Ilkley Harriers news archive 2021

Roundhay parkrun – Sat 27 Nov

Fri 26 Nov 2021

From Adam Gerrish…

Photo credit Adam Gerrish and Roundhay parkrun

I’m a fair weather runner at the best of times and often found moaning about the cold during runs! However today was my 50th parkrun so I dragged myself out of bed ready to face Storm Arwen. Most of the local parkruns were cancelled due to the weather but Roundhay was running their winter route so I thought I’d give it a try. 222 brave runners lined up against howling winds to run through the snow and ice for a 3 lap course round Soldiers’ field. It was all on grass and felt like a good old school cross country race with water jumps (icey puddles) to contend with. Out of 50 parkruns and 20 different locations I managed my slowest ever time today (excluding the one time I arrived late and missed the start!). But today was a day where I was just happy to finish! An impressive 19 volunteers turned out in the cold to put on the race for us, so big thanks to them. I think it must have been even more challenging standing still than running the course! Definitely looks like a good parkrun for the winter months as if they ran today I can’t imagine the conditions needed to cancel!

parkrun results

(1 Matthew Chipping 19:21)

11 Adam Gerrish 21:48

222 ran

Tadcaster 10 mile – Sun 21 Nov

Sat 20 Nov 2021

From Adam Gerrish…

Iain had let me know he was running the Tad 10 so I decided what better way to spend your birthday morning than with a nice 10 miles through the countryside, so I signed up too. He assured me it was undulating but much flatter than Guy Fawkes!

On a fresh November morning we were pleased to see Sally had signed up too to complete the contingency of three hardy Harriers braving a chilly wind on the start line.

We were all too polite to suggest moving up towards the front to avoid being boxed in. So we started off steadily from mid pack and slowly picked off runners along the way.

From the back of Iain’s success at the Manchester Half I thought he would be a good target to follow. So I sat behind him and let him lead the pace, but he put his foot down from the start. We passed through the 10k mark in just over 40 mins, a new PB for Iain so he was really flying! My aim was to just keep up with him to the end but he even had enough energy for a sprint finish to pull ahead by 8 seconds!

Three Harriers started together and 10 miles couldn’t separate them as we all finished in 65 mins! The real star of the day was Sally Armitage who came away with second FV40!

So it was a very enjoyable birthday morning and I am glad Iain had encouraged me to sign up!

From Sally Armitage…

Today three of us trotted over to Tadcaster for the ‘Tad 10’. A 100% road, chip timed 10 mile trek around the countryside. A cold but sunny day, there was a bit of a wind but I didn’t feel like it really impacted me too much, don’t know about the runner I was hiding behind… It was a lovely slightly undulating course, compared to Guy Fawkes 2 weeks ago it was a delight. There was a quick 2k lap around town before venturing out onto the country lanes. Definitely one for the calendar next year!

Results

(1 Jonathan Frost, East Hull Harriers, 54:48)

69 Iain Young 01:05:01

72 Adam Gerrish 01:05:09

82 Sally Armitage 01:05:43

654 ran

Fewston & Swinsty 4 in 4 – Thu 18-Sun 21 Nov

Sat 20 Nov 2021

From Colin Williams…

Over the last four days I have been taking part in the Fewston and Swinsty 4 in 4 days Marathon series. The marathons, along with options to run 6.5miles, half marathons and as far as you can in 6 hours are organised by Grim up North Running, a very friendly group. Their races are well marshalled and well signed, with plenty of cake, goody bags (chocolate and beer) and medals for all finishers.

The normal route for this event is 4 laps of the Fewston and Swinsty reservoirs, I have run this race before, but because of the Fewston Dam being closed for works, the route this year was changed and took in a couple of extra hills, thereby making each marathon around 2,000 ft of climb.

Day 1

On day 1, Thursday 18th, I lined up with around 30 runners, 19 running the marathon, 7 having signed up to all 4 days. The weather was warm, with a little drizzle, I led the way for the first mile or so before being overtaken by a couple of other runners, I kept on going and finished in second place in the marathon in a time of 4:11:12. The winner was Darren Jenness in a time of 3:37:39, 19 finished.

Results

Day 2

On day 2 the runners had increased to 40, 17 running the marathon, 1 of the 4 in 4 runners had dropped out, the weather was still warm, but dry. I led off again but was soon overtaken by 8 runners who disappeared off into the distance. Friday was not a good day for me, I found it hard going compared to Thursday and finished in ninth place in the marathon in a time of 4:43:54. The winner was Colin Johnstone in a time of 3:29:46, 17 finished.

