Last week was the quietest for the Wharfedale Harriers club for several months with just one race being supported, the Moorcock Fell Race, the 18th BOFRA Championship race of the season. The event was won by Robert Hudson, his 10th championship victory of the season in 11 starts, and, with 12 races needed to qualify, he simply needs to jog around one of the last two races to win the BOFRA title.

Assuming he does this, Wharfedale's Ted Mason will be runner-up for the second successive year. Ted finished second at Moorcock, just over a minute down on Robert in a time of 36.19, and this now gives him a total of 3 wins and 9 second place finishes in his best 12 starts this season, a wonderfully consistent performance.

Next home for Wharfedale was Andy Holden, 4th in 39.37 and then Steve Hounslow 6th in 41.01. This was Steve's 9th consecutive Vet 45 Championship victory and now well and truly secures his BOFRA title in this category.

Next home was Damien Scholes 9th, 42.26; David Hird 10th, 43.52; Sam Hounslow 13th, 45.21; Paul Rogan 14th, 45.25; Peter Mallalieu 20th, 50.37; and Kevin Rogan 23rd, 58.32.

Junior training sessions have now finished for the season, although it is hoped that we will be able to get together on the occasional weekend through the autumn and winter. Watch this column for details, or contact Bob Hamilton on 01943 816776 for more information.

There are still two club championship races remaining, with the next taking place at Embsay this coming Sunday, Sept 24th at 12.00. This is a great event, with good courses for all age categories, starting in the fields behind one of the village pubs.

Wharfedale Harriers is a family oriented club aiming to promote fell and cross-country running across all ages and abilities. Senior training takes place on Monday and Tuesday evenings from Silsden, Wednesday evenings from Skipton, and Thursday evenings from Ilkley at the Grammar School.

For more details please contact David Hird on 01535 653826, or visit our website at www.wharfedaleharriers.org.uk.

Ilkley Harriers

The 'petrol crisis' saw a record turnout at the Old Bridge for Sunday's local club run, but two of our ladies did get out racing. In Skipton Elaine Ibbotson ran in the women's 4.5 mile race.

Making her racing debut, she ran strongly over the undulating, mixed terrain course to finish 13th in 39:34. The race was won by IlkleAC in 29:28.

Helen Sedgwick made it further afield to the Dalehead fell race. Although only 4.5 miles long, the tough course had 2210' of climb, and Helen ran well to finish in 65 minutes as 17th lady in a Championship field.

The previous weekend, Tim Ashelford continued a run of good results with 8th out of 158 at the Ripon Triathlon.

Training tonight (Thursday) is speed and stamina training on the grass with Pete - meet at Ben Rhydding Sports Club at 7pm.

And Harriers are reminded of our AGM on Wednesday 27th at Ilkley Lawn Tennis Club, 8pm, with social drinks afterwards.

Ilkley Harriers are a friendly running club - to find out more about us contact our captain Ken Souyave on 01943 609597, or visit our web site www.ilkleyharriers.org.uk

Triangle dominate aquathlon

The fourth round of the British Triathlon Association's Northern Regional Series drew a strong contingent of Triangle Asics' juniors to Cleveland for the swim-run event. Oliver Webster was first away with a 100 metre swim and 1500 metre run, which he completed in 2-38 and 5-22 respectively, to win the eight years category by 33 seconds.

Jonathan Brownlee competed in the under-11 years category finishing in a time of 7-04 to win by 34 seconds. Brother, Alistair had a tougher time in the under-13 race, clocking 7-12 to win by a mere second. Also in the under-13s, the 11 year-old Sam Webster performed well in a strong field despite being one of the youngest entrants. His time of 7-43 secured fourth place. Heather Taggart also had a tough race in the girls under-13 category, winning by a margin of 3 seconds with a combined time of eight minutes. Brother James also claimed victory in the under 15 race, swimming 300 metres in 3-31 and running 3000 metres in 10-37. Overall this was an outstanding performance by the team and maintained the dominance they have shown at both regional and national level during the year.

The fifth round of the National Series was held during the holiday period at Oldbury, West Midlands, and as a consequence few members attended the event. Sam Webster competed over distances of 200 metre swim, 4000 metre cycle and 1800 metre run, clocking times of 3:09, 8:47 and 7:58 respectively. This placed him 4th in the under-13s and 1st in the 11 years category. Brother Oliver swam 50 metres, cycled 1000 metres and ran 500 metres in a time of 5:52 to gain 2nd place in the 8 year-olds.

With fewer races available towards the end of the season members of the team have turned to other activities, with some degree of success. Alistair Brownlee and Mark Thwaites raced in the under-14 years category at the Lothersdale Fell Race finishing 1st and 3rd respectively and beating many of the senior athletes.

Meanwhile Scott Thwaites continued his fascination with mountain biking. At the final race of the Northern Area Mountain Bike Series he won the under-11 race for his 3rd victory in the three events he has contested.

l Information about the junior section of the Triangle Asics Triathlon Racing Team can be obtained by telephoning 0113 2590477 or 01943 864425.