Ilkley Harriers news archive 2025

Lee Mill Fell Relay – Sun 30 Nov 2025

Sun 30 Nov 2025

From Daniel McKeown…

Sunday saw the return of the Lee Mill Relay, four laps of the finest six-and-a-half mile course that the remnants of industrial Lancashire can provide. I’d assembled a fearsome foursome of forty-somethings in order to ensure that whoever pitched up from Calder Valley or wherever would at least have to break a sweat for the V40 prize.

Conditions looked to be clear but cold. An overnight freeze and the low, piercing sunlight directly in our eyes made the drive over a little more interesting than we might have liked; we also saw a car which had somehow made it up a very steep bank, only to bury its front end in a drystone wall.

Our quartet was Jon Denniss, Dan McKeown (that’s me), Nick Kealey and Steve Gott. The route is four laps of the same course as Rossendale Harriers’ midsummer midweek fell race: starting in Stubbylee Park (Bacup), runners head up through the old quarry onto moorland, circling round to return through the quarry, with a bone-shuddering descent to look forward to in the last mile.

Jon, coming off the back of a prolonged bout of cold, put in an excellent run to hand over within touching distance of the first V40 team. I scuttled off up through the quarry, out onto the moor squinting in the sunlight, then realised I hadn’t seen any flags or any runners in front for several hundred metres. I’d gone astray which, while mortifying enough in an ordinary race, is doubly bad when you’ve got people waiting for you in the changeover pen. Happily, only one runner had followed me and after a quick (and – some might say – belated) look at the map, we managed to find a line to rejoin the race, at the cost of half a mile, plus some time spent faffing.

When he eventually got to go round, Nick put in our best leg result of the day, coming ninth of the L3 runners. It was still going to need an enormous navigational mishap from the V40 leaders to bring us back into contention, instead of which anchorman Steve Gott spared my blushes by going off course *twice*.

In the final reckoning, we were 15th overall (out of 87), about half an hour behind winners Hogia Hebog whose last leg runner saw off the challenge of Macclesfield. We were second V40 team, very well beaten by the grizzled vets of Barlick.

Despite my navigational clanger, I enjoyed finally getting to do this race (it was frozen off last year) and hope we’ll be bringing a team or two again next year.

Results

15. Ilkley Harriers Hobblers and Wobblers 3:57:49

Jon Denniss 54:44

Dan McKeown 1:04:05

Nick Kealey 56:13

Steve Gott 1:02:47

Doncaster 10k – Sun 30 Nov 2025

Sun 30 Nov 2025

From Sally Armitage…

What a beautiful day for a 10k! The sun was shining, the air was almost still and the chilly temp kept us on our toes. I was looking forward to this race having missed it last year due to illness. I’ve ran it twice previously and got PBs both times, it’s a wildly fast course yet it’s also quite turny through the town section in the first half and you definitely do notice the few gentle undulations too. It reminds me of Dewsbury 10k in that it produces unbelievably fast times despite not being pancake flat.

Unsurprisingly, it was my fastest 10k since I last ran it 2 years ago! But I still left feeling slightly annoyed that I still had Tadcaster 10 in my legs from the weekend before, they just felt like lead from around the 2km mark. It was definitely worth the drive over but next year I will make sure I’m not racing on consecutive weekends so I can make the most of one of the fastest courses in the north!

Results

1st male Daniel James (Cleethorpes AC) 31:25

1st female Georgina Weston (York Knavesmire Harriers) 36:33

133rd Sally Armitage 38:17

1642nd David Ibbotson 56:46

2923 ran

Ilkley Gazette Report – w/c 24 November 2025

Mon 24 Nov 2025

[Sally Armitage on her way to finishing fifth female and first in her age category at the Tadcaster 10 – photo credit Stephen Walker]

From Jill Ezard & Nicola Budding…

BOFRA Championship Success for Gibbons and Moore

It was a quiet week for racing but no less successful for Harriers on road and trail. On Saturday one intrepid Harrier headed north to tackle the Hardwolds 80, an 80 mile route from Hessle to Filey on the Wolds Way. The undulating route takes in market towns, ancient villages and the deserted medieval village of Wharram Percy. The route description specifically mentions passing through “dry valleys” but Matthew Kennedy found the route anything but dry, battling driving rain at the start and mud, slush and snow underfoot on route! Despite the challenging conditions Matthew had a fantastic run finishing the race in 14:33:12 in seventh place overall and taking first place in his age category.

