Taylor runs away with the Guiseley Gallop

Whilst virtually all off-road events have been cancelled because of the foot and mouth crisis Peter made arrangements with Leeds City Council for the race to go ahead on Nunroyd and Kirk Lane Parks and he was rewarded for his initiative with 168 finishers in the main race and a further 15 entries in the two mile fun run.

Whilst running in parks cannot match the traditional race route through Esholt Village and along the canal towpath any event which avoids the tedium

of tarmac deserved success. Although overall numbers were down the competition at the front was fierce with several top class runners in attendance.

The six mile race was run over three laps and John Taylor (Bingley) led Greg

Hull (Leeds City) at the end of each lap to win convincingly in 34 min 12 secs well clear of Greg on 35.46. Pudsey and Bramley's Paul and Phil Sheard ran well

and Phil moved steadily through the field to finish third in 36.07. Paul finished fifth just ahead of sixth man and first veteran 40 Paul Briscoe (Valley Striders) on 36.38.

John Taylor won the event in 2000 together with Andrew Pearson (Bingley)

when they finished together and this month he has beaten Ian Holmes in the first two Dave Woodhead Bunny Runs so perhaps such a decisive victory could have been anticipated.

Other veteran class winners included Ilkley Harrier Nick Pearce (Over-45) who was 16th overall in 39.32 after winning this category last year. John Lake (North Derby) was 22nd in 40.46 and won the first Over-50 prize and in 19th place was Mike Walker (Gosforth) who was the first Over-55 in 40.33, repeating his category victory of 2000. Ilkley Harrier Geoff Howard was just four seconds behind in 20th place to take second Over-55.

The close proximity of these veteran finishers prompted discussion that veteran runners from distant clubs can often spring surprises on local runners competing for the veteran category prizes when the "unknown" runner wins a veteran prize. This sometimes then prompts comment from the local runner on the lines of "if I had known he was a vet I would have tried harder!"

Some years ago prolific race organiser Allan Greenwood made all veteran category runners run with a special colour code on their back to indicate their veteran status but this exercise in transparency never caught on.

To complete the prize-winning for Ilkley Harriers, Norman Bush was 51st on 45.41 and was first Over-60.

The first lady was Erika Nutter (Ripon Runners) in 35th place on 43.41 ahead of Kirstin Bailey 45th on 44.40 and Denise Johnson (Pudsey Pacers), who although over 40 took the first Over-35 prize in 59th on 46.46.

Well known local runner Sylvia Watson (Valley Striders) was first Over-50 in 67th on 47.40.

In the two mile fun run all competitors received a small chocolate egg with Stuart Nunn, James Kelly and Damian Rawcliffe having the extra pleasure of knowing that they had finished in the first three in their race.

On the day the sun came out, the generous prize list was maintained and the Skyrac club members, ably assisted by Emma and Tim, "the Waters with the water," were pleased that the club had been able to mount an off-road event when so many other races have been cancelled.

Skyrac still hope that the Otley Chevin Race, planned for Wednesday, June 6, can be held but a decision on this is dependent on foot and mouth disease developments.

Results: 1, John Taylor M 34.12 (Bingley H); 2, Greg Hull M 35.46 (Leeeds City); 3 , Philip Sheard M 36.07 (Pudsey & Bramley); 4, Tevor Wilks M 36.22 (Leeds City); 5, Paul Sheard M 36.34 (Pudsey & Bramley); 6, Paul Briscoe M40 36.38 (Valley Striders); 7, Andrew Wade M 36.43 (Ilklely H); 8, John Mason M 36.56 (U/A); 9, Bob Duncan M40 37.07 (U/A); 10, Tim Ashelford M 37.20 (Ilkley H); 11, Julian Mawson M 37.36 (Otley); 12, Mark Chryssanthou M 38.06 (U/A); 13, Paul Target M 38.15 (Clayton); 14, Lee Athersmith M 19 38.23 (Skipton); 15, Neil Armitage M 39.24 (Pudsey & Bramley); 16, Nick Pearce M45 39.32 (Ilkley H); 17, R Johnson M 39.45 (Ripon); 18, James Thompson M 40.10 (Tadcaster); 19, Mike Walker M55 40.33 (Gosforth); 20, Geoffrey Howard M55 40.37 (Ilkley H); 21, John Wilson M 40.41 (Ripon); 22, John Lake M50 40.46 (North Derby); 23, Harvey Gott M55 40.56 (Northern Vets); 24, Simon Sherwood M 41.00 (U/A); 25, Jonathon Swift M 41.40 (Airecentre Pacers); 26, David Mathews M50 41.51 (Ilkley H); 27, Pete Willis M40 41.52 (Nidd Valley); 28, Bob Jackson M50 42.17 (Valley Striders); 29, Peter Dean M 42.20 (Middleton); 30, Martin Thompson M45 42.59 (Tadcaster); 31, Mike Baldwin M40 43.05 (Ilkley H); 32, Bill Wade M55 43.13 (Holmfirth); 33, Dave Armstrong M50 43.21 (St Bede's); 34, Martin Cimpson M45 43.28 (U/A); 35, Erika Nutter F 43.41 (Ripon R); 36, Alistair Davy M50 43.45 (Horsforth); 37, Peter Carver M50 43.56 (Ripon R); 38, Gerry Orchard M45 44.00 (York Acorn); 39, Raper M45 44.12 (U/A); 40, Tony Haygarth M50 44.26 (Valley Striders); 41, Colin Utterson M55 44.28 (York Acorn); 42, John Douglas M 44.30 (Horsforth); 43, Stewart McConnel M 44.37 (U/A); 44, S.Bradshaw M 44.37 (U/A); 45, Kirstin Bailey F 44.40 (Bingley H); 46, Craig Barrett M 44.52 (Halifax); 47, D Smart M50 45.23 (Leeds Tri); 48 , Colin Best M45 45.26 (Otley); 49, Geoff Webster M50 45.35 (Valley Striders); 50, Gary Burns M 44.36 (U/A).

