Running log

Jack Simpson rocketed to first place in the ever-popular Guy Fawkes ten-miler at Ripley.

On a crisp and sunny morning, Simpson went one better than his recent runner-up spot at the Richmond 10K, recording a time of 56min 33sec to finish well clear of Andy May (Valley Striders) in a field of 791 runners.

Chris Miller (Harrogate) had to settle for third place in 58:29, just six seconds behind May.

Jenny Hutcheson, also from Harrogate, won the ladies race in 66:01 – over three minutes clear of Sally Fawcett of Sheffield-based club Racing TNT. Margaret Beever (Stainland) completed the top three.

Several West Yorkshire runners featured in their respective age categories, with Julie Field (Stainland) heading the over-40s after finishing fourth overall, Sally Malir (Ilkley) winning the over-45s just behind Field and Skyrac’s Rebecca Cesar Da Sa first among the over-35s.

In the men’s events, Stuart Thompson won the over-60s category in an impressive 70:55, while Pudsey Pacer Paul Gaile was first over-45 and a time of 67:12 was good enough for Jack Verity (Saltaire) to take third spot in a strong over-50s age group.

Away from the roads, 167 runners competed in the Cop Hill Fell Race, organised by Meltham AC.

Katie Walshaw (Holmfirth) was a clear winner in the ladies competition with a time of 41min 33sec, leaving her some three minutes ahead of team-mate and nearest rival Helen Berry over the two-lap, seven-mile course.

Pudsey & Bramley’s Suzanne Sharman was first over-50s runner back. Holmfirth also took the ladies team prize, with Jacquie Khouiery the final counter.

Holmfirth veteran Dave Watson completed a good day for the club with a decisive victory in the men’s race, over a minute ahead of the chasing group.

The next three places were the subject of a close battle, with Liam Dunne (Otley) eventually taking the runner-up spot in 39:34, followed within 17 seconds by Paul Stevenson (P&B) and Nigel Armitage (Pudsey Pacers).

Brian Stevenson and Colin Walker made it three in the top eight for P&B to secure the team prize.