Conditions were slightly better for the three Harriers who took part in the Tadcaster 10 on Sunday. A popular race for those seeking a Personal Best (PB), the race starts with a tough two mile loop of the town centre, made more challenging this year by having to negotiate the overnight flooding, before heading east to the villages of Healaugh and Wighill on fast closed roads back to the town. Sally Armitage was the first Harrier over the line finishing fifth female in 1:02:47, just two seconds shy of her official PB, taking first place in her age category. There was a great run too for Claire McLoughlin who was second Harrier over the line in 1:18:05, followed closely by Sally Malir who took third place in her age category finishing the race in 1:20:48.

In a slightly less strenuous event but requiring no less effort to succeed, two Harriers were winners at the BOFRA (British Open Fell Runners Association) Annual Championship Awards evening on Saturday. The Championship sees members winning points for any of the 16 qualifying events they enter with their total score for all races determining their place in the championship at the end of the season. Iain Gibbons and Gawain Moore both took third place in their age categories following consistent performances across the events. For the Junior Harriers, Michael Moore took first place in the U12 Boys category. George Whittlestone and Junior Harrier Oscar Shinn just missed out on the podium both finishing fourth in their categories.

It was a bumper turnout at parkrun events across the country this weekend with 42 Harriers donning their trainers to run, walk or run/walk one of the free weekly timed events. There were PBs for several Harriers including Harry Brook-Dobson, Emma Fox and Hattie O’Looney. Mark Hall and Harry Sime topped the age grades with 87.1% and 80.06% respectively. Eight Harriers were in the top five finishers: Harry Brook-Dobson, Samesh Chotai, James Horrex, Dan McKeown, Sam Angus and Maddie Morris, who were both flying the flag in Japan, Cameron Reilly in Sweden and Paul Carman. Well done to everyone who took part.

Ilkley Harriers is a friendly welcoming club, open to all. If you would like to try us out, please register first on the training page at www.ilkleyharriers.org.uk and then come along to our main club night at 6.45pm on Tuesdays, meet upstairs at Ilkley tennis and squash club.

Tadcaster 10-mile – Sun 23 Nov 2025

Sun 23 Nov 2025

From Sally Armitage…

Yesterday I returned for my 3rd run of Tadcaster 10. Strangely described as undulating yet a PB course. Ran entirely on closed roads, the race begins with a tough 3km loop of town and then out into the countryside, passing though a number of small villages, finishing with a straight, mostly flat 2 mile run back into town.

Miraculously the rain stopped shortly before the race started and the sun came out – the day before they were still forecasting heavy rain for Sunday. Conditions were close to perfect, cool, little wind and dry, although we did have a small flood to navigate in the first half of the race which meant running with soggy toes from then on.

I had aimed for around 1:06 based on my recent performances, however, I set off fast alongside the other runners where I had positioned myself at the start and despite being aware I was running way faster than my planned pace I was feeling good so decided to try and hang on! I was fairly astonished to run my fastest 10 miler yet (my race ran long and so actually ended up 2 seconds slower than my official PB) and finish in 5th place! Claire McLoughlin and Sally Malir also had strong runs with Sally finishing 3rd in her age category and Claire bagging herself a new 10-mile PB! A good day at the office.

Results

1st male Joe Firth (Tadcaster Harriers) 51:27

1st female Jemima Elgood (Nidd Valley RR) 58:04

45th (5th female) Sally Armitage 1:02:47

300th (47th female) Claire McLoughlin 1:18:05 (PB)

358th (61st female) Sally Malir 1:20:48 (3rd F60)

847 ran

Hardwolds 80 – Sat 22 Nov 2025

Sat 22 Nov 2025

From Matthew Kennedy…

The Hardwolds 80 is one of the events organised by prolific North East race organiser Hardmoors, following the Yorkshire Wolds Way for 80 miles from Hessle (on the outskirts of Hull) to Filey, in a long clockwise arc away from the coast. 7,870 feet of climbing is not particularly steep for a race of this length, but the November start date throws up the possibility for some interesting conditions, and this year was no exception.

