THE new millennium brings with it the 21st Otley Chevin Fell Race on Wednesday, June 7. This is a race of three-and-a-half miles with 900ft of ascent, much in the style of the 'classic' Dales type of up and down fell races. The start and finish are in the centre of Otley.

The race was founded by Otley Chamber of Trade with assistance from Skyrac Athletic Club, based in Guiseley. After a number of years the Chamber withdrew its support and asked Skyrac to take control.

Since then Skyrac's Neil Clayton has organised the event. Although mainly a locally supported race, runners from Lancashire, Cumbria, Derbyshire and even further afield regularly compete.

Neil said: 'For the 21st anniversary I intend to hold junior races at Under-13, Under-14, Under-15 and Under-16 levels for both girls and boys. These races will be free.

'At senior level I hope to be able to offer a more comprehensive prize list, with spot prizes and a bottle of Paul Briscoe's renowned beer (brewed in Otley) to all finishers. To do this I hope to obtain some form of sponsorship, be it cash or in kind.

'Help would be appreciated with the junior races, where I would like to award medals to first three, a team prize and a small gift to all runners, such as a bar of chocolate/bag of crisps.

'The 1999 race saw 100 runners share 29 prizes, plus trophies for winner and first local for an entry fee of only £2.50. Any assistance in providing more prizes, a donation, 'goody bags', free meal for two for first local male and female, or help on the night, will help to make this a memorable 21st Fell Race.'

If you are able to help Neil in any way then contact him at 43, Coal Hill Lane, Farsley, LS28 5NA (Tel 0113 2290924) so that advertising, and entry forms can list names of sponsors. Please reply before week ending March 11.

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