Around the local athletics scene

The highlight of her afternoon was first place in the Under-13 girls' 600 metres, knocking five seconds off her best 1999 time, with 1min 51.9sec.

She also went on to win the long jump with 3.85 metres; came second in the 150 metres in 22.3sec and third in the 75 metres in 11.4s.

Several Skyrac athletes' season will begin this weekend at Scunthorpe's annual winter warm-up meeting, although three of them will be taking part in the Northern Championships of the Reebok Sports Hall Athletics in Middlesborough.

Saturday saw the final race in the Leeds Schools' Cross-Country League at Braim Wood School. Outstanding amongst Skyrac's athletes were Elizabeth Kendall-Smith (Under-12 girls - first); Amy Cawthorne (Under-13 girls - eighth); Paul Bott (Under-13 boys - eighth); Elizabeth Spencer (Under-16 girls - first); Kath Davey (Under-19 girls - third).

The climax of the schools' cross-country season comes next week in London where Skyrac's two outstanding girls, Elizabeth Spencer (Under-16) and Laura Kirk (Under-14) will hope to do well.

Skyrac fell runners

THE Chew Valley Skyline race in the magnificent countryside overlooking the Saddleworth Moor reservoirs is part of fell folklore. Fell-runners tell of the day when competitors took a short cut across the ice covering the frozen but in use Chew Reservoir not knowing that the water level was so far below the ice on the reservoir that if it had broken they would have fallen, without any chance of being rescued, to certain death.

Despite the arduous nature of this late winter 13-mile event, race entries grew in the 1980s to over 500 thereby degrading the race to 'follow my leader', and so after 11 races organiser Frank Sykes ended the event.

Frank Sykes died last year when out on a club run and as a memorial to him, last Sunday, Saddleworth Runners reinstated the race after a six-year hiatus on its 21st anniversary. From 239 entries, 25 of whom competed in the first event 21 years ago. Andy Trigg (Glossopdale) won in 1hr 42min 45sec, a staggering eight minutes ahead of the second man.

Two Skyrac athletes ran in that first race in 1980. On Sunday, 21 years later, Graham Breeze enjoyed his second taste of this classic, arduous, bog trot over rough moorland. Although 11 years older than for his first attempt he finished comfortably quicker (2-29.30) and higher up the field (109th); all of which he attributes to the maillot jaune effect of the Skyrac vest.

Other Skyrac runners settled for softer options over the weekend. Neil Clayton and John Forsyth journeyed to Threshfield to finish the 24-mile Trollers Trot in 3hr 47min behind winner Nick Pearce of Ilkley Harriers (3hrs).

In the Norton nine-mile race near Doncaster, Peter Rawnsley finished in a time of 55min 46sec to win third Over-50 Vet from a huge field of 390 runners.

Finally, four Skyrac runners ran in the Noonstone Race, held near Stoodley Pike, and from 126 finishers were placed 30th Howard Sawyer (79.20), 41st Ralph Warman (83.51); 59th Graham Grinstead (87.06) and 65th Malcolm Coles (89.00).

In 1999 this event was part of the English Fell Championship and reigning champion Ian Holmes (Bingley) struggled to finish sixth but on Saturday he exorcised his past failures to win in a new record time of 63.07.

Whatever your distance or discipline Skyrac can help you run better so why not ring Neil or Sue Clayton on 0113 2290924 (who are also the contacts for potential sponsors for June's Otley Chevin Race).

Ilkley Harriers

THE Ilkley Moor Fell Race was a tremendous success thanks to the 244 runners who took part and the all-round support of club members who put in many hours of work to ensure it went smoothly.

The race was won by Rob Hope of Pudsey and Bramley in 38.31, an excellent time over a difficult five-mile course. Lucy Whitaker was first lady in 48.23.

The prizes were donated by Templeman Ross, local chartered accountants.

Away from the fells an Ilkley Harriers ladies' team put up a good performance in the latest Sports Direct Cross-Country at Golden Acre.

Diane Kitchen produced an excellent performance to finish 3rd lady in 34.53 and was well supported by Bridget Doherty (37.09) Jo Foster (39.20), Jill Cooke (39.49) and Shirley Wood (40.05).

