Ilkley Harriers news archive 2022

Bradford Sports Awards 2022 – Thu 31 Mar

Thu 31 Mar 2022

A nice surprise at the Bradford Sports Awards to see the Harriers ‘highly commended’ and in the final three of the Amateur Club / Team category.

Kate Archer deservedly collected our finalists plaque for her Lockdown League heroics but a big thanks to so many over the course of the year (and 2020) who helped us find what were described as “ingenious ways to stay active during the pandemic”.

Keighley 10K – Sun 27 Mar

Sat 26 Mar 2022

From Adam Gerrish…

The sun was shining and Keighley 10k offered entry on the day so I thought I’d turn up and give it a go. The race description said that it was a multi-terrain course with “tough bits”, so I wasn’t really sure what to expect. There were plenty of hills and bends. There were no road closures so you did have to avoid traffic at times, with the help of the marshals.

At the half way point you suddenly joined runners who had entered the 5k version of the race. This made it quite difficult to snake past people walking and jogging down some narrow lanes.

Despite the challenges there were good results for the Harriers with Rob and David battling it out for 4th and 5th place respectively.

From Dave Foyston…

After a hard week of racing and training, I couldn’t resist a late entry into the beautiful Keighley 10k – my legs were tired, but okay and what a sight to behold this race had in store.

The race is organised by Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice with profits going to the hospice for such a good cause.

So, on a beautiful sunny morning in Keighley with near-perfect weather conditions, 508 runners got ready to race.

I thought I was going to be the only Harrier racing but was joined by my good running friend Rob Cunningham from team IH, and also Adam Gerrish who entered on the day so we had a team of three.

So the race got underway I have never run this race before but it was a race to top all 10k races I have entered, we started off at Keighley leisure centre and navigated towards the train station before taking a sharp left onto some cobbles before racing through a builder’s yard (this was a first in a 10k race).

As we exited the yard, it became apparent that the front six were now separated from the main pack, and we were in for a good race!

For the first 5k, the race was tight. I was in sixth place with teammate Rob in fifth; the next four runners were slightly ahead but in sight. The first 5k was very hard and undulating with tight turns with leg-zapping hills. I was becoming more aware that this was more a trail race rather than a road race as we navigated through Bracken Bank allotments. Here runners got to take in the beautiful wildlife Keighley had to offer and runners were now joined by the 5k race which set off from this location just to add a bit of spice to the event.

At this point, I couldn’t help but regret my parkrun from the day before.

As we reached Cliffe Castle Park with yet another hill to contend with Rob made a break for it, and passed the young lad in fourth with myself following on Rob’s heels.

The last 2km were downhill and on the flat, as we approached the finish line Rob was just ahead of me and finished in fourth with me grabbing fifth and winning the MV40 Cat.

How we both finished with a quicker time than Dewsbury is baffling – this was not an easy 10k.

This was my first time running Keighley 10K this is definitely a multi-terrain event with character.

I will be back next year as there was something quirky and addictive about this one!

Results

Llanbedr to Blaenavon Fell Race – Sat 26 Mar

Fri 25 Mar 2022

From Lucy Williamson…

A lovely day for this A-B fell race (15.8 miles, 4500ft) starting in the small village of Llanbedr and finishing in Blaenavon. Summiting 3 peaks: Crug Mawr, Sugar Loaf and Blorenge. A very enjoyable race, despite following a group of runners up the sugar loaf before a checkpoint, therefore having to descend only to head straight back up again – can’t complain seeing the views twice though!

Results

(1 Charlie Lowther, Eden Runners, 2:20.51)

41 Lucy Williamson 3:09.17

87 finished

Coniston 14 – Sat 26 Mar

Fri 25 Mar 2022

From Alison Weston…

First time at this very friendly road race around Coniston Water in the Lakes. Not quite as flat as I expected and the furthest I have run on tarmac!

I was 317th in time 2:03:20.

Results

Weekend parkruns – Sat 26 Mar

Fri 25 Mar 2022

From Michael Abrams-Cohen…

Michael and Rachel took on the Mount Edgcumbe parkrun – the fifth hardest parkrun in the UK (with a significant net uphill). A challenging trail course akin to a fell race, starting at the bottom of Mount Edgcumbe and winding through the trails up passed the Manor and into the deer park.

Looking like of out of towners, donning our luminous Ilkley Harrier Training tops we trundled up the 4km climb. I aptly forgot to tell Rachel just how hard it was going to be…oops, but Rachel smashed it and finished with her highest parkrun finish of 33rd.

Mike fueled by too much Guinness, upset the locals and finished in first position, after taking the lead on the final descent. There was a tough battle with a 15year old girl donning their Devon County Vest who had the home advantage and was being cheered on by all the volunteers and had led for the first 4km, before I went in to competitive overload and snuck past her just before the finish. Rachel rightly told me off afterwards.

From Alison Bennett…

Parkrun is a great way to enter an event spontaneously when away from home; which is exactly how I found myself in Hamsterley Forest on a bright sunny morning. At the briefing the route was described as having all the ascent in the first half and undulating in the second. The course followed forest tracks and paths much resembling a PECO Cross Country. This is a relatively new venue for parkrun and there wasn’t what could be described as a huge number taking part, but I was still thrilled to be the 8th finisher and 1st lady. It was an unexpected and exciting bonus start to the day!

From Matt Cox…

Dave Foyston and I made the surprisingly short hop over to Fountains Abbey on Saturday to sample what has to be one of the most scenic parkruns anywhere in the UK – especially on a sunny and mild spring morning! With a field of 345 runners, plenty of others had a similar idea and as you can imagine, the start area was busy.

