Ilkley Harrier Andrea Priestley is the British Fell Running Champion for 2002. Nine Ilkley Harriers (a men's and a ladies' team), plus supporters, travelled to Melrose in the Scottish Borders for the Eildon Two Hills fell race, 4.5M with 1500ft of climb, and a counter in the British Fell Championship.

The ladies raced first, and despite a stomach bug Andrea dragged them around the Gala field and up onto the fell. Straining to see the race from below, it seemed that Keswick's Louise Sharp - with whom Andrea is neck and neck in the British Championship - seemed to take the lead up the hill. But Andrea ran in for a final lap of Melrose Rugby Club with CFR's Sara Carson on her heels and Louise back in 4th place.

Andrea's time was 32.39. This win puts Andrea into the lead in the British Fell Champs, although if Louise wins the final race at Y Garn then they will share the championship.

Ilkley's ladies' team consisted of Andrea, and Alison Weston and Emma Barclay who both finished well up in the quality field. Alison was 16th in 36.06, and Emma 18th in 38.15, for third team on the day, missing second by just one point! Shirley Wood ran well too, 51st in 47.29

In the men's race, Jim Ryder was first male Harrier home in 77th place 33.13 (the race was won by Lochaber's John Brooks in 26.51, beating Ian Holmes). Mike Baldwin was 92nd in 33.34; Geoff Howard 94th in 33.46; Ewan Welsh 124th in 36.46; and Paul Wood the fifth and final counter 128th in 37.09.

On lower ground, Suzanne Akeroyd recorded a time of 3h25 at the Blackpool Marathon, in windy conditions, with Richard Midgley running 3h 45.

Ilkley Harriers are reminded that Tuesday, July 2, is the final counting race in the Harrogate Road League. Ilkley are third in the main competition (and could be second), leading the ladies and lady vets (and want to keep it that way), and are third in the vets (with Ripon just one point behind). They need a good turnout to finish the competition in style.

Ilkley Harriers is a friendly club, running and racing on all terrain, and training from Ilkley Lawn Tennis and Squash Club every Tuesday at 7pm. Meet them there, or contact them on 01943 831765 or visit the website www.ilkleyharriers.co.uk, for more information.