Results

Day 3

On day 3 I expected the number of runners to peak at the weekend, the start line was up to 50, but the marathon had only 11 competitors, and the 4 in 4 runners was down to 4 out, the weather was still good. I felt far better than the day before. I led off again and was surprised to carry on up frunt for nearly the first lap and then was overtaken by a half marathon runner. I then ran the next three laps expecting a faster runner to come up behind me, but it never happened, I won my first marathon in a few years, in a time of 4:17:06. 11 finished.

Results

Day 4

Sunday 21st was a great day for running – sunny and dry, but much cooler than the first 3 days. The number of runners was around 50 again with 14 running the marathon, and my other three 4 in 4 runners had made it to join me for the last day. For once I didn’t take the lead at the start, well not more than the first 25 meters anyway, before 3 half marathon runners shot past on a mission. I finished in second place in the marathon in a time of 4:25:29. The winner was Subhashis Basu in a time of 3:56:02, 12 finished.

Results

4 in 4 overall results

I had a time of 17 hrs 41 minutes for all four marathons, the fastest of the four runners who completed all of the races.

West Yorkshire XC race 3 Thornes Park – Sun 21 Nov

Sat 20 Nov 2021

From Petra Bijsterveld…

Photo credit Stew Knowles

The third race in the WYXC series took place in Thornes Park in Wakefield on the first properly cold day this autumn, however without rain and with very dry ground it made for good running conditions once you had overcome the horror of taking all your warm layers off. The course had a nice hill which the women had to tackle three and the men five times, because underfoot conditions were so good and grippy it was actually possible to really benefit from the downhill even for a terrible descender like myself. The 10 Ilkley men did exceedingly well with Tom and Nathan numbers 2 and 3, hot on the heels of winner Joe Sagar, and Ilkley ending as the second team. Unfortunately the women were somewhat thinner on the ground with only three of us running. Rachel put in a strong performance and finished as 2nd W45, and Diane as always well ahead of me despite my best efforts not to let that gap increase too much. I had enjoyed an ‘extended warm-up’ by running a 5.5m race in the morning in the WY Winter League (as second claim for LBT) and found the legs were still willing to do some hard work in the afternoon. Fittingly I hadn’t given my all to LBT and kept my best effort for Ilkley, of course. It may not have been fast but I beat my time on the same course from 3 years ago which at my age counts as a win!

Results

Senior women (5,750 m):

(1 19:58 Katy Wood, City of York)

21 22:49 Rachel Carter

71 29:47 Diane Kitchen

73 30:37 Petra Bijsterveld

84 ran

Senior men (10,000m):

(1 31:00 Joe Sagar, Spenborough)

2 31:09 Tom Adams

3 31:23 Nathan Edmondson

29 35:11 Matt Cox

44 36:18 Steven Gott

45 36:27 Dan McKeown

63 38:27 Stephen Coy

74 39:36 Tim Ashelford

77 39:52 Jonathan Turner

94 41:29 David Westhead

106 42:38 Mark Iley

138 ran

Ilkley men were 2nd team

Brampton to Carlisle 10-mile – Sun 21 Nov

Sat 20 Nov 2021

From Helen Waddington…

This is the oldest 10-mile race in the country and previous winners have included Steve Cram and Ron Hill. It’s a fast course and the conditions for this year’s 69th race were near perfect. Over 550 mainly club runners took part including a sizeable Scottish contingent. The race is organized in traditional style with a gun start and stopwatch in the finish funnel – but full results were out within hours… An impressive event well worth the drive and recommended for anyone chasing a PB at this distance.

Results

(1 Andrew Heyes, Hallamshire Harriers, 48:42)

255 Helen Waddington 1:15:12

556 ran

Tour of Pendle – Sat 20 Nov

Fri 19 Nov 2021

From Bob Hamilton…

I thought I’d given up on this lark some ten years or so ago. Increasingly achy knees had steered me towards cycling over running long distances. On the bike, I could still have all day adventures of the kind I once enjoyed on the fells. It satisfied the buzz I craved. Apart from a couple of non-competitive trots around the Langdale Fell Race, taking pictures along the way, I restricted myself to the odd short local race, run more for a sense of nostalgia and the craic than anything else. But then, at the beginning of lockdown, eldest son Forrest started to acquire a real taste for running and having his own long adventures.