After not running a parkrun since 2013, this was my second in two weeks – I have Dave and the good weather to thank for that! After both running hard in the mid-week EvenSplits 5k at Lawnswood, we were feeling a little weary. Dave was also planning to run the Keighley 10k the next day, and so we agreed an approach of “steady away” was a sensible race plan… That didn’t last long however as despite not going out too hard, we found ourselves towards the sharp end – me in fourth and Dave in fifth or sixth. I tried to stick to plan A, but with the gap between me and third holding level after the first couple of km’s, and feeling fairly comfortable, I decided that if it was worth making the trip over it was also worth putting some effort in now I was here. As we ended the first shorter lap, I pushed on a little and by 3k or so in I had reeled in third place. I sat in behind for a couple of hundred meters to catch my breath and then pushed on past, trying to make sure I went past fast enough so as not to drag the third place runner with me. That tactic seemed to work, and by 4k I’d opened up a few seconds lead, which I managed to hold to finish thirrd in 17.26. Dave followed closely behind to take fifth overall in 18.07.

Fountains is a cracking morning out and a stunning location – especially if the sun is out. There is also a great cafe for coffee and cake afterwards! Highly recommended.

IH Consolidated parkrun results

EvenSplits York 5K – Fri 25 Mar

Thu 24 Mar 2022

From Dick Waddington…

As with the Leeds version, these 5k races are held monthly from Feb-Nov and take place on the University of York Sport Village cycle circuit. Superb conditions for the postponed February race meant guaranteed fast times on this 5 lap course. Organization was efficient and low key with a relaxed vibe, until the gun went off…

Results

(1 Jake Callis, Leeds AC, 15:17)

(20 Josie Rawes, York Knavesmire Harriers, 17:17)

45 Dick Waddington 19:50

57 Helen Waddington 21:33

81 ran

Blubberhouses Moor 25 – Sun 24 Mar

Wed 23 Mar 2022

From Petra Bijsterveld…

The Blubberhouses Moor 25 is a challenge event, welcoming walkers and runners, organised by the Nidderdale LDWA group, starting and finishing at Norwood Social Hall on Bland Hill above Swinsty. The circular route of 24 miles (why is it called 25 I hear you say!) takes in Fewston, Thruscross, Rocking Hall, Bolton Abbey and Storiths, Beamsley Beacon, Round Hill, Ellercar Pike and Timble. Strangely enough I had never done this event. Perhaps it had always struck me as quite a long way to run. However, having moved up to some longer runs in the last year it now seemed quite short, so I entered on a whim, thinking that having done a 42 miler 3 weeks ago I would either be well in the groove, or maybe not quite recovered, and could adapt pace accordingly.

We were lucky to have a beautiful day, sunny and clear, quite warm but with a hint of a breeze on the tops once we reached Beamsley Beacon. With around 200 runners and walkers it was never crowded but I did always have someone in sight ahead of me even in the later stages. Route finding was easy, despite not having done the event before most of the sections were completely familiar, so I hardly needed to use the gps on my watch. I ran from near the start to Thruscross chatting to Matt from Otley AC, then I ran with Lynn and Jayne to Rocking Hall, somehow felt a smidgeon more oomph in my legs so pushed on by myself, just having some fleeting conversations with various runners along the way. So many lovely people to meet on these events! I was delighted to reach Ellercar Pike from Beamsley Beacon without having fallen over a rock or sunk into a bog (to be fair, the bogs were fairly dry compared to their usual state), and to have solid, easy ground to cover again. Still, my legs were tired by then, I was trying to keep a good pace up as I was wondering if I could make it back sub 5 hours. I teamed up with a young woman and we chatted for a bit which helped take my mind off the fatigue. However any hope of sub 5 vanished as I came off the causeway by Swinsty and took in the vista of the long slog uphill on the road back the Social Club, that road definitely seemed a lot longer and steeper than it had done at 8:30 on the way down!

I really enjoyed running this event with so many beautiful views in all directions. The brilliant weather helped of course, weather wise the contrast with the recent Rombalds couldn’t have been greater. Plenty of checkpoints staffed by very friendly volunteers offering a good selection of snacks and drinks. The entry fee of only £8 (!) included a very nice hot meal at the end, as well as a badge and a printed certificate.

Results

(1 03:13 Jonathan Pownall)

15 3:59 Dick Waddington

16 3:59 John Hayes

19 4:07 Derek Oliver

27 4:18 Paul Calderbank

32 4:28 John Pickering

36 4:31 Jill Ezard

63 5:06 Petra Bijsterveld

72 5:20 Jayne Norman

73 5:20 Lynn Donohue

150 ran/walked

EvenSplits Leeds 5k – Wed 23 Mar

Tue 22 Mar 2022

From Dave Foyston…

The second Leeds 5k and Club Championship organised by Evensplits. The race, which included many running clubs from around Yorkshire, was well attended, the location was the Brownlee Cycle Track, the runners completed just over three laps of the smooth tarmacked track.

Weather conditions were perfect, no wind, cool and dry.

Eleven Harriers entered, the race is separated into two races – anyone who predicts they can run under 20 minutes is entered in the 8pm race.

Three Harriers were in the 19:15 race with Ruth Kitchen the first Harrier home finishing in 19:59, qualifying for the sub 20 heat next time!

Next Harrier home was Robert Budding shortly followed in by Nicola Budding.

Then came the 8pm race, eight Harriers were entered in this one.

First Harrier to finish and win the race was Nathan Edmondson in a fantastic time of 15:09 well done Nathan!

The next Harrier home went down to the wire with Archie Budding and Matt Cox having a sprint to the finish line with Archie finishing a second ahead, but Matt did win the MV45 Cat in an amazing time of 16:46, young Jake Norris was next back in a time of 17:18 I think this may have been a PB for him.

I followed shortly behind in 17:36, claiming 2nd in the M45 Cat.

Mike AC and Kyle Bethell finished with times of 17:48 and 18:08 well done guys.

First female home returning to the track after injury was Helen Thurston winning the FV40 category in a time of 19:23.

In relation to the club table the Harriers are in fifth place out of 36 clubs, which is calculated by how many club members have entered and also placings of the runners. This is a vast improvement from the last race where we were in 14th!