51, Norman Bush M60 45.41 (Ilkley H); 52 Steven Waugh M 45.51 (U/A); 53 Simon Eastwood M 45.55 (U/A); 54 Clive Smith M40 45.58 (Ilkley H); 55, J Hutchinson M50 46.01 (Kirkstall); 56, Jonathon Leinster M 46.09 (U/A); 57, Jemy Jose M 46.25 (York Acorn); 58, John Cook M45 46.45 (Tadcaster); 59, Denise Johnson F40 46.46 (Pudsey Pacers); 60, Jim Garside M 47.00 (U/A); 61 Brian Johnson M40 47.04 (Pickering); 62, Andrew Summer M 47.07 (Otley); 63, Carl Dacres M 47.09 (U/A); 64, Andrew Dunn M 47.10 (U/A); 65, Stephen Wilby M 47.18 (Queensbury H); 66, Eric Cusack M50 47.21 (Valley Striders); 67, Sylvia Watson F50 47.40 (Valley Striders); 68, William Morris M 47.42 (Aire Centre Pacers); 69, Kirsteen Young F19 47.43 (Hull Springhead); 70, Steve Nolan M45 47.44 (Hull Springhead); 71, Helen Love F40 48.00 (St Bede's); 72, Kirk Young M45 48.02 (Hull Springhead); 73, Carl Walsh M 48.02 (U/A); 74, Andrew Wolfendin M50 48.08 (Ilkley); 75, David Berry M50 48.13 (U/A); 76, Simon Large M40 48.19 (U/A); 77, Philip Trueman M40 48.50 (Kirkstall H); 78, Graham Mortimer M40 48.51 (U/A); 79, P Merifield M40 49.09 (West Yorks Police); 80, Richard Fennell M 49.16 (U/A); 81, Neil Shotter M45 49.21 (Kirkstall H); 82, Christopher Hill M45 49.29 (Aire Centre Pacers); 83, Debby Farrington F40 49.30 (Rothwell); 84, Mark Hams M 49.31 (Rothwell); 85, C Walker M40 49.33 (U/A); 86, Geoffrey Dimelow M45 49.39 (Penistone FP); 87, Lisa Wilyman F 49.44 (Valley Striders); 88, John Tattersall M50 49.49 (York Acorn); 89, Gemma Mas F 49.50 (U/A); 90, Janet Lake F45 50.01 (North Derby); 91, David Spink M40 50.02 (Kirkstall H); 92, Alan Harman M40 50.03 (Mandale); 93, Clive Robinson M55 50.24 (U/A); 94, John Marlow M45 50.35 (U/A); 95 S. Blades M45 50.35 (U/A); 96, Joaumas Selga M50 50.36 (U/A); 97, T Targett M55 50.38 (Clayton); 98, Peter Hey M45 50.59 (Kirkstall H); 99, Tanya Sherwood F 50.59 (U/A); 100, Caleb Gould M 51.09 (U/A).