Playing a more strategic game than I was ever prepared to do, he’s got into the science of it all. My traditional regime was one of just slapping on the tatty trainers and going off for as long a run each day as I could get away with, as dictated by work and family commitments. Forrest has applied himself to schedules and proper conditioning and diet, strength and speed training, while also paying close attention to proper rest and recovery. Rest was for wimps in my day. I was forever picking up niggles and at least one serious injury a year!

As I’ve got older it’s become obvious that I can’t abuse my body as much as I once did. I’m lucky enough that not too many things have fallen off, but I can’t take it for granted that they won’t in the future if I’m not careful. I’m learning from Forrest, which is pretty cool. I’m trying to be less impulsive and more scientific about my own training and racing. It’s a long time since I’ve considered doing a race as brutal as this one. Forrest needed to get a ‘Long A’ under his belt as qualification to enter a few of the classic Lakeland races next year. I was happy to go along for the ride, preparing myself with a weekend in the Lakes and lots of rest.

On the day, I surprised myself with how much I enjoyed the racing and how well the legs held up. That said, five days on, they’ve still not come back to life, a sign that I didn’t leave much on the fell – which is how it should be, of course. Dead proud of my boy too. He’s cracked the descending part of racing. If he can crack the climbing part too, he’s destined to have a lot of fun on the fells. He’s going to give it a damn good shot, that’s for sure.

From Alison Weston…

There was a strong Harriers turnout and plenty of excellent performances at the tough Tour of Pendle fell race, one of the original 50 FRA races.

It’s 27km, with six ascents from different directions of Pendle Hill, which totals nearly 1500m of climbing.

The results often take a little while to appear but Forrest Hamilton led home the Harriers in a superb 2:51 for 34th place, with his dad Bob possibly taking the MV65 prize while Kate Archer was third LV40.

Results

(1 2.20.38 Harry Bolton, Keswick AC)

34 2.51.35 Forrest Hamilton

53 3.00.29 Dave Robson

74 3.08.05 Kate Archer 3rd LV40

175 3.29.01 Fay Walsh

194 3.33.42 Bob Hamilton 1st MV65

195 3.33.59 Paul Calderbank

216 3.41.53 Alison Weston 3rd LV55

280 4.00.18 Chantal Busby

308 4.17.14 Adela Reperecki 3rd LV60

325 4.34.00 Rebecca White

Harriers v Cyclists – Sat 20 Nov

Fri 19 Nov 2021

Nathan Edmondson and Jack Cummings served up one of the closest finishes of the year as they took a superb first and second respectively at this popular event up and around the trig on Baildon Moor.

Nathan just led the way on the climb but Jack battled fractionally ahead on the descent. It was neck and neck to the line, with Nathan crossing it first in 34:31 to Jack’s 34:33.

Cyclists came home third, fourth and fifth but they were nearly a minute adrift.

Results

PECO XC Middleton Park – Sun 14 Nov

Sat 13 Nov 2021

From Dan McKeown…

Photo credit Nigel Pepper

There were a few twists and turns at the first PECO XC of the season, as some confusion over the race route at the start led to everyone doing an extra half mile, and the leaders going completely off course before turning around and having to wade back through half of the field to try and regain their place at the front. Sadly, there’s no overhead drone footage of this tomfoolery as far as I’m aware, but I’ll describe it as a bit like what I imagine you’d see if you chucked a concertina in a tumble drier.

Nathan Edmondson, a picture of sangfroid, calmly picked his way back through the melee to take first place and finished up over a minute clear of the runner-up. There was quite a bit of open grassland, making overtaking easier, but there were also some narrow woodland sections, which made things a bit trickier for runners back in the field trying to regain lost places. The good news is, we’re back at Middleton Park for the third PECO on Dec 19, so we should all be well aware of the route by next time.

The other good news is, we had a very encouraging turnout of 13 senior men. If we’re to avoid getting relegated straight back down to division two after our barnstorming 2019/20 promotion campaign, it’s crucial to keep these numbers up!

Only two ladies so far (well done to Sarah Gregory and Kate Lofthouse), but entries are open for race 2 (Temple Newsam) and I think you can still get a season ticket and contribute to the Harriers’ masterplan for PECO domination.