Thanks to all who entered. The next race is on the evening of Wednesday 27th April – mark it in your calendar , for further details see Leeds 5K Series EvenSplits. Would be great to get more Harriers entered, remember this race is for all abilities

Results

Heptonstall Fell Race – Sun 20 Mar

Sun 20 Mar 2022

From Jeff Green…

In short: beautiful day; tough route. That might be enough detail for some, but if not here are a few extra nuggets:

Tom Adams came within a minute of the course record and won by nearly five, while in the men’s team results, Ilkley Harriers came 4th.
Conditions were nearly perfect. Blue skies, sunshine, fantastic views, cool and a bit breezy on the tops with a few bogs, but mostly pretty dry underfoot.
The climbs and descents were relentless – more than 3000ft of ascent over a 15 mile course – yet still not tough enough to qualify as an A category race.
The race started with a blessing from the vicar and ended on a Strava segment called “Steps of Hell”!

Results:

1 Tom Adams 1:47:58

21 Jeff Green 2:11:45

42 Dave Robson 2:21:59

74 Jane McCarthy 2:28:47

128 Paul Disney 2:42:58

189 Sacha Jones 3:02:23

248 Finished

Oulton Park Duathlon – Sun 20 Mar

Sat 19 Mar 2022

From Peter Shelley…

If you fancy a sit down in the middle of your run, and don’t mind pedalling a bit, a duathlon may be for you. Oulton Park stages two duathlons a year in spring and autumn respectively, with a choice of three distances: sprint, standard and middle.

We opted for standard, which means running two laps of Oulton Park’s racetrack followed by nine laps riding and finishing with a single lap running. That’s an 8.66km run, a 39km ride and a 4.33km run respectively.

The event begins with a mass start on the grid. Transition takes place in the pits and the finish is at the paddock entrance.

Fell runners accustomed to having the scenery, terrain or wildlife come up and slap them in the face have to adjust to the utter lack of obstacles. Even road cyclists will welcome the lack of traffic lights, intersections and potholes on this wide smooth surface. The challenge is simply to get your head down for a fast, sustained but carefully paced effort spread across the three parts. It makes for a very intense experience.

Transition 1 is exciting as you exit the pits on your bike and experience the circuit at higher speed (if not quite high enough in my case). This is a British Duathlon Championship event so the standard at the front is high. This becomes all too apparent as you begin to be lapped by a succession of aero and tri-bikes. That said, there are plenty of other competitors spread across different categories pursuing their own goals. The circuit and event can accommodate them all.

Transition 2 is less exciting as you realise your legs have turned to jelly and something important you had between them has disappeared.

The Oulton Park venue and facilities are ideal for duathlon, and the event was friendly, well organised and blessed with perfect weather. I really enjoyed it and recommend it to fellow runners/cyclists. If you are prepared to take the shopping basket off your bike and don’t mind finishing slightly down the field, why not give it a try?

Results

Harewood House 10k – Sat 19 Mar

Fri 18 Mar 2022

From Michael Abrams-Cohen…

There was a strong Ilkley Harrier turnout for the Harewood House 10k (it was actually 10.5km but who’s counting), set within the stunning backdrop of the estate. Beautiful weather and beautiful results, with Ilkley 2nd, 3rd and 4th.

An initial bust-up in the first 5k saw a breakaway group of five runners which included Christos, Mike and Danny T. However, at the halfway point Christos and the eventual winner Louis Neale broke away from the group and battled it out. It came down to a sprint finish and Christos, despite the valiant effort, came in 2nd place (by just one second). Maybe if he had donned his Ilkley Harrier vest, he could have mustered up that extra second, who knows!

A few furlongs later, Mike AC rounded the podium, being chased down by another Ilkley Harrier Danny T who took the M40 Category!

Also performing strongly were Antonio and Rachel who both finished with very respectable times on the challenging trail course.

All around a good day in the sunshine, bring on the summer.

Results:

(1 Louis Neale, N/A, 40:42)

2 Christos Tzelis 40:43

3 Michael Abrams-Cohen 41:37

4 Danny Thompson 42:14 (1st M40)

112 Antonio A Perez Lopez 54:48

276 Rachel Barnicoat 1:07:05

(477 runners)

Roberts Park parkrun – Sat 19 Mar

Fri 18 Mar 2022

From Dave Foyston…

Myself, Matt Cox and Jonathan Turner headed to Roberts Park at Saltaire to take part in their parkrun.

The morning was near perfect conditions – the sun was shining with little to no wind, 303 runners had turned up which was lovely to see.

The course starts on a nice tarmacked track and weaves its way around the park before you enter the nature reserve adding a bit of spice to the course; you have to navigate a rough path and sections of undulating grass before exiting via a tight snicket on a hill as you complete nearly two laps of the course to make the 5K.

It became clear right from the start that Matt was up for a fast one and appears to be getting his form back which is good news for the club.

We started and I took the lead initially before Matt passed me at about the 1km mark, we now headed into the nature reserve – myself and Matt had now pulled out quite a large gap on the runners behind.

No matter how hard I tried I couldn’t reel Matt back in who went on to finish in first, in a fantastic time of 17:38 with myself coming in 2nd place in a time of 18:04, with Jonathan finishing in 6th place in a time of 19:28.

A big thanks to the parkrun volunteers, all 27 of them.

All IH parkrun results:

1 Matt Cox 17:38

2 Dave Foyston 18:04

6 Jonathan Turner 19:28

303 Ran

PECO XC Relays – Sun 13 Mar

Sun 13 Mar 2022

From Dan McKeown…

Sunday morning saw the triumphant conclusion of the PECO XC league, the PECO relays at Bramley Fall Park, where Harriers were represented by two teams: PECO Blinders (Steve Gott, Dan McKeown – that’s me – and Mike AC), and The Old Menstonians (Matt Snow, Roar Leijssen and Dave Singleton).

The Menstonians must have fancied their chances of an upset – the entire PECO Blinders team had raced the day before and there were rumours that leadoff runner Steve Gott *might* have over-indulged a bit on the Saturday evening. (Not sure why – his beloved Everton weren’t playing until Sunday afternoon, and they got beaten by Wolves anyway.)

The course was a lap and a half of the park (c 4k / 2.5 miles), with a generous helping of up and down, and a final dash up some steps.

Unfortunately for the crapulent Gott, 25 of the 46 teams started with their fastest, freshest runner, and it quickly became apparent that if he could keep ahead of Old Menstonians leadoff Matt Snow and (more importantly) keep down whatever he’d had for breakfast, this would probably be considered a good result under the circumstances.