101, Liam Wainwright M 51.12 (U/A); 102, Helen Barnes F35 51.18 (York Acorn); 103, Nicholas North M 51.23 (U/A); 104, Gillian Burnell F50 51.27 (Rothwell); 105, Caroline Wood F 51.34 (Otley); 106, Simon Varley M 51.41 (U/A); 107, Linda Wright F40 51.53 (U/A); 108, P Andrews M50 51.58 (U/A); 109, Gerard Biggs M40 52.00 (Bingley H); 110, Alistair Black M45 52.09 (U/A); 111, Helen Walsh F35 52.14 (U/A); 112, Emma Payne F 52.18 (Otley); 113, Antonio Cardihale M50 52.22 (U/A); 114, Julie Bushell F 52.39 (York Acorn); 115, Andy Walters M40 52.56 (U/A); 116, Mandy Grayson F35 53.20 (U/A); 117, John Carter M 53.29 (West Yorks Police); 118, Rachel Stephenson F 53.39 (Skipton); 119, Melanie Shephard F35 53.56 (U/A); 120, Thea Barrett F40 53.58 (Skipton); 121, Graham Benton M40 54.07 (Maltby); 122, Alistair Thompson M40 54.09 (U/A); 123, Alan Nicholson M50 54.21 (Nidd Valley); 124 ,Paul Felgate M45 54.25 (U/A); 125, Jonathon Hart-Woods M40 54.28 (U/A); 126, David Coates M45 54.34 (Chapel Allerton); 127, Carole Raistrick F55 54.37 (St Bede's); 128, Jim Hart M 54.55 (U/A); 129, June Howard F40 55.13 (U/A); 130 Derek Mitchell M55 55.34 (U/A); 131, E Walker F35 55.54 (U/A); 132, Stephen Seed M 56.06 (U/A); 133, Carmen Piddock F 56.19 (Rothwell); 134, Raymond Archer M40 52.19 (U/A); 135, Alec Ratcliffe M55 57.22 (Bingley H); 136, Andrew Wright M40 57.27 (U/A); 137, Vicky Wright F19 57.34 (U/A); 138 Steven Potter M 57.41 (U/A); 139, Helen Felgate F45 57.52 (U/A); 140, S.Marshall F 57.55 (Bingley H); 141, Susan Anstess F35 58.03 (Bingley H); 142, Amanda Parry F 59.04 (U/A); 143, Phil Hill F70 59.06 (Horsforth); 144, Jennifer Garside F 59.29 (U/A); 145, Kirsty Forrest M 59.30 (U/A); 146, John Streets M40 60.15 (U/A); 147, Graham Stowell M19 60.58 (U/A); 148, Kay Farrow F40 60.59 (Beverley); 149, Cathy Robinson F40 61.10 (U/A); 150, Debbi Wagman F40 61.12 (U/A).

151, Julie Cooper F35 61.16 (U/A); 152, Steve Howarth M45 62.30 (U/A); 153, John Murray M 62.43 (U/A); 154, P Potter F50 63.16 (U/A); 155, Cleo Holmes M 63.21 (U/A); 156, Tom Harrison M45 63.27 (U/A); 157, Diane Streets F35 63.43 (U/A); 158, Gloria Jackson F45 64.38 (Dragons); 159, D Dowlen M40 65.11 (U/A); 160, Diane Richardson F 65.12 (Kirkstall H); 161, Karen Brierley F35 65.49 (U/A); 162, Sarah Tock F 66.28 (Beverley); 163, Derek Gill M55 66.42 (Bingley H); 164, D Hart M55 66.59 (U/A); 165, Candy Gable F40 66.59 (Aire Centre Pacers); 166, Trish Pearson F40 67.44 (Kirkstall H); 167, Peter Yates M50 68.59 (Fellandale); 168, Linda Tappenden F 72.58 (U/A).

Fun Run: 1, Stuart Hunn 14.14; 2, James Kelly 15.16; 3, Damian Rawcliffe 15.28; 4, Alexander Davy 16.01; 5, Stephen Hunn 16.49; 6, Alex Dunn 17.05; 7, Jonathon Banes 17.58; 8, Gary Bains 18.00; 9, James Kelly 18.05; 10, Thomas Styles 20.04; 11, Peter Thurston 21.29; 12, Sarah Harman 24.50; 13, Catrina Forsyth 25.07; 14, Sarah Thurston 30.38; 15, Evelyn Forsyth 30.39.

Ilkley Harriers

The Guiseley Gallop is a favourite event with many Ilkley Harriers but this year it was in a more urban form than normal, with the course redesigned to avoid countryside and footpaths made out of bounds by the foot and mouth disease precautions. The organisers were rewarded with a good turnout, including a host of Harriers.

Andy Wade had a good run for 7th in 36.43; Tim Ashelford was 10th in 37.20; and Nick Pearce 16th and first Vet-45 in 39.32. Geoff Howard, in 20th with 40.33, was second Vet-55. Dave Matthews was 26th and second Vet-50 with 41.51 and Mike Baldwin who was 31st in 43.05 was fourth Vet-40. Norman Bush was 51st in 45.41 and first Vet-60. Phil Hirst was 54th with 45.58 and Andy Wolfenden 74th with 48.08, both good runs.

Good Luck to the Harriers running this weekend in the London Marathon. If you feel inspired by watching this on the television why not come and run with us? The main club run is from Ben Rhydding Sports Club on a Tuesday at 7pm.