Results

Women

191 Sarah Gregory 0:48:33

312 Kate Lofthouse 0:57:48

Men

1 Nathan Edmondson 0:29:25

42 Steven Gott 0:33:50

43 Daniel Mckeown 0:33:50

84 Simon Richardson 0:35:14

99 Adam Gerrish 0:35:52

108 Harry Stead 0:36:16

145 Justin Pierce 0:37:06

198 David Singleton 0:38:52

219 Robert Budding 0:39:49

245 Mike Williams 0:40:46

247 Matthew Snow 0:40:51

348 Roar Leijssen 0:45:47

358 Darryl Stead 0:46:22

parkruns – Sat 13 Nov

Sat 13 Nov 2021

From Petra Bijsterveld…

Photo credit Philip Bland

We hear that Tom Adams set a new course record at Roberts Park parkrun with a time of 15:34

From Michael Abrams-Cohen…

Three Harriers ran Roberts Park parkrun at the busiest event it has ever had (in its 6 weeks of existence) with 280 runners. A week after Nathan Lawson broke the course record at Roberts Park parkrun in a rapid time of 15:39, Tom Adams arrived to take the title in 15:34. A good while behind, and successfully avoiding being lapped by Tom, Mike AC finished in third position in 18:27, followed closely by Tom Worboys in 20:24 for 18th position (both wearing the bouncy cheaty shoes of the vaporfly variety).

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Fri 12 Nov 2021

From John Hayes…

I grimace a lot when I do fell races. Especially after a long climb. And the first mile or so of this fabulous race route involves such a climb. I know I grimace because, as I stagger up the hill in many local races, invariably I find Dave Woodhead perched near the top with his trusty camera to capture how I look. However hard I try to smile, his camera doesn’t lie! And there he was today, calling out cheery comments as the runners went by. As I approached, he called out, “Come on tired looking Ilkley runner. You’ve been in lockdown too long!” For a few moments, I allowed myself the comfort of thinking I had that excuse. But it hardly counts when it applies to everyone else too! However, this race, like so many, did reinforce what a pleasure it is to be back racing, seeing fellow Harriers and friendly faces from the locality and other clubs. Huge congratulations to our star runners, Jack Cummings (1st) and Kate Archer (1st female). And many thanks to the organisers at Burley who call this (somewhat ambitiously in mid November) their “summer festival” race. Today we had summer weather and lovely cups of tea and biscuits at the end. Fell running in all its glory!

Results:

1 42:31 Jack Cummings

8 51:28 Dave Robson

9 52:26 Andrew Overend

12 52:57 Danny Thompson

13 53:58 Gavin Lamb

20 56:06 Richard Joel

21 56:17 Kate Archer 1st F

22 56:46 Steve Ladhams

27 57:55 Peter Shelley

29 58:05 John Hayes

51 64:34 Rebecca Shaw

65 69:08 Michael Ho

75 72:07 Adela Reperecki

95 82:13 Rumana Chowdhury

108 ran

A Short Circuit – Sat 13 Nov

Fri 12 Nov 2021

From Petra Bijsterveld…

A Short Circuit is a largely off-road 35 mile loop from Otley with approximately 4500 ft of elevation, organised by the local and lovely ultra-event folk at Punk Panther. Starting with a steep climb straight up the Chevin the route goes to Bramhope, touches the top of Cookridge before taking you round the perimeter fence of the airport and to Yeadon Tarn and the first checkpoint. From Yeadon you run to Esholt before climbing steeply through Hollins Hall and Bradford golf courses, arriving at Tranmere Park and tackling the Odda before descending into Menston for the next checkpoint. Onwards via Burley Woodhead and the moor to the Cow and Calf, descending to Ben Rhydding and along the road to Denton, with another welcome checkpoint before climbing again all the way to Ellercar Pike, followed by a downhill section to Timble. Turning south and homeward but with still 10 miles to go you run through fields along the Washburn, another climb onto Lower Norwood Rd which leads to the last checkpoint, before climbing again and following the high route above Lindley Wood Reservoir, eventually coming to Farnley and the final 2 mile descent into Otley.

