In the North Of England AA Indoor 2003 Championships at Sport City, Manchester, at the weekend two medals were won by Horsforth's Andrew Staniland (Leeds City AC), who consolidated upon his silver medal in the under-17 men's pentathlon the week before.

An equal personal best leap of 6.42m saw Andrew achieve second place in the under-17 men's long jump after an exciting competition with Mark Fletcher of Preston Harriers (6.72m) and Phillip Jarrett of Sheffield (6.41m).

In this competition, however, Andrew was unfortunate that the under-17 men's shot (5kg.) took place at exactly the same time as the long jump. Therefore, swapping spikes for throwing shoes mid-competition, he was only able to achieve fifth place in the shot with 12.20m, almost a metre down on his best.

His first day's events finished with a fourth place in the 60m hurdles in 9.2s. The second day brought Andrew another silver medal when he cleared 1.85m in the high jump, a new personal best performance.

Andrew's sister, Bethany Staniland, of Kingston upon Hull AC, the 2003 North of England under-17 women's indoor pentathlon champion, also brought home a silver medal with 9.66m for second place in the under- 17 women's shot (4kg).

Later in the day, she also made it through to the final of the under-17 women's 300m, finishing in four4th place in the personal best time of 43.9s.

Three Skyrac AC athletes, also of the successful Guiseley School AC, competed at Manchester, despite there being a much larger programme entry from the club.

Laura Kirk showed excellent indoor 800m form for victory in the under-17 women's race. Having suffered from weeks of viral infection, Laura led the field from the start for the gold medal in the fine indoor time of 2mins.22.56s.

Team-mate Nicola Whitehead, finished fifth in her heat of the 60m in 8.53s. Emma Smith made it through the heats of the junior (under-20) women's 400m, although she failed to run in the final.

Another Guiseley School athlete, Fraser Davies, of Leeds City AC, despite being a first year under-17 man, enjoyed considerable championship success with three personal best performances.

A fifth place in the long jump was achieved with a fine 5.80m leap. This was closely followed by a sixth position in the shot (5kg) with 10.26m. Early in the day, he had also run 7.73s in his heat of the 60m.

Skyrac AC

Even the most competitive club athletes spend little time actually racing but pass many happy hours running alongside club mates or partners.

A running club is like any other club for people to enjoy the camaraderie, a common interest, the social side and the latest gossip.

When anyone joins a running club their running becomes better, which means easier and more enjoyable. One hears of people who will not join a running club because they fear every member is an obsessed racer but at Skyrac AC few adult members race and most members just meet up on a couple of evenings a week to keep fit whilst chatting and then have a drink in the new clubhouse.

Of course some members are competitive and it is their exploits, whether as juniors or Over 60 veterans, that are reported in the Wharfedale and Airedale Observer or Ilkley Gazette as news.

Whilst for many members racing does not figure at all it does for some and four travelled to Middlesbrough for the six miles Eston Nab Kneeknocker aware that a silly name usually means boring terrain.

The winner was Charles Stead (Northumberland FR) in 34.50 and Skyrac's Duncan Asquith reversed his recent defeat by Andy Brear by coming in 14th (in 43.00) against Andy's 22nd place (in 43.22). Neil Clayton was 61st (in 65.04) and Steve Batley, suffering from cramp, trailed in at 65th in 70.00.

Skyrac can be contacted via www.skyrac.org.uk or 0113 229 0924.

AireCentre Pacers

From wallowing in the Ackworth mud in December to skating on ice at Golden Acre Park in January, AireCentre Pacers' cross-country runners show themselves to be a dedicated group.

Boosted by the rare appearance of

Jonathan Smith, the Pacers launched a determined effort in the latest of the Sport Direct Cross- Country Series.

Golden Acre Park presented a daunting prospect. Its icy paths and Arctic chill deterred some but others were inspired. Jonathan Smith took advantage to bag a sound 56th place. Chris Hill came in at 101st place, keeping up his good performances in the series.

He was just a short gasp ahead of Richard Thompson, with Peter Philips further behind in 120th place. Russell Oliver made somewhat more stately progress but Paul Forkins suffered in the cold, finishing in 139th place.

The ladies turned out in force. Despite the efforts of a marshal to force Diane Craven to undertake a further lap of the park, she finished strongly in 16th place.

The other notable performance came from Maggie Clough, who overtook several runners in a dramatic sprint to the line. When she finally caught her breath she had claimed 63rd place. In between were the sure-footed Yvonne Hampshaw, Lynne Morris and Julia Cook. Lorice Cavagin slotted in at number 67.

Back in individual action for the first time in two years has been Arthur Edwards. Having saved himself the previous week, Arthur chose the relative obscurity of the Woodkirk 10k to make his return. Given his string of injury and illness, his 46.04 was admirable. He was pipped by the ever-eager Chris Hill in 45.33.

Last Friday also saw the club's annual dinner and dance. The well-attended event at the Apperley Manor Hotel was excellently organised by Richard Thompson.

Ilkley Harriers

On Saturday evening, Ilkley Harriers looked back on a great year's running and racing as they enjoyed their annual awards presentation evening.

Some 80 Harriers and partners made this a glittering social event at Ilkley Lawn Tennis and Squash Club.

An excellent curry supper was followed by the presentation of awards; a raffle with prizes donated by Terry Lonergan's Complete Runner; and dancing and chatting until late.

Thanks went to Emma Barclay and the other organisers for a super event.

The awards went to: Runner of the year: Mark Iley, Andrea Priestley; Most improved runner: Alison Bennett, Steve Cockerham; Marathon Runner: Richard Midgley, Suzanne Akeroyd; Men's Captain's Award: Neil Chapman; Ladies' Captain's Award: Alison Weston; Contribution to Club: Richard Gray, Shirley Wood.

The morning after, there was a great turnout of Harriers at the regular Sunday run, and even some racing - in the Woodkirk 10km race Dave Jepson ran 41:10 and John Woodward 42:49.

Ilkley Harriers is a friendly running club, training from Ilkley Lawn Tennis and Squash Club every Tuesday at 7pm. See www.ilkleyharriers.co.uk for more information.

Otley Athletic Club

Last Sunday the first 2003 club handicap race for the Eric Smith Trophy was held over a testing course of just over six miles, from North Rigton.

The worthy winner, in the fastest time of the day of 38.23, was James Cullen; second, with a welcome return to form, was Malcolm Court, his 39.56 suggesting sub-40 minutes for a measured 10k will soon follow. Third and first lady was Kath Robertshaw in 46.54; fastest lady was Helen Walsh in 46.07, 15 seconds and one place in front of husband Carl who, having been set off five minutes later, had been determined to catch her.

The handicapper's judgement proved sound as, despite much good natured encouragement from other runners, Carl just failed to catch up.

Having run some five miles from home to the race venue, done the event, and then set off to run home, it was not surprising that Nick Hodgkinson was the slowest of the day. He also missed out on the excellent post-race hospitality of the new management of the Square and Compass - but hopefully his dedication will be rewarded by a new PB in a planned Spring marathon.

Those entered for the North of England Cross-Country in Manchester are asked to meet at 11.30am on Saturday at Otley RUFC.