The foot and mouth epidemic has had a major effect on fellrunning and not surprisingly the Fell Runners Association has cancelled all races listed in its 2001 Calendar until further notice.

After an interregnum of a few weeks, which has seen fellrunners slumming on cold hard tarmac, intrepid race organisers such as Allan Greenwood and Dave Woodhead are now able to offer alternative courses for events which comply with government regulations yet still allow fellrunners to get off the roads and feel grass beneath their feet.

Perhaps the most bizarre alternative event currently on offer is the substitution of the 12 mile Guisborough Moors race, which normally includes 2600 feet of climb on the North York Moors, for an alternative race of similar length along the beach at Redcar.

The irony of their fall from running amongst the clouds to paddling at sea level will not be lost on even fellrunners.

The epidemic has also forced a change of course for the increasingly popular

Guiseley Gallop. Peter Rawnsley of Skyrac AC who promote the event is almost certain that the two races planned for Easter Sunday 15 April will go ahead on revised courses around Nunroyd and Kirk Lane Parks in Yeadon; although final confirmation is still awaited from Leeds City Council.

Entries for both the two mile Fun Run (9:45am) and the six mile Guiseley Gallop (11am) will be taken on the day at the Skyrac Clubhouse within Nunroyd Park.

Parking is available on the Clubhouse drive off New Road, Yeadon and also at West Side Retail Park opposite Nunroyd Park.

Further information can be obtained from Peter Rawnsley on 01943 875516.

Harriers are set

for Bunny Runs

There wasn't much racing action over the weekend for Ilkley Harriers as the foot and mouth situation prevails. All fell racing is suspended and many road races have been postponed too.

Peter Shields was one of the few who found a race - he competed in a 10km race walk in Bury, and performed strongly to finish in third place overall and won the handicap event.

Several Harriers are preparing for the London Marathon in a few weeks time, for which the enforced road running is ideal training. But others are looking forward to the shorter Bunny Run series starting tonight, Thursday, at 7pm at the Cliffe Castle Estate in Keighley.

These short runs, relocated from their normal Harden Moor venue, are short and sharp, or short and fun, depending on your inclination.

Part of the interest of the Bunny Runs is that you can race the same course for four weeks in a row, measuring your improvement and performance against others as you get to know the course. And then some are more interested in the chocolate eggs enjoyed by all finishers!

Circuit training on Mondays is taking a short break for the Easter school holidays, and will resume in the Summer term. Thursday training is on hold for the next five weeks as the Bunny Runs and the first of the Harrogate League road races are ahead.

Social events this week are Friday's Curry Run (meet at the Coach House at Clayton for a trip to the Naseeb at Lidget Green); and Saturday's Ladies' trip to Leeds.

Ilkley Harriers are a friendly running club, meeting at Ben Rhydding Sports Club every Tuesday at 7pm. Contact captain Ken Souyave on 01943 609597 or visit their web site www.ilkleyharriers.co.uk for more details.

Brother and

sister qualify

BROTHER and sister, Aidan (18) and Naomi Johnson (16), from Shipley, both qualified for the English Schools' Cross-Country Championships this year. They both train at local athletics club Bingley Harriers and have worked hard to ensure qualification through regular runs in the Leeds Schools' Cross-Country events around the city this year.

Unfortunately, due to the recent foot and mouth epidemic, it appears unlikely that the English Championships will be staged this year.

At least Naomi, who is studying in Year 12 at Menston St Mary's, will have next season to look forward to. Aidan will have to take on the university students from around the country next season as he takes his A-level examinations in June.

St Mary's pupils

in Dortmund

YEAR Seven pupils Sam Webster and James Clayton, of Menston St Mary's School, recently competed in Dortmund, Germany, representing the City of Leeds in an international athletic competition.

James ran the 60 metre sprint with a time of 8.6sec (13th), and the 1,000-metres, finishing seventh in 3 mins 30.6sec, whilst Sam concentrated on the 1,000 metre event and finished 10th in 3 min 22 sec.

Both boys have been regulars in the school cross-country team in the Leeds Schools' League this season recording some very impressive results during the season's campaign.

Alex Fox, from Menston, a pupil in Year Nine, also gained selection for the Leeds Athletics team in Dortmund. He was due to compete in the 60 metres sprint and the 4x100 metres relay events before an injury sustained playing rugby for Otley RUFC forced him to withdraw and compete only in the shot. Here he threw over ten metres. The Leeds Schools under-13 record-holder for 400 metres, Alex is now recovering to take on the challenges of the approaching athletics season.