfoot.

Adams romped home ten seconds ahead of nearest rival Rob Jebb of Bingley Harriers.

Ian Holmes, also of Bingley Harriers, held the crown between 1996 and 2010 but had to settle for seventh place.

Holmes still holds the course record of 41:53, set in 2006, but lost his men’s over-40s title to clubmate Andy Peace.

Matt John (Otley, ninth), Christian Holmes (Wharfedale, 12th) and Simon Pass (Saltaire, 23rd) were first home from their respective clubs.

Jo Buckley of Calder Valley reprised her victory of last year in the women’s race by finishing in 55:36. Bingley’s Sharon Taylor was 35 seconds behind in second.

All finishers received a malt loaf and there was the usual crackerjack-style awarding of prizes in a local Haworth pub.

The winners were loaded high with a precarious stack of goodies while a video of the race played on the large screen.