Happily he managed both, handed over to me in 15th place, and promptly departed on his bike. It subsequently emerged that he’d told his better half he was just popping out to Screwfix, rather than own up to doing a second XC race in as many days. Let us hope she isn’t a devotee of Harriers race reports, otherwise Steve might have a bit of explaining to do.

I trundled off into the woods for leg two, and Matt passed on to Roar for the Menstonians in 25th place.

The joy of the middle leg is that you don’t have to worry about bumping elbows with people at the start and if there’s anyone finishing at the same time as you, rather than getting caught up in a mad sprint, you can just leave them be and pass the issue on to your third leg runner to sort out.

I handed over to Mike in 7th spot with a runner just ahead of him to chase and Roar, whose PECO season was cut short by injury, passed on to Dave for the Menstonians in 28th place.

By my reckoning, as Mike ‘My Secret Weapon Is I Wear Running Shoes’ AC disappeared into the woods, he was 90 seconds adrift of the overall leader. Could he pull off a stunning upset in this, the most PECO of relays? Sadly not, although to be fair to Mike, he would have needed to run his leg in something like 11 minutes, which might have led to some scrutiny of his Strava entry or – failing that – his urine. Nonetheless, he loped gamely round, picked up a few places and brought PECO Blinders home in 5th place overall.

Likewise, Dave Singleton brought the Old Menstonians (emphasis on old) surging back to 24th overall (mid-table respectability) and 3rd male vets team.

Well done to all who muddied their shoes for Harriers in this year’s PECO league. The presentations are on 8th April in Leeds (limited spaces, ticket only).

Results (via RaceBest):

(3 x 2.5 mile, 46 teams took part)

Winning time: 00:41:19

Fastest leg: 00:13:12

5th place

PECO Blinders 44:00

Steve Gott 15:21

Dan McKeown 14:14

Mike AC 14:25

24th place

The Old Menstonians 53:44

Matt Snow 17:18

Roar Leijssen 19:25

Dave Singleton 17:01

Haworth Hobble – Sat 12 Mar

Sat 12 Mar 2022

From Ben Sheppard…

2020’s edition of the Haworth Hobble was memorable, not entirely in a good way. A sense of foreboding had replaced the usual friendly, jovial atmosphere, as the race hesitantly proceeded under the gathering storm clouds of something we didn’t yet understand and could not have fully imagined. Two days later the WHO (not The Who) declared a global pandemic and Boris Johnson told us to go home, stay indoors, and don’t see anyone or go anywhere until further notice (don’t even see your elderly relatives let alone go running in the hills with other people). Two years on, and the mood was somewhat brighter – a collective joy at being back doing what you love and at one of your favourite races. The world may have changed a lot in two years, but the Hobble remains a rich, challenging and rewarding experience. A mix of terrains and landscapes; towns and moorland; trails and hills; reservoirs and dams; giant wind turbines and Stoodley Pike – a towering monument to the end of war. The event has been going for around 50 years and has evolved from a walking event into a very popular … (in my case) walking event punctuated with brief spells of running, stumbling, slipping and shuffling. Another brilliant win for Kate Archer whose perfect pacing saw her move steadily through the field to win by over 6 minutes with a time of 5:11. The overall winner was Doni Clarke in 4:09. Nice to see Colin Williams (you did set off quite fast Colin) and Paul Carman completing the race as a pair with his dad. There was lots of food and drink on the way round and pizza and soup at the end. Thanks to organisers at Keighley & Craven AC and all their marshals and volunteers who make this memorable event (in a good way this time) possible.

From Kate Archer…

A few Harriers set off from the cobbled street in Haworth in the rain for this 32-mile race. I positioned myself somewhere around the middle of the pack, keen not to set off too quickly. Quite early on I caught up with Ben and decided a sensible plan would be not to let myself pass him. A plan I stuck with for the first two thirds of the race (thanks Ben!). Other than a couple of reservoirs, there are few landmarks for the first half of the route and the weather was a bit miserable. But at about the halfway mark, the weather brightened, the wind died down (or we changed direction), and checkpoints started to appear more often. After Todmorden, there are a few tough climbs including up to Stoodley Pike and a long road climb out of Hebden Bridge but I was feeling strong. I decided that when I had 10 miles left to go, I would let myself pick up the pace. I passed quite a few runners and then caught the leading woman. After that it was just a case of holding on to my lead until the finish where Dave Woodhead was waiting with his camera.

A great race, well organised and a good selection of food at the checkpoints. Hot dogs, doughnuts, chip butties and whiskey were all available to those who fancied it. I waited for the finish where there was freshly cooked pizza and coke. It was good to see Ben, Colin and Paul (running as a pair with his dad).

Results

(1st Doni Clarke, 4:09:22, Todmorden Harriers)

25 Kate Archer 5:11:18 (1st lady)

31 Ben Sheppard 5:15:17

154 Colin Williams 6:23:13

243 Paul Carman 7:14:29

381 finished

Thirsk 10-mile – Sun 13 Mar

Sat 12 Mar 2022

From Sally Armitage…

Yet another single lap, chip timed, road race which ran out and around country lanes. This was the final race in my hat trick of races and despite not getting the time I was aiming for (I’d hoped for sub 1:05) I felt strong and really enjoyed it.

There was a turnaround just over the half way point which, although usually a bit torturous, it was really nice seeing the lead runners coming back, such amazing athletes. Plus I got to give a wave to my Harrier teammates too! Iain Young continues to outdo himself, bringing home another cracking PB. Great running from everyone.

In my next race my goal will be to finish on an even number, today pace and finish time were odd numbers, which I really don’t like.

From Dave Foyston…

The Thirsk 10 has been run for over 30 years now – a fast, flat road running course which lends itself to quick times and gives all abilities a chance of achieving a PB. In recent years the Club has hosted the North of England 10 mile Championship, Yorkshire Veterans Championships and the North Yorkshire Championships.

The race started and finished at Thirsk racecourse taking a circular route passing through the villages of Sandhutton and Carlton Miniott. The weather was dry but there was a strong wind with very little shelter.