As we set off west along the Foreshore of the River Humber into a stiff, cold headwind and some light but driving rain, I was rueing my decision to enter an ultra this late in the year, but no sooner did we turn north than the rain stopped and the wind died away. The weather overhead remained good for the rest of the race, but the going underfoot was still tricky after the midweek cold snap. Country lanes were occasionally icy, and anything off-road was covered in a few inches of mud, slush or snow. Fortunately the chalky ground just below was always firm, so the course remained quite runnable despite being slippy.

While there was plenty of traffic to the first drop bag at Millington (33 miles), I ran almost the whole of the second section alone through some beautiful countryside, before turning back east and catching other runners immediately before, during and after the second drop bag stop at Ganton (67 miles). All that remained was to navigate the final snowy fields to reach the coast, before running a muddy out & back to the headland at Filey Brigg and finishing in the town.

With the leaderboard dominated by regulars – men’s & women’s winners Oliver Shaw & Esmee Price-Coates also won the 2024 Hardmoors 60, 2nd man Stephen Kirk won the 2025 Hardmoors 60 and 3rd man Lewis Wardale won the 2025 Hardmoors 110 – I felt pretty happy to come in 7th and 1st MV50 on my Hardmoors debut. Although 2025 was apparently the last edition of this race, it was very well-organised with a friendly atmosphere, so I’ll likely follow in the footsteps of other Harriers (e.g., Kate & Petra) and try some different distances in the future.

Results

(1 Oliver Shaw 12h36)

(5 Esmee Price-Coates 13h53, 1st F)

7 Matthew Kennedy 14h33, 1st MV50

84 starters, 65 finishers

Ilkley Gazette Report – w/c 17 November 2025

Mon 17 Nov 2025

[Harriers Alison Weston, far left, and Jann Smith, second left, were among the award winners at the Craiglands – photo courtesy of Iain Gibbons]

From Nigel Illingworth & Nicola Budding…

Harriers’ successes recognised at annual award ceremony

Ilkley Harriers hosted the prestigious annual Fell Runners Association Dinner and Presentation at Ilkley’s Craiglands Hotel on Saturday evening, with 103 attendees.

The main awards were for the 2025 English Fell Championships, where Ben Rothery was joint first overall, Sam Bentham was second U23, Jane McCarthy was second women’s V50, and Harriers’ women’s V50 team second overall (Alison Weston, Jann Smith, Rebecca Mon-Williams, and Jane McCarthy).

Saturday’s Tour of Pendle Fell Race saw a strong Harriers turnout. This annual event is a leg-destroying 27km race, with a climb of 1,473m.

Ann-Kristin Marsham claimed second FV40 (3:27:45) and Katie Poulter third FV40 (3:35:58), with Harriers’ first women’s team. Also, Jonny McKenna (2:59:41), George Whittlestone (3:11:12), Paul Carman (3:15:34), Charles Wain (3:31:53), Richard Joel (3:36:31), Sacha Jones (3:56:29) and David Norris (3:56:39).

Alison Weston delivered an outstanding performance at Saturday’s Wharfedale Skyline Half Marathon. A stunning 12th finisher, third female, and first FV60 with a new FV60 course record of 2:26:27.

Mark Hall claimed first M65 in Sunday’s Preston 10 Mile Road Race (1:02:49).

Peter Roll was first MV60 in Saturday’s Litton Birks Fell Race (38:29).

Jack Cummings finished third in Saturday’s Run Alton Towers 10k (32:52).

Two Harriers endured Saturday’s Gods Own Backyard Ultra Fall 2025. This is a last-person-standing format where runners complete a 4.17-mile route (‘yard’) every hour, on the hour, until only one competitor remains. Petra Bijsterveld and Alan Travis each completed 16 yards (66.67 miles).

Harriers’ Juniors competed in Sunday’s West Yorkshire Cross-Country League at Thornes Park in Wakefield. In the U11 Boys Race, Rafe Garner was the first Harrier home (6:06), closely followed by Thomas Bailey (6:17). Ethan Pickwoad competed in the U13 Boys Race finishing the 2.9 km course in 12:19, plus Heather Crolla completed the U15 Girls 3.6 km Race in 16:06.

There were strong finishes in Saturday’s parkruns.

Sally Armitage was first female at Fountains Abbey (19:09), and Harry Brook-Dobson was first at Horton Park (19:03). Stephen Coy was fifth at Wakefield Thornes (20:22) and Harry Sime was eighth at Skipton (20:38).