Phone the captain Ken Souyave on 01943 609597 to find ot more, or check out the web site www.ilkleyharriers.co.uk

Otley AC

SIX Otley AC members participated in Sunday's well organised Guiseley Gallop with Julian Mawson first member home, finishing in 11th position overall in 37.36. Colin Best finished 48th in 45.26, just ahead of team mate Andrew Sumner, who finished 62nd in 47.07.

Caroline Wood was the first Otley lady home in 105th position in 51.34, and Emma Payne finished 112th in 52.18. Otley's very own Italian runner, Antonio Cardinale, finished 113th in a pleasing 52.22.

It has been a busy week for Andrew Sumner, who had also participated in the second Bunny Run at Keighley last Thursday, finishing in 24.08 - over a minute faster than he had completed the same course the previous week. Ray Hawksby also ran well to finish in approximately 21 minutes.

On the proceeding Tuesday, 15 members participated in the latest monthly club handicap around the approximate 10km Otley-Pool-Farnley Lane course and won by Neil O'Brien in 41.39. Fastest time of the evening went to the rapidly improving after injury Neil Cayton, who recorded 33.24.

Otley AC will be well represented in this Sunday's London Marathon with Ian Fisher justifying a place in the elite start, having finished 32nd in 2-20.27 last year. Andrew Robertshaw will also look to emulate his 1999 performance (2-47), as will Neil O'Brien (3-27) and Kath Robertshaw (30-33). Tom Hannah and Dave Hainsworth will also be having their first run outs on the famous course for a few years.

Entry forms for this year's Otley Ford Motors 10 Mile Road Race, which takes place on Wednesday, May 16, are available from Otley Ford, local sports centres and sports shops. Alternatively, forms can be picked up at club training nights each Tuesday and Thursday evenings, commencing 7.15pm, from Otley RUFC, Cross Green.

Track and Field

League

The first meeting of the seven series West Yorkshire Track and Field League took place at York's Ryedale Stadium with many of Skyrac's Guiseley-based athletes enjoying much success.

Amongst the winners was Georgina Ablett, whose attendance at Hugh Richardson's Wednesday evening throws coaching sessions really paid off

when she won the Under-13 girls' discus with 20.88m. She was also third equal in the 80m (11.8s) and sixth equal in 70m hurdles (13.9s).These results give Georgina 12 points on the day towards the final League title.

Also in the Under-13 girls' age group there was a fine performance from Gabi

Rowell, who comfortably won the 800m in 2mins.34.4s.

Middle distance success continued for Skyrac when Laura Kirk magnificently took the Under-15 girls' 1500m in 4 mins.57.2s, while Sam Webster won the Under-13 boys' 800m (2mins 36.9s), knocking 11 seconds off his personal best performance. Sam was also third in the 70m hurdles with 14.6s.

Amy Howard picked up nine useful league points in the Under-15 girls' events with third equal in the100m (14.2s), third in the 75m hurdles (13.6s) and sixth in the high jump (1.30m). Carol Humphrey won the senior women's 1500m in5 mins22.7s.

Amongst the club's athletes with learning difficulties, Skyrac's outstanding result came from Thomas Poulton- White who won the senior men's 100m in

11.7s. His team mate, Graham Dunford, was sixth equal in the same event with 12.3s; whilst Shanelle Smith was fourth in the senior women's 100m in 13.7s.

On the same day, Horsforth's Andrew and Bethany Staniland competed in the inaugural Kingston-upon-Hull Open Meeting at the Costello Park Stadium.

Silver platters of three different sizes, not medals, were the rewards for the successful athletes at this highly competitive and popular meeting, and Andrew and Bethany came home with two each.

Twelve year-old Bethany, who runs for the home club, set a personal best of 2 mins.29.2s for second place in the Under -15 girls' 800m, despite the stiff breeze in the home straight. She was also second in the shot with 8.64m and eighth in the final of the 200m, equalling her personal best of 29.7s in the last race of the day.

Fourteen year-old Andrew of Skyrac AC achieved two personal bests when he was second in the Under-15 boys' shot with 10.44m and third in the Under-17 men's discus (1.50Kg) with 26.08m.

Another Horsforth brother and sister pairing were also in action on the same day but again at a different venue. Robert and Elizabeth Spencer, both of Holmfirth Harriers, ran in the McDonalds' Young Athletes Road Relays at Sutton Park, Sutton Coldfield.

Elizabeth, running for the first time since the Inter-Counties Cross-Country Championships back in early February, benefited from the rest and was the third Under-17 girl home on the first leg of the relay with an impressive 14 mins.25s. over the 3,800m course. This fine run made her the fourth fastest girl overall in this age group.

Meanwhile Robert's second leg in the Under-17 boys' relay of 12 mins.40s, over the same course, was of such high quality that Holmfirth Harriers picked up the bronze team medal in this very prestigious event.