The next club event is the five-mile road race from South Leeds Stadium on March 12, which usually attracts a large entry.

New members are welcome to the club. The Harriers train on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7pm, setting off from Ben Rhydding Sports Club.

Contact Ken Souyave on 01943 862096 for further information or log on to our website at www.daisyhill. demon.co.uk/ilkleyharriers.

Otley A C

LAST weekend members of Otley Athletic Club took part in two very different races. On Saturday, the 24-mile Trollers Trot was held, starting and finishing at Threshfield, near Grassington.

It is really an organised long-distance walk but quite a few entrants prefer to run the course. Of these, Nick Pearce, of Ilkley Harriers, won the race in three hours. First Otley AC finisher was Nick Hodgkinson in 3.43 and he will regard this as ideal preparation for next month's London Marathon.

He was closely followed by Colin Best in 3.44 and David Fox was not far behind in 3.59. Ray Hawksby, who might have been expected to lead the Otley contingent, missed the start of the race and got caught up in the early congestion of walkers before finishing in 4.05. Steve Mann had decided beforehand to walk part of the course and therefore settled for 4.13.

On Sunday, the third race in the Otley AC Handicap Championship was staged over a 10km course around Eccup Reservoir. First past the post, in her first race with the club, was Jennie McKenzie in an excellent net time of 49.48, which compared favourably with her performance in the recent Dewsbury 10k, a much flatter course. Second home was prospective new member Claire Leake, who ran true to her pre-race forecast of sub-45 minutes with a net time of 44.39. Phil Dean, returning to full fitness and taking advantage of a fairly generous handicap, was third with a net 45.46.

In a similar situation, David Hainsworth was pleased to finish in net 46.56 and he had something in hand to fend off the challenge of Tom Hannah, who was pleased to finish fifth with the day's second fastest net time of 41.18. Steve Haywood managed sixth place in 46.29 and those old warhorses Phil Robinson and Neil O'Brien, starting together for the second race in succession, reversed the placings of their last encounter, with net times of 41.50 and 42.08 respectively. David Cattanach had to make an unscheduled pitstop but held on for ninth place in net 48.27.

Caroline Marler, suffering a severe handicap following her victory in the previous race and not helped by veering slightly off-course, was 10th in net 44.39, whilst Tony Allen had to settle for 11th place in net 43.48. Chris Carver set off at the rear of the field and found it difficult to make inroads, finishing 12th in net 37.43, consoling himself with the fastest time of the day. Last year's joint winner, John Straiton, knew the handicapper would be doing him no favours and ambled home in 41.47, whilst Kath Robertshaw suffered an ankle injury but bravely finished the race in 52.41.

Entry forms are now available for this year's Otley Motors 10-mile Road Race on Wednesday, May 24, and can be obtained from local sports centres and sports good shops. Anyone wishing to enter can also obtain an entry form from the club at their training sessions on Tuesday and Thursday nights at Otley RUFC, Cross Green, Otley, at 7.15pm. (tel 0113 2842572 for further details).

Fellandale

Horsforth Fellandale held its annual dinner at La Copella in Town Street, Horsforth. Over 45 members came, and thoroughly enjoyed the speech made by Allan Greenwood who promotes races in the Pennines. He also helped distribute the prizes. Club Performance of the Year went to Jack Escritt, who completed the Joss Naylor challenge.

The 40 mile route around the Lake District starts at Pooley Bridge, crosses to Bowfell and Great Gable to finish at Greendale Bridge. Many members supported him on the run, which Jack finished in just over 20 hours (being over 65 he was allowed 24 hours).

On the last leg he was accompanied by Joss Naylor. A special trophy was awarded to John Bussey, who walked over 1,000 miles from Lands End to John O'Groats, raising over £8,000 for charity.

The Burnsall Trophy was won by Martyn Speight; The Chevin Chase by Paul Dennison (first club person in); the Ladies Trophy was won by Jane Saul for her performances during the year including the Three Peaks and the Karrimor; Brian Kenny won the trophy for the club nominated event - which this year was Pen-y-Ghent; the Winter Time Trial Trophy was won by Martin Gebbett; The Spring Handicap, held on The Chevin, by Chris Hodgson and Richard Falls.