Harriers Juniors also finished well with Max Hebbon first JM10 at Newtown (29:37) and Daisy Lowe first JW11-14 at East Holmes Field (29:26).

Overseas Maddie Morris was third female (26:03) at Japan’s Shibamata koen kadan, along with Sam Angus (26:04), plus Amanda Newham (31:05) at Italy’s Milano Nord.

God’s Own Back Yard Ultra Leeds – Sat 15 Nov 2025

Sat 15 Nov 2025

From Petra Bijsterveld…

Photo credit Nikie Hannah/ GOBYU

A “backyard ultra” is a Last Person Standing ultramarathon format where runners complete a 4.167-mile loop (‘yard’) every hour, on the hour, until only one competitor remains. The winner is the last runner to complete a lap, with all others having either quit or failed to finish a lap within the 60-minute time limit. The format was created by Gary “Lazarus Lake” Cantrell in Tennessee.

Leeds has its very own race, God’s Own Backyard Ultra, which is held twice a year, in May and November. Race HQ is at Hunter’s Greave Scout Centre near Kirkstall Forge station. There is a day and a night route: the day route uses the Leeds to Liverpool canal towpath before taking you into the woodland of Bramley Falls Park and back to Hunters Greave. The relentless night loop is along the canal on a tarmac path. Due to the very wet underfoot conditions the day route was changed slightly from the normal one, leaving out some fields and replacing them with road, this meant that on the day route there was about 2.5 miles on towpath and road and 1.5 miles (very muddy and slippery) off-road. With the night route being all tarmac it made for a lot of impact on the feet, legs and joints.

Alan Travis and I were the two Ilkley Harriers toeing the line on Saturday morning, Jonathan Turner who had also entered unfortunately had to let this one go due to injury. There were 84 runners starting in total. The torrential rain from the previous night had thankfully eased off, leaving us with a damp and drizzly grey day. The forecast predicted the rain to stop during the afternoon, this didn’t materialize, but all in all the weather was not too bad for mid-November.

I had tried the BYU format once before, about 15 months ago, on a very hilly event in North Wales, where I soon found it was too difficult for me due to the elevation. Whilst I was managing to complete the yards in good time, I had to expend too much energy to do so, and I stopped after 6 yards (25 miles), having also had a nasty fall on the uneven terrain. I thought I would find a flatter BYU more manageable, and I set out on Saturday morning with the conviction that I should be capable of at least getting to 24 hours (100 miles). After all, I have run much further when it comes to both distance and time. And whilst I have never run 100 miles in 24 hours I have managed 50 in 12 hours on much more challenging terrain. Well, it turned out my expectations were well off the mark!

Looking back I think a couple things conspired against me: 1. I had started with a cold on Wednesday night, and whilst it did not feel bad enough to can the race (though that might have been wise judging by how I feel now), I wasn’t at my best and due to the physical exertion I guess I made it worse, and as the hours passed I started to feel less good. Still, I think without the cold I wouldn’t have done any better, it just made the whole thing more unpleasant.

2. The biggest problem was that my heart was not in it. I had not foreseen how hard I would find it to run around in loops without ‘getting anywhere’. Whilst I would never enter the Liverpool to Leeds canal ultra I was almost looking with longing at the little towpath sign I kept passing saying ‘Liverpool 122 miles’. If I were running to Liverpool, or anywhere for that matter, at least I would have an aim! I love running in the dark, but as the evening went on (we had started on the night loop at 4pm) I soon realised there was no way I was going to make it through the night. All I desperately wanted was to go home and go to bed.

Most people, regardless of their running ability, run yards of between around 49 and 52 minutes, which leaves around 10 minutes of ‘rest’ to eat, drink, go to the toilet and attend to other race admin. This means aiming for a pace of about 12:30 minutes per mile, which of course gives scope for walk breaks, saving energy. For quite a while, perhaps the first 12 hours, I found this pace easy to manage, however it did then start to become more difficult and I started to slip towards 13 minute miles. I think the stop/start nature of the race format is not something that suits me. I also found it quite stressful, you need to use the limited time between yards wisely and efficiently. For example I wanted to change my socks and attend to a toe which was hurting, but also needed the toilet, and there is not enough time to do both. So the socks had to wait another hour. In a normal ultra you would stop, attend to all your needs, and then not stop again for many hours. Some runners throw in a quicker yard if they know they want to for instance change their shoes, but I don’t really have the ability to go any quicker, not after several hours anyway. They say running ability is not a factor in a BYU, but I would challenge that, having tried it twice now. For someone who is a fast runner 12:30 miling must be much more of a doddle than it is for steadier runners like me.