The race started on a tight country lane – 866 of us packed in – so for the first couple of miles I weaved through the runners ahead of me while being gently buffeted by the wind from behind.

At the halfway point there was an out and back section on what appeared to be a disused airfield which was open to the elements and the only good thing from here to the end was seeing your team mates and shouting encouragement to them.

For the final three miles towards the end I tried to push the pace but just couldn’t find the extra required to dip below the hour mark.

A fantastic effort by all the Harriers that entered, well done.

I would definitely recommend this race to anyone wanting a nice 10-mile road race. It has potential to be a PB race if the weather is right but I still think Lytham is a slightly a faster course.

Results

1st male Rob Scott (Richmond & Zealand Harriers) 52:05

1st female Helen Cross (York Knavesmire Harriers) 01:00:26

68 Dave Foyston 01:02:05

98 Iain Young 01:03:54

122 Andrew Overend 01:05:17

142 Adam Gerrish 01:06:50

152 Sally Armitage 01:07:35

338 Ken Souyave 01:19:16 (2nd MV70)

866 ran

Dentdale 14/7-mile – Sat 12 Mar

Sat 12 Mar 2022

From Hilda Coulsey…

I enjoy the idea of this race, the drive there is wonderful, the route is too – very similar to the Nesfield / Beamsley roads, funds support the primary school and the locals are very engaged and supportive. I’d entered in 2020, not my first time I was returning for more, however this was one of the very first races to be cancelled prior to full lockdown at the locals’ request so I thought it was a good thing to enter again this year.

All the things I remember were the same, the locals were exceptional and grateful and the route is tough particularly as the hard work of hills is predominately in the second half. It did feel good to complete the challenge and enjoy the hospitality of tea/ coffee, sandwiches and cake freely provided afterwards.

Stunning performances by everyone with Rachel as first lady being the star and Justin too being very pacy. The 7 mile race took place at the same time with Mike AC taking 3rd overall and Catherine Charlton first in her category. With Steve Ladhams, Mike Williams, Jill Ezard and myself all doing well in the 14 mile we had a superb Harriers day out.

When the pain wears off I’ll enter again for next year.

Results

Yorkshire Vets’ AA XC Ch’ships – Sat 12 Mar

Fri 11 Mar 2022

From Dan McKeown…

A brave trio of Harriers made the trip down the M1 to Sheffield for the Yorkshire Veterans’ AA Cross Country Championships on Saturday. We were hopeful of retaining our V40-49 gold medal from two years ago, bringing in Matt Cox as a replacement for Istvan, with me and Steve returning to defend our crown.

Alas, road closures and a general lack of car parking at Norfolk Park meant we were denied a warmup. Then, when the gun went off, a suspiciously spry-looking vet from Barnsley tore off like a scalded cat, lighting a fire under the entire field and turning the first (largely downhill) half mile into some kind of weird parody of cheese rolling for the elderly.

The c10k course settled down into a routine of teeth-grinding uphills and pitched downhills, packing in over 900 feet of elevation which, for a bit of context, is more than double what we had to contend with in either the Yorkshire or the Northern XC Champs. There were also a few rabbit holes which St John Ambulance had judiciously placed themselves near.

The three of us kept a wary, weary eye on each other, but it was Steve who proved the most durable, finishing 10th in the V35-49 race, 4th V45, with Matt and me coming in 11th and 12th respectively.

A commendable performance – no individual medals, but a team silver. Well done to Rotherham, who got all three of their scorers in ahead of Steve.

There are other Yorkshire Vets championship races coming up, plus a grand prix which Harriers can enter (we’re a YVAA-affiliated club), so check out their website at https://www.yvaa.org/ to see what’s on. Remember – “if you’re old enough, you’re good enough”.

Results

YVAA XC M35-49 race

(Winning time 34:03, 76 ran)

10 Steve Gott 37:58

11 Matt Cox 38:10

12 Dan McKeown 38:23

Brian Sweet Predictor 10k / Quiz – Tue 8 Mar

Tue 8 Mar 2022

From Vince Gibbons…

A huge ‘Thank you’ to all who made the Brian Sweet Predictor 10k Run and Quiz a fun evening, especially our marshals, runners and quiz attendees.

Special thanks to: volunteer marshals Barbara Bullock, Hilda Coulsey, Jane Cullingworth, Heather Duke, Vince Gibbons, Penny Roll, Clive Smith, Pauline Watts and Sue Williamson; Sweeper Jayne Norman; Race Directors Neil Chapman and Bernie Gibbons; Quizmasters Sue Williamson and Vince Gibbons.

Pauline Watts was the second person to be enrolled as an Ilkley Harrier 37 years ago when the club was founded in 1985!

Alison Bennett won the Predictor top prize for finishing five seconds from her predicted time, just pipping Sacha Jones, Jonathan Turner and Mark Iley. No less than 13 Harriers have taken the Ancient Greek maxim ‘ Know Thyself’ to heart. They were all less than a minute away from their predicted times.

Harriers gave a very sporting response to an ‘esoteric’ quiz won by Headtorch Headcases, closely followed by The VJs. Here for the Food won the team name prize.

The evening was a fitting tribute to Brian Sweet, a loyal servant to the club for decades. Brian was still running competitively in his eighties!

