JACK Wood of Ilkley Harriers won the CHEVIN FELL RACE in 17min 41sec on a beautiful, sunny evening, just edging out Joe Baxter (Pudsey & Bramley). Clubmate Claire Green was first lady in 21:18.
Adam Osbourne (Leeds City) was third overall, ahead of a trio of Pudsey & Bramley runners: Graham Pearce, Matt Lockyer and Neil Armitage. Talented Ilkley youngsters Lucy and Chloe Haines finished in 22:39 and 28:44 respectively.
After an early cobbled section, the 145 runners met the steep ascent of the Chevin to emerge from the trees to glorious sunshine, spectators and dog walkers.
From the top, the runners had a gruelling descent requiring flat-out running with no soft landings, involving twisting and turning and paying attention to each uneven step – the sort of running that fell experts excel at but which scares road runners witless.
The off-road WHARFEDALE HALF MARATHON attracted 407 runners, who set off from Threshfield on a gorgeous route taking in parts of the Dalesway and Mastiles and 2,000 feet of climbing.
Frank Beresford (Otley) had a good win in 89min 50sec over Julian Hood (Skipton), while the greatly improving Will Morris of Airecentre Pacers in Guiseley was fourth in 92:23.
Will Kerr had had his eyes on a Wharfedale victory but sacrificed himself to win his first steeplechase in the NORTHERN TRACK & FIELD LEAGUE event at Cleckheaton.
The Saltaire runner can console himself further with a second straight win in the Lister Parkrun. Meanwhile, Steve Darby and Hannah Oldroyd set new course records for the Horton Parkrun in 18:32 and 18:54 respectively.
The BRADFORD ATHLETICS NETWORK'S enhanced training programme has reached record levels, with 27 turning out on Wednesday at University Academy Keighley track for the weekly drills and interval sessions, led by Brian Scobie.
The Monday strength and conditioning sessions at Bradford Grammar School also continue throughout the summer.
Details are at www.sportsshare.org/training-coaching/et/.
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