The weather tried its best to play havoc with the running fixtures again this weekend but all the main events went ahead.
The second race in the PECO cross-country League featured Bradford-Airedale, Eccleshill Road Runners and Saltaire Striders (formerly St Bede’s AC).
A total of 242 hardy souls braved the 4.8-mile course over rock-hard, snow-covered ground in Middleton Park, Leeds in a race hosted by Rothwell Harriers.
Tim Midgley (running second-claim for Horsforth Harriers) made light of the conditions to win, with Matt John, from Abbey Runners, second.
Abbey packed their eight counters in the top 30 to win the event comfortably. Valley and Rothwell follow in the team competition, with Horsforth dropping to fourth.
Ilkley Harriers, in the Premier Division, were severely depleted and only managed four men counters and two ladies and now find themselves adrift at the bottom of the league with three races to go.
Will Kerr (Saltaire) finished sixth to lead his team to a second consecutive victory in the men’s first division.
Bradford-Airedale, in their first season, finished an impressive second to also kindle visions of promotion.
Club chairman Chris Hainsworth said: “We are taking it one step at a time but yesterday was encouraging.
“This year’s aim was just to get a team out and let everyone know we are still in existence. I think that promotion might be a bit ambitious this year but could well be within our grasp next year.”
Saltaire captain Kerr said: “The men managed to put out an incredible 16 runners. This is what being a running club is all about for me. Mass participation makes the club stand out and at the same time brings the members closer together.”
The Stoop fell race at Haworth, organised by Dave and Eileen Woodhead and their team, was shortened because of the snow and the chilly mist.
First man home was Bingley’s super-vet Ian Holmes followed by Andi Jones (Salford) and Tom Adams (Ilkley Harriers).
Bingley completed the individual double with Mary Wilkinson finishing first lady followed by team-mate Jo Buckley and Keighley’s Helen Glover.
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