Both Alan and I were crewed, Alan by Sarah Lambert, and I by my friend Gill Myers. And a fantastic job they did too! This type of event is quite hard to tackle without crew, though there are runners who do so. But if you fancy hot drinks or hot food (e.g porridge pots or pot noodle), which to me is pretty vital in winter, it would be almost impossible to get this prepared and eaten in the short time you have. Crew can also get e.g. spare clothes or head torches ready for the next yard.

Alan and I felt pretty similar about the race as time went on. When I was on my 15^th yard I decided to either stop on my return to camp, or do one more if Alan was running a 16^th. 48 runners had already stopped by that point, so at least we were well in the ‘top half’. We decided to make it 16 and finish, or rather DNF, to use the correct terminology, at midnight. We had run 66.67 miles, gave in our timing chip, received a goody bag including our DNF mug, and had our picture taken next to the sign which is updated every yard with distance covered and number of runners left. I felt completely broken, much more so than after various much longer races that I have done. I was dizzy and sat pathetically waiting on a chair whilst Gill made two trips to the car with all my stuff, before driving me home. People who do the crewing are the real heroes!

If anyone would like to give this event a go the next iteration is on May 23^rd 2026. Whilst I have now definitely found out it is not for me, I would encourage anyone to have a go just to experience a different race format. The runners are all super friendly and the event is very well organised. There is a kitchen with hot water and a microwave available, and you have the luxury of a toilet block rather than portaloos. Whilst the floor became hideously muddy I was impressed that the actual toilets were kept clean and stocked up with toilet paper and soap. There is medical cover as you would expect. The route is waymarked, with several marshals out on the early day loops so no one gets lost, and two safety marshals on bikes on the canal at night, marking the turnaround points and following the last runner.

The race was won just before 01:00 am on Monday morning after 41 yards (170 miles) by Scottish ultra and BYU legend Iain Bethune. The ‘assist’ (the runner who completes the second-to-last loop) was local runner and coach Andy Wilson. The assist is crucial because the winner can only run one additional loop beyond what the assist runner completed.

I am pleased that I managed to reach 16 yards, and it was great to share the experience/suffering with Alan, who also found it very hard. My disappointment is not so much that I did not reach 100 miles, but more that I have to conclude that the BYU format is not for me, much as I like it as a concept. I had semi-expected to be good at it, and in that sense I fell significantly short of my own expectations. The experience has certainly increased my admiration for runners who can do this well. Back to ‘normal’ ultra events for me it is!

Results

Tour of Pendle Fell Race – Sat 15 Nov 2025

Sat 15 Nov 2025

From Katie Poulter…

A collective of hardy Harriers headed over to deep dark Lancashire to take on the classic tough fell race that is ‘The Tour’.

A big tick for any self respecting fell runner, this is a race that lures you into a false sense of confidence in the first half, only to serve up a series of leg destroying climbs in short succession in the second half, just when you need it least. The 17 miles packs in 4,500ft of ascent, chuck in some late autumn wild weather and you have the ingredients for a grand day out in the hills!

Nine harriers crossed the finish line; first in was Jonny McKenna (2hr:59) followed by George Whittlestone, Paul Carman, Ann-Kristin Marsham (2nd FV40), Charles Wain, Katie Poulter (3rd FV40), Richard Joel, Sacha Jones and David Norris. The ladies bagged 1st Ladies team winning some very generous vouchers and Paul Carman got the 100th runner £100 spot prize, not bad for a £14 entry fee!

Well done everyone!

Litton Birks Fell Race – Sat 15 Nov 2025

Sat 15 Nov 2025

From Peter Roll…

Looking for a shorter, less arduous alternative to the Tour of Pendle? What about the fabulous Litton Birks Fell Race? Only a 5km parkrun distance, though admittedly with 362m of ascent. Plus there’s amazingly good bunnage, (lots of scrummy cakes and tray bakes) when you finish.