Results below…

Name / Predicted time / Run Time / Difference
Alison Bennett / 47.53 / 47.58 / 0.05
Jonathan Turner / 42.30 / 42.36 / 0.06
Sacha Jones / 52.25 / 52.31 / 0.06
Mark Iley / 48.10 / 48.01 / 0.09
Charlotte Smithson / 52.17 / 52.27 / 0.10
Katy Raven / 55.13 / 55.30 / 0.17
Mike Abrams-Cohen / 40.00 / 39.42 / 0.18
Matthew Kennedy / 47.30 / 46.56 / 0.34
Katie Ward / 54.20 / 54.57 / 0.37
Petra Bijsterveld / 61.15 / 61.56 / 0.41
Catherine Charlton / 57.00 / 56.19 / 0.41
Lynn Donohue / 57.10 / 56.27 / 0.43
Rebecca Shaw / 48.00 / 48.46 / 0.46
Sally Kennedy / 61.15 / 62.07 / 0.52
Chris Wellford / 41.00 / 39.54 / 1.06
Steve Gott / 39.50 / 41.01 / 1.11
Michael Odell / 38.00 / 39.15 / 1.15
Phil Joyner / 44.00 / 42.43 / 1.17
Rebecca White / 55.00 / 56.20 / 1.20
Jeremy Greenwood / 50.00 / 48.39 / 1.21
Dawn Turner / 60.33 / 59.04 / 1.29
Marc Westerman / 50.20 / 48.50 / 1.30
Abbie Rothery / 57.00 / 58.33 / 1.33
Ben Rothery / 36.00 / 34.15 / 1.45
Malcolm Pickering / 48.55 / 50.50 / 1.55
Alison Weston / 55.00 / 53.04 / 1.56
Teresa Brooks / 59.59 / 57.55 / 2.04
Tom Lally / 58.30 / 56.15 / 2.15
Iain Young / 45.00 / 42.35 / 2.25
Gaenor Coy / 57.54 / 60.33 / 2.39
Peter Roll / 45.00 / 47.44 / 2.44
James Dobbing / 47.20 / 44.33 / 2.47
Tim Johnson / 50.00 / 46.58 / 3.02
Jenny White / 66.00 / 62.54 / 3.06
Stephanie Fox / 59.59 / 56.26 / 3.33
Kate Archer / 46.50 / 43.02 / 3.48
Steve Coy / 46.47 / 42.56 / 3.51
Kate Prior / 53.00 / 48.47 / 4.13
Keith Wood / 59.24 / 54.50 / 4.34
Mike Williams / 52.10 / 47.20 / 4.50
Peter Chippindale / 55.55 / 51.03 / 4.52
Rachel Barnicoat / 70.00 / 64.12 / 5.48
Liz Price / 62.00 / 54.49 / 7.11

Dan McKeown / 31.00 / 39.17 / 8.17
Justin Pierce / 44.20 / 53.57 / 9.37
Kyle Bethell / 42.30 / 53.59 / 11.29
Amanda Newham / 80.00 / 67.39 / 12.21

Ilkley Moor Fell Race – Sun 6 Mar

Sun 6 Mar 2022

From Peter Shelley…

I first participated in the Ilkley Moor Fell Race in 2009 as a youth of 41 having moved to Ilkley from Cambridge, which had a limited fell racing scene. I turned up to that first event wearing the wrong shoes and asking the wrong questions about pacing and minutes per mile. After the novel experience of queuing in a race (after the tarn) followed by a lung busting ascent to the Cow & Calf, my sights lowered from competing to participating and on to surviving. At certain points staying upright felt like a big win.

Little has changed in the 10 races I have done since. It hurts every time. You just get faster. Or slower, as the case may be. Other than a few exceptions where I had the valid and convenient excuse of being overseas, I have done the IMFR every year. This year’s participation was threatened by Covid, returning a second time to our household the morning of the race. To my mild disappointment I tested negative. Deprived of excuses, I gathered the full FRA kit, abandoned my ailing family and headed to the start.

The moor around the registration/finish area was already a quagmire, but thankfully the sun was shining and weather calm. I tried and failed to set off in the first third of the field and found myself stuck in a familiar slow-moving conga after the tarn which lasted until the Cow & Calf where I was able to make progress. The race follows a route around Ilkley Moor which you would only ever go if suffering from serious confusion, memory loss or masochism, packing 1,100ft of ascent into 5 miles. Steep climbs which have you bent over with your face six inches from the ground, drooling into the mud, are followed by alarming technical descents where you discover your coordination has gone and your senses shut down. Spectators gather at key points, but you can no longer recognise faces or respond to verbal input (thanks anyway, marshals and supporters – it is appreciated).

Rocks, tree roots, branches, bogs and puddles lurk, waiting to catch you out. FRA kit is recommended, but gardening tools particularly secateurs or shears may also help.

The suffering goes on way longer than the time or distance suggests as you start to experience running time. After all the climbing, the final descent is oddly brief but features some fabulous mudslides for the unwary.

I finished a minute inside my target of 55mins after discovering some unlikely energy in the second half, keeping to my vague personal target of a finish in the top third. The winner was Tom Adams, up against some stern competition. How he managed to get around in 37mins 54 remains unfathomable. Further impressive results by the Harriers were evident throughout the field. Hats off to everyone who took this event on knowingly and without coercion. It’s a great race really.

From Bob Hamilton…

Brilliant to read such entertaining race reports for the Ilkley Moor Fell Race from Peter Shelley and Dan McKeown. Great stuff. Very little to add from me other than to give a special mention to Malcolm Pickering for picking up his first V70 title, which will surely be the first of many.

There’s always a thrill for me to see that amazing mop of white hair on the start line and know I’m going to have to work very hard in the race. I may have beaten him on Sunday but he still had me on age-related terms. He always did have the edge.

Fantastic to see Alison Bennett picking up first V60 and Jack Cummings running so fast after a very recent bout of Covid. Most of all, though, thanks to Steve Weston and his team for putting on such a great event. You guys are all amazing.

It’s a privilege to still be having the opportunity to race against a few of the same people after so many years. This was the 30th anniversary of my debut race for the Harriers in 1992. It scarcely seems possible. Forrest has been checking in on my PBs for various races. It continues to be a lot of fun this racing across a whole generation difference in time. He’s improving fast, but I was delighted to be able to tell him that he’s still got another five minutes to find to beat my 1993 time here! It’s a very supportive rivalry. I’m willing him on.