Five Harriers (Jane McCarthy, Dave Reynier, Colin Williams, new member James Dobbing and myself) lined up at the 8 am start line of this small event with 60 runners (there was a 20 mile option too which 17 people took part in). An overcast start to the morning soon turned into a sunny day with the most stunning light from a low sun on the trees in all their various autumn colours, which only became more spectacular as the sun became lower in the sky when I was on my last few miles looking out over Lindley Wood. We live in such a beautiful area! As the field was small we were spread out quite quickly and I largely ran on my own, but linking up with a few others from time to time, which for me was just the right balance. I had managed to recce the entire route recently (in 2 halves) and I was pleased to reap the rewards now, it definitely makes it a lot easier if you don’t have to worry about navigation. 35 miles is more distance than I have ever run but I largely felt ‘good’ (as much as you can feel good in an ultra) and had no major issues, though I definitely would not have liked to go any further! I had calculated it would take me at least 8 hours and I was right, for a brief while it looked as if I might sneak in just under but that hope came and went. As I descended into Otley along Farnley Lane I tried to maintain a decent pace, I felt as if I was, but looking back at Strava it was pitifully slow. Having had a grand day out already the experience was improved even further by finding out at the finish line that I was 1^st FV50! OK, there were only 4 of us in the category, but still, I was very pleased and to be honest I almost started to cry when I was given a massive plaque, I felt quite overcome with emotion and with gratitude for health and a willing pair of legs.

Jane McCarthy had a fantastic run and came 4^th overall and 1^st F in an absolutely awesome time. She was fast enough to be caught on camera by Dave Woodhead who was on the moor for the Burley Moor Run. By the time I came along that was long over of course. I had to laugh when a father said to his children ‘this might still be runner from this morning’s race’ as I plodded past. I called out ‘different race, I might be slow but not that slow!’ Lovely to see the Turners with Enzo at Burley Woodhead and also Chantal Busby at Timble.

Results

(1 5:12:10 George Ravenhall and Patrik Verme (joint 1^st place))

4 5:48:46 Jane McCarthy 1^st F

13 6:28:48 James Dobbing

14 6:34:42 Dave Reynier

16 6:42:05 Colin Williams

43 8:07:59 Petra Bijsterveld 1^st FV50

60 ran

parkruns – Sat 13 Nov

Fri 12 Nov 2021

From Petra Bijsterveld…

Photo credit Philip Bland

We hear that Tom Adams set a new course record at Roberts Park parkrun with a time of 15:34

From Michael Abrams-Cohen…

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Dunnerdale Fell Race – Sat 13 Nov

Fri 12 Nov 2021

From Alison Weston…

Jack Wood and I took part in the Dunnerdale fell race at the weekend. Almost 5 miles with over 1800 ft ascent – a bit like a very condensed 3 Shires route!

Jack up at the front and myself way back but happy to finish in just over an hour.

Unable to find race results as yet.

Guy Fawkes 10 – Sun 7 Nov

Sat 6 Nov 2021

[photo credit: Philip Bland]

From Justin Pierce…

On Sunday, 7th November 2021 a number of Ilkley Harriers met at the picturesque village of Ripley, North Yorkshire to run the Guy Fawkes 10-mile race. A road race involving a mixture of scenic roads and well-surfaced bridleway, with a finish in the grounds of Ripley Castle.

I’d never entered this race before and when it was first suggested by other Harriers, I’d romanticised of gentle flat roads but a recce shortly after sign-up revealed it was a challenging and hilly road race. With the organisers adopting a ‘no refund’ policy I resigned myself to running it and prepared as best I could.

On the day, we gathered wearing our club colours of red and green with the other entrants outside the gates of Ripley Castle, wished one another good luck, and at 10.30am we set off down the bridleway of Hollybank Lane. There was a strong headwind at times which made it even more challenging, particularly dealing with the three notorious hills, aptly named: ‘Birstwith Brute’, ‘Swincliffe Swine’ and ‘For Fawkes Sake’. With Mike AC leading our attack of the course, it was evident to marshalls and spectators alike that Ilkley Harriers were well represented and up for the battle. Every single Harrier managed to put in a sterling performance and crossed the finish line in the grounds of Ripley Castle to be rewarded with a long sleeve technical shirt and a goody bag of various chocolate bars and Yorkshire tea bags. Additional congratulations go to the ladies who managed to secure a fantastic second place in their team event.

The race was well organised and the marshalls and the spectators on the course were amazing, and most definitely helped us during our moments of self-doubt and questioning of particular life choices.

For those of you that have never entered this race it’s certainly a challenging route that will undoubtedly test you but for me that’s one of the main reasons why I race, and therefore why I hope to return next year and do battle again. I hope to see you there.

From David Foyston…

Nidd Valley Road Runners hosted the annual Guy Fawkes 10-mile road race which started and finished at the beautiful Ripley Castle. The route takes the runners on an undulating course with approximately 800 feet of elevation, passing through the beautiful villages of Clint, Birstwith and Hampsthwaite – the weather was cool and sunny with a strong breeze.