The course is the usual straight up and down the fell, returning on the same route. The incline isn’t too steep, in fact parts of it are quite runnable on the ascent, even in the wet drizzly conditions of last Saturday. And it must be one of the safest races as it’s well marshaled by the Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association (UWFRA) volunteers.

Everybody was so friendly, even the marshals that had to push the Campervan when I got stuck trying to enter the farmer’s field to park.

All in all a fab experience, that has nothing to do with finishing 1st MV60.

Ilkley Gazette Report – w/c 10 November 2025

Mon 10 Nov 2025

[Harriers together at PECO XC in Middleton Park, photo courtesy of Lucy Lowe]

From Luke Watkeys & Nicola Budding…

A trail-packed week for the Harriers: Mud, moors and medals

During the week, the ‘It’s Grim up North’ events team put on four days of runs around Swinsty and Fewston Reservoirs, on routes ranging from 6.7 miles to a full marathon. Runners could enjoy the copper colours of the turning leaves and the stillness of the mainly off-road route. On Thursday (day one), Kirsty Wicks and Heidi Hoad took on the 20-mile course, crossing the line together in joint first with a time of 3:44:32. Colin Williams had a go at the marathon distance the following day on Friday (day two), finishing first with a time of 4:23:34.

The Burley Moor Run kicked off the weekend’s proceedings. Held in November, it’s actually part of the Burley in Wharfedale ‘Summer’ Festival, but it is great fun, going from Scalebor Park up to the high point of Burley Moor near the Great Skirtful of Stones and then returning to Scalebor, just shy of 11k (7 miles).?Ilkley put on a good show, fielding over a quarter of participants (25 out of a field of 91), and scooping up a lot of the silverware. Oli Murphy won with a time of 45:32, with Dan McKeown narrowly missing the podium, finishing fourth with a time of 50:42. Kate Prior also finished first female in 1:02:16, with Jann Smith not far behind, finishing second in 1:05:37. Three of our older juniors also took part and secured a top ten finish; Ben Stacey in 51:22, James Lee in 51:24 and George Whittlestone in 52:05.

Later on that day, the Harriers vs Cyclists Race took place. The race pits runners against cyclists in a challenging 8.3k (5.3 miles) course up and down Baildon Moor, with the winning team awarded the Fisherman Trophy for the year. Charlie Albone (a cyclist) won the race this year in a time of 35:10, with Nathan Marsh of Leeds City AC the first runner home in 36:01. Mike Burdon was the sole representative from Ilkley, finishing fourth M50 in 46:34.

On Sunday, nine Harriers took part in Run Bolton Abbey. In this popular trail running event, hundreds of runners participate in various distances amidst the stunning scenery of Bolton Abbey Estate, raising funds for Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice. There were plenty of notable results; starting with the 10k distance, Joanne Williamson was third in 51:14, Rob Cunningham was third M35 in 45:19 and Vicky Rutherford was fourth F40 in 59:17. Moving onto the 10-mile distance, Delia Beddis came second in 1:23:34 and Rebecca Brown came second F35 in 1:44:43. Lastly, at the Half Marathon distance, Ian Davis came first M60 in 1:54:50.

That same morning, the first PECO XC of the season took place at Middleton Park. Ever popular, the event attracted hundreds of runners from local clubs across the area. 18 Harriers participated in the senior event, with some great results, including Sally Malir first F60 with a time of 41:19, and Gawain Moore second M45 with a time of 29:03. Looking to the juniors, 13 lined up to represent the club across three races: the junior 1 mile and 2 mile races and the senior 4.5 miles course. Archie Hallworth and Rose Weston were first home in the 1-mile race in times of 7:44 and 8:11, respectively. On the 2-mile course, Michael Moore and Milena Morgan finished in respective times of 12:55 and 13:55, and George Whittlestone was the first junior Harrier home at the 4.5-mile event in a time of 30:41.

Turning to parkrun, the 14th Ilkley parkrun took place at East Holmes Field, attracting 242 runners, including 14 Harriers. Rob Cunningham was first Harrier home in ninth with a time of 21:17. Further afield, Harry Sime came eighth in Skipton in 20:31, Samesh Chotai went to Coventry and came second in 16:08, and Sally Armitage participated in the Alexandra parkrun Moss Side, coming second in 19:06.