Results:

1 Tom Adams 37.54
3 Ben Rothery 38.08
8 Jack Cummings 40.10
15 Michael Odell 42.39
28 Daniel Mckeown 45.29
29 Forrest Hamilton 45.34
32 Jack Gribbin 46.05
47 Nick Kealey 48.08
57 Gavin Lamb 49.10
59 Danny Thompson 49.20
65 Michael Abrams-Cohen 49.53
79 Tim Ashelford 51.35
82 Steven Bysouth 51.41
86 James Lumb 52.13
87 Richard Joel 52.15
88 Robert Green 52.31
100 Peter Shelley 54.06
105 John Marsham 54.38
113 John Hayes 55.23
132 Duncan Cooper 57.42
140 Bob Hamilton 58.05 (2nd V60)
142 Paul Disney 58.18
146 David Singleton 58.50
159 Alison Weston 59.56
162 Malcolm Pickering 60.35 (1st V70)
168 Catherine Crawley 61.20
181 Matthew Snow 62.45
208 Alison Bennett 65.06 (1st LV60)
226 Abigail Rothery 66.53
238 Rebecca White 68.48
249 Paul Atkinson 70.57
275 Peter Kulik 78.03
288 Amanda Newham 81.01
292 Rumana Chowdhury 81.54
316 finished

Norton 9-mile, Sun 6 Mar

Sat 5 Mar 2022

From Sally Armitage…

I think I entered this after missing out on a place in the Askern 10k, both races being organised by Askern District Running Club. I didn’t realise at the time of entry that this meant I was now booked onto three hard races in as many weeks, something I would definitely not do intentionally!

Norton 9 is an undulating, 9-mile road race along country roads on the outskirts of Doncaster. A single lap route with only a couple of gentle climbs. Norton 9 was the 2nd of my 3 races on the trot & I was initially wondering if I was even going to be able to finish it, my knee had been niggling all week and I was struggling to recover from my race last weekend. I battled through the first mile but then started to feel progressively better & stronger with each mile! I was really surprised with a 4th place finish, maybe racing on consecutive weekends suits me after all.

Results

1st male Jed Bartlett MS (Hallamshire Harriers) 46:37

1st female Andrea Whitehead F40 (Selby Striders) 53:41

49th (4th lady) Sally Armitage 58:38

Cambridge Half Marathon – Sun 6 Mar

Sat 5 Mar 2022

From Dick Waddington…

One of the biggest half marathons in the country, this is a surprisingly fast course given the complexity of the route, which takes you through the grounds of two of the many beautiful colleges – Jesus and Kings (which alone had 6 tight turns) before heading out of town on a big loop of pleasant, if unremarkable, surrounding countryside. Tremendous crowd support throughout and the kind of slick organisation you would expect in an event of this size. Definitely PB potential and well worth the schlep down the A1.

Results:

(1 Nick Bester, Best Athletics, 1.06.19)

1409 Helen Waddington 1.35.04

1412 Dick Waddington 1.35.05

9,889 ran

Trafford 10k – Sun 6 Mar

Sat 5 Mar 2022

Congratulations to Cam Reilly for setting a new all-time men’s club record of 30:53. His time beat Dave Throup’s mark of 30:56 which had stood since 1990!

Welcome Way Ultra – Sat 5 Mar

Sat 5 Mar 2022

From Petra Bijsterveld…

Photo credit Punk Panther

The Welcome Way is an existing waymarked circular long distance walking route connecting Otley, Burley and Baildon. In fact it goes right past the back of my house which I never realised until I started recceing the route. Local ultra-race organiser Punk Panther stages an event which largely follows this route, and if you include the optional 8 mile loop around Shipley Glen and Bingley it gives a total distance of 42 miles. 20 mile and half marathon options were also available.

We were lucky with a beautiful sunny day. It started out around freezing, and by the afternoon there was a stiff breeze to contend with and two brief showers, so it remained cool all day. The underfoot conditions should definitely be termed challenging. Weeks of rain had left most of the fields and paths very muddy, with endless energy-sapping sticky mud, at times reaching knee level. It’s a good thing that XC is my thing!

The first section goes north from Otley mainly through fields via Clifton and Askwith to arrive after a nice little downhill stretch on the road at CP1 at Denton. I picked up a packet of mini cheddars and went on without stopping, looking forward to meet up at Carters Lane with Hilda who came with me to the top of Ben Rhydding Drive. Coming down into Burley I met the Turners at the railway crossing and after a brief stop for coke and a snack at CP2 by Burley House Field we continued, saying hello to Clare Boyle and picking up Jane McCarthy on Sandholme Drive. The four of us continued up to the Shooting Hut where the Turners went back down, and Jane came with me to Horncliffe Well and Bingley Road before turning for home. It was wonderful to have local support!

After crossing Bingley Road the course goes through a couple of fields with the very worst mud imaginable, I knew this as I had recced every inch of the course but it was still no fun, dirty and foul smelling, knee deep, downhill, and with rocks to add to the difficulty. As a runner in front of me fell down into the mud I got my poles out for the first time to negotiate the quagmire. Then over the gallops, followed by some more muddy fields to arrive at CP3 in Shipley Glen, by now on mile 21. The loop takes you to Eldwick and Micklethwaite, crossing the canal via the Morton Swing Bridge where I had to wait as they were letting a barge through! Thankfully it was no more than a couple of minutes. You wouldn’t want that to happen if you were in a winning position! That’s never my problem….. Back along the canal via Five Rise Locks to Bingley where you cross the main road and pick up the riverbank to Saltaire and Roberts Park, then climbing steeply back up to Shipley Glen (poles came out again and now stayed out) and the kind folk at CP3. More coke, more cheese.

Leaving the checkpoint you are faced with the steep climb up Baildon Moor to the trig point. By now the wind had picked up, I was getting cold despite going uphill and it also started to rain, I had to stop and put my waterproof on which definitely helped keeping me warmer. A good reminder of why the compulsory kit is just that, compulsory (2 people had been disqualified by the organiser for running without any kit!). I was glad to get off the top, down past Tong Park cricket club where I stopped to take my jacket off again in the sunshine, and chatted to a nice passer-by who had done some Punk Panther races too. Then uphill onto Hollins Hill golf club, crossing the main road and down into Esholt and the friendly marshals at CP4. By now on mile 33 and definitely on the homeward stretch.