The photographic trophy, awarded on the night went to Graham and Heather Maud for their portrait of Jack Escritt, tired out after completing the Joss Naylor Challenge.

On Sunday members went to Kippax to run in the fourth Sport Direct Cross Country race.

The heavy was going, due to earlier rain - especially crossing a turnip field! Paul Dennison was first home for the club, closely followed by Richard Falls (who sustained a hamstring injury).

Further to the Ilkley Moor Fell Race reported on last week, honourable mention must be made to Bill Fielding, the club's oldest runner who will be 72 this year. He certainly showed up the runners who came in after him!

Two years ago he was still running the 24 mile Three Peaks Race, and stopped at Hill Inn after suffering cramp coming off Whernside in a hailstorm - he still had over 20 minutes in hand at the checkpoint, and at least 50+ runners behind him.

The Three Peaks Race will take place this year on Sunday, April 30- starting at 10:00am from Horton-in-Ribbledale. The first runner is expected to complete the course in around 2:45 mins. This year it is an England Fell Running Championship Race, and will see 600 runners out on the day to climb to the summits of Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough.

The race is organised by club member, Graham Maud and on the day Fellandale members provide a lot of support.

For more details on Fellandale contact: Mark Saville, Chairman (0113) 2584680.

Wharfedale Harriers

Another busy weekend on the fell racing calendar left members rather spoilt for choice of races. On Saturday an outing into deepest Lancashire was settled upon to sample the delights of the Bleasdale Circle Fell Race in the Bowland hills, a new A category event over 5 miles and 1250 ft of climb.

It proved to be a gem of a race, perfectly capturing everything that we love about our sport. On a breathtakingly crisp and clear morning the race headed out across fields from the village hall, past the ancient Bleasdale Henge and then straight up the side of Fairsnape where the route traversed the ridge around in a semicircle and up to the summit of Parlick, from which a gloriously fast descent was made to finish back across the fields to the village.

Slight confusion at the first field junction saw the leaders heading off the wrong way, and allowed the slower starters to move to the head of the field.

It wasn't until the fell was reached that the leaders, including our own Sam Wadsworth, were able to restore the natural order of proceedings.

Although it never seems like it at the time, this kind of thing has to be considered all part of the fun of a low-key fell race.

The winner was Mark Laithwaite of Wigan Phoenix who led a field of around 100 runners back in a time of 37.39. First home for Wharfedale was Sam Wadsworth, just about recovered from his fall last week, 7th in 40.19, followed by Bob Hamilton 13th in 41.57, and picking up the 2nd place prize in the V40 category.

Close behind and enjoying a good battle were David Hird 20th in 43.34 who just got the better of Andy Holden 22nd in 44.00. Andy benefited from the confusion at the start, but lost the advantage by taking a bad line to the first summit.

Mark Bennett completed the Wharfedale contingent finishing 63rd in 54.14. On the way home it was decided that this was definitely a race to be marked down as a target for next year.

On Sunday those members pursuing the Kendal Winter League headed north for the Elm Tree Farm Hill Race at Preston Patrick.

Andy Holden was out racing again and for the second time in the weekend lost out in a battle with a teammate, finishing 10th in 25.08 just behind Steve Hounslow 8th in 24.20 after being neck and neck on the descent. Behind them were Damien Scholes 11th, 25.38; Paul Rogan 15th, 26.03; Dave Fell 17th, 26.42 and Kevin Rogan 29th in 30.55. In the Under-17 boys, in a stronger than usual field, there was no change to the usual pecking order, Martin Hounslow finishing 5th in 26.31, Sam Hounslow 6th, 26.40 and Ross Whittaker 7th, 28.12.

Wharfedale Harriers is a family oriented club aiming to promote fell and cross-country running across all ages and abilities. Training takes place Monday to Thursday evenings from Silsden, Skipton and Ilkley. For more details please contact David Hird on 01535 653826 or visit the website at www.wharfedaleharriers.org.uk.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.