Ilkley Gazette Report – w/c 3 November 2025

Mon 3 Nov 2025

[A great turnout of Ilkley Harriers at the Guy Fawkes 10 in Pateley Bridge, photo courtesy of Catherine Crawley]

From Caroline Howe & Nicola Budding…

Harriers duo rocket to a one-two finish at the Guy Fawkes 10

It was a spectacular Ilkley one-two at the ever-popular Guy Fawkes 10 mile race on Sunday, with Ed Hobbs finishing first in a fantastic 54:40 followed by Jack Cummings in second in 56:35. Sally Armitage was third lady overall and first F45 in an impressive 1:10:52. Nick Kealey was first in his M50 category in 1:04:51.

This year’s event saw the introduction of a brand new route – but certainly no less tough! Starting and finishing in Pateley Bridge, the route included plenty of climb in the Nidderdale AONB. There was a great Harriers turnout on what is a staple event in the local road running calendar. Other stellar age category performances included Catherine Crawley (2nd F50), Steve Newell (3rd M60) and Lucy Kay (3rd F40). It was a busy weekend for junior Oscar Shinn who finished in 32nd place in 1:10:03, having completed Rothay parkrun on Saturday.

On the International stage, the New York Marathon took place on Sunday, with Jane McCarthy flying the Harriers flag in this iconic World Major. With sublime pacing, Jane finished in a fantastic 3:08:42. This put her in the top 2% of female finishers and top 1% for her age group, in 21st place out of 2323.

Kate Archer meanwhile took on an incredible 100km and 13,000 feet of climb in Mallorca by UTMB. The race takes on the mountain terrain of Serra de Tramuntana Natural Site, a Unesco World Heritage Site. Kate was the 13th female finisher and 2nd in her age category in a time of 15:09:56 – a tremendous performance.

Over in Wales, Dom Coy won the Black Beacon 50km in a time of 5:22:33 – almost a full hour ahead of the second place finisher!

Among a plethora of parkrun performances was an 87% age grading by Mark Hall at Lister Park, finishing in 6th place in 19:10. Overseas, Alex Foyn was 2nd at Malmo Ribersborg and Maddie Morris was 2nd female at Presint 18 in Malaysia. Two junior Harriers were first in their categories – Milena Morgan ran 22:59 at East Holmes Field, finishing 4th female overall and 1st JW11–15. Archie Hallworth wasn’t far behind, clocking 23:52 and taking 1st JM10.

There were lots of other top 10 gender category finishes: Rob Cunningham 4th at Bedgebury Pinetum; Jaysson Sawyer, 7th at Brooklands; Matt Cox, 6th at Chevin; Jann Smith 7th and Paul Carman 8th at East Holmes Field; Nathan Coy 6th at Hillsborough; and Sam Angus in 7th at Presint 18.

New York City Marathon – Sun 2 Nov 2025

Sun 2 Nov 2025

[Photo credit: Claire McLoughlin]

From Jane McCarthy…

What a privilege it felt to be running over the Verrazano Narrows Bridge at the start of the 2025 New York City Marathon just a few minutes after the world’s elite had set off past us on the opposite side of the 7 lane Interstate. We were sent on our way to ‘New York, New York’ ringing out loud and an NYPD helicopter at eye level alongside us. New Yorkers know how to organise a marathon. Water stations were every mile and the support covered the entire course, across the 5 famous boroughs – a route redesigned from the original Manhattan-only course in 1976.

Being the only Harrier running (as far as I know) I was delighted to hear from Claire McLoughlin that she and dad Mike Baldwin were visiting family and would be ready at Mile 7 with an inflatable dinosaur on a stick. I was chuffed to see them and it gave an important mental boost to have a cheer.

The route is definitely undulating, some might say ‘hilly’ in places and a challenge. Queensborough Bridge is just under a mile and a half in length – about a 1km of climb, starting around 6%, then an easier 3-3.5% gradient, before a lovely descent. The final 2-3 miles around Central Park felt impossibly long and slow. Absolutely delighted to cross the finish line in 3:08 on a stunningly beautiful day, still and not a cloud in the sky. The volunteers made every runner feel like a winner as we collected our medal. There were just short of 60,000 finishers, breaking the record for largest number of finishers set in London earlier this year.

Results

1 Benson Kipruto 2:08:09

24 Hellen Obiri 2:19:51 (new course record)

3596 Jane McCarthy 3:08:42

59,135 finishers