Through Esholt Woods, where two children at the mountain bike course asked if I was running or walking (good question!) to Guiseley, then along the disused railway line to Yeadon. That 1 mile stretch on tarmac was probably my only slightly low point. It looks so flat and runnable that it feels ridiculous not to run, but I had to keep walking for 50 meters or so before forcing myself to run a few hundred meters to the next point in the distance that I set myself. I felt slightly embarrassed, it gets relatively busy there so plenty of people to witness my less than stellar athleticism. That track is actually very marginally uphill, quite deceptive. From Yeadon you turn north to head towards the Chevin via West Carlton. This is obviously all uphill so there was a lot of walking. It started to rain again and I was now getting really cold so had another stop to put my waterproof on, admiring a rainbow at the same time, before reaching the last CP by Surprise View, more cheese for me! The marshals had been sheltering in their car, by now it was raining hard and very windy up there and they definitely deserved marshal credit for having the most exposed spot. Looking north from Surprise View the fading evening light over the valley was absolutely stunning, but I was far too cold up there to even consider taking a picture, though thankfully the rain stopped as quickly as it had started.

Whilst only a mile away from the finish as the crow flies, the race route takes you east along the Ebor Way. Somehow my legs found a new lease of life and once I had negotiated the stony path (never my strong point) and crossed East Chevin Road I was running properly again. The paths were good underfoot and I was feeling good too. Coming out on the A660 at Pool Bank you take the footpath down that starts on the corner of Old Pool Bank, leading through, again, very muddy fields back to Otley. The slidy mud slowed me down a bit, but I managed to overtake 3 people in those last 2 miles which pleased me very much, especially as I had hardly seen any other runner for the second half of the race. To my great surprise Hilda and her husband Peter were waiting for me at the finish at Otley Cricket Club, I was so pleased to see them! It had taken me 10 and a half hours, I had predicted 10 but all that mud surely accounts for that extra half hour. Still just back before darkness fell and there had been no need to get the head torch out. A great day out, my longest distance yet, and still feeling good at the end!

Other Harriers taking part in the ultra were Dave Reynier who came in a splendid 1^st M50, and Matt Tupling. 2^nd claim member Ali Nash ran the 20 mile option and came 2^nd overall and 1^st M50.

There were no other F50’s running the 42 miles so I was first, last and only F50.

I can recommend these races to everyone, whether you are an experienced ultra-runner or wanting to set out on the ultra-journey (they also offer shorter distances at every event). They are local, low-key and really friendly, yet professionally organised.

Results here.

42 miles

(1 6:58:40 Stephen Kirk)

7 8:08:59 Dave Reynier

22 10:29:22 Petra Bijsterveld

29 ran

34 miles

(1 5:40:02 Ed Powell)

41 9:37:23 Matt Tupling
48 ran

20 miles

(1 3:10:02 Stuart Sharp)
2 3:12:03 Alistair Nash
46 ran

Welcome Way Ultra – Sat 5 Mar

Fri 4 Mar 2022

From Petra Bijsterveld…

Photo credit Punk Panther

Other Harriers taking part in the ultra were Dave Reynier who came in a splendid 1^st M50, and Matt Tupling. 2^nd claim member Ali Nash ran the 20 mile option and came 2^nd overall and 1^st M50.

There were no other F50’s running the 42 miles so I was first, last and only F50.

Results here.

42 miles

(1 6:58:40 Stephen Kirk)

7 8:08:59 Dave Reynier

22 10:29:22 Petra Bijsterveld

29 ran

34 miles

(1 5:40:02 Ed Powell)

41 9:37:23 Matt Tupling
48 ran

20 miles

(1 3:10:02 Stuart Sharp)
2 3:12:03 Alistair Nash
46 ran

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Harriers Race League update!

Tue 1 Mar 2022

From Dan McKeown…

As our hardy, footsore tailwalkers cross the finishing line, clutching five miles’ worth of garden canes and tape, the Ilkley Moor Fell Race is duly concluded and the latest round of the Harriers Race League is in the books!

Let’s take a moment to assess the damage before we sling our road shoes in the back of the car for the long drive to Dentdale.

Hoovering to victory in a shade under 38 minutes, Tom Adams secured maximum points on his race league bow. Actually, with his age grading for being a hoary old 35+, he gets more than maximum points. Plus, by dint of running the fastest time on the day, he makes everyone else’s score slightly worse.

So, while he may be a lovely guy with a very infectious smile, and an absolute joy to see at any other time of the year, as far as the Harriers Race League is concerned, Tom can DO ONE. At least he isn’t picking up a V40 bonus yet, although I’m looking at the autumn slate of races with a sinking feeling.

Apart from Tom, fellow debutant Ben Rothery was also alarmingly quick (third overall in 38:08) but at least he didn’t make a mockery of our time-honoured handicapping system. Meanwhile, Jack Cummings (8th, 40:10) established a decent lead in the Fell Race category of the league, collecting another 91 points to go with the maximum score he banked at the Stanbury Splash, and Michael Odell (15th, 42:35) rounded out the victorious Harriers men’s team.

Further back, there were juicy age-weighted scores for Tim Ashelford (87.91), Malcolm (87.08), Nick K (86.82), Bob Hamilton (85.94) and Alison Weston (85.42).

Incumbent league leader Nick looked set fair to retain top spot but NOT SO FAST (record scratch sound effect) – a happy (?) innovation of this year’s race league is that volunteers at Harriers-organised events are eligible for compensation points, based on league performance to date.

So by the simple expedient of NOT running the fell race, Jeff and Rachel have pulled ahead of Nick in the standings. Nick, should he have the energy, will doubtless be kicking himself that it never occurred to him simply to pull on a hi-viz and point some runners up the nearest hill.

Race league results to date (get in touch if you feel you’ve been unfairly excluded – or included – in any of the scoring)
Current league standings

For the full rules and list of fixtures, and to wade through the legal minutiae of how you might be able to win the league without actually doing the races, per se, check out the race league page.

Our next fixture is the Dentdale 14 road race on Saturday which does still have places available (you can sign up via RaceBest). It’s a lovely figure-of-eight course that *does* have one or two teeny-tiny hills, but I’m sure we wouldn’t want it any other way. Hills do, after all, mean views. Incidentally, Saturday’s forecast is cloudy with rain.