The Harriers did very well in the race with some great results for the club, first home was Mike Abrams-Cohen in a time of 1:04.42 shortly followed in by David Foyston in a fantastic time of 1:05.20 and finishing 4th in the MV45 category.

First lady home for the Harriers was Sally Armitage in a fantastic time of 1:08.04 who just pipped Rachel Carter to the finish line. Rachel finished in 1:08.12 and won the FV45 age group. Sally, Rachel and Rebecca Shaw grabbed second place in the team event for the ladies, well done.

Another Harrier of mention was Hilda Coulsey finishing 2nd in the FV65 category in a superb 1:31.34.

Results:

(1 Cal Mills, unattached, 55:26)

27 Michael Abrams-Cohen 1:04:42

30 David Foyston 1:05:20

31 Andrew Overend 1:05:32

45 Justin Pierce 1:07:22

49 Sally Armitage 1:08:04 (2nd FV40)

51 Rachel Carter 1:08:12 (1st FV45)

52 Jonathan Turner 1:08:32

80 Iain Young 1:12:20

132 Colin Williams 1:16:21

160 Mike Williams 1:18:14

166 Rebecca Shaw 1:18:39

179 Keith Wood 1:19:20

187 Sally Malir 1:19:42

207 Emma Sheppard 1:21:09

314 Jean Sullivan 1:27:20

395 Adela Reperecki 1:31:04

403 Hilda Coulsey 1:31:34 (2nd FV65)

450 Anna Nicholson-Little 1:34:32

639 Jacqui Weston 1:46:42

741 finished

World Junior Triathlon Ch’ships – Sat 6 Nov

Fri 5 Nov 2021

A massive well done to Ilkley Harrier Dom Coy for his outstanding bronze medal at the Elite World Triathlon Junior Championships in Quarteira, Portugal.

Shepherds Skyline Fell Race – Sat 6 Nov

Fri 5 Nov 2021

From Jim Ryder…

Todmorden Harriers did a great job of hosting the Shepherds Skyline Fell Race on Saturday 6th November. This is 10k from the Shepherds Rest pub near Mankinholes up to Stoodley Pike, then down and up to the moor again before a fast descent down. The weather turned very wet and windy as we gathered at the start area and never let up. Two Harriers ‘enjoyed’ the event.

Results:

(1. Andrew Worster, Calder Valley Fell Runners, 45.05)

(10. Eleanor Davis – 1st Female – Preston. 49.37)

30. Jim Ryder. 57.06

72. David Holder. 68.29

121 ran.

Cross Country success for Jemima Elgood

Mon 1 Nov 2021

From Arthur Reilly…

Big congratulations to Jemima Elgood for finishing 12th (6th under F23) at the Liverpool cross challenge on Saturday. Also selection for the European cross country trials staged in Dublin this year. Just confirmed now by GB athletics that Jemima Elgood has been selected to represent Great Britain and Northern Ireland Women’s Under 23 at next month’s (12th December) European Cross Country Championships in Fingal-Dublin.

Ilkley Harriers Race League 2022

Mon 1 Nov 2021

We’re delighted to announce the race league is back for 2022.

Run since 1995 as a friendly competition between club members, race times are adjusted according to an age / gender scale.

Dan McKeown has kindly taken over as organiser so the regular updates should be as entertaining as the races! Talking of which, the 24 events have just been confirmed:

(F=Fell, R=Road, TR=Trail)

January

Stanbury Splash (F)

February

Rombalds Stride (TR)

Dewsbury 10k (R)

March

Ilkley Moor Fell Race (F)

Dentdale 14 (R)

April

Dick Hudson (F)

Baildon Boundary Way (TR)

May

Jack Bloor (F)

Ilkley Trail Race (TR)

June

Settle Hills (F)

Wharfedale Trail Half (TR)

Eccup 10 (R)

July

Addingham Gala (F)

Chevin Fell Race (TR)

Ilkley Half Marathon (R)

August

Round Hill Fell Race (F)

Leeds EvenSplits 5k (R)

September

Ilkley Incline (TR)

Wetherby 10k (R)

October

Whixley 10k (TR)

November

Burley Moor Run (F)

Guy Fawkes 10 (R)

December

PECO XC (TR)

Ribble 10k (R)

NOTES

All Harriers will be given an age & gender-graded score according to the overall winning time of the race.

Best four scores in each category (fell, trail & road) count towards that category’s prize.

Best three from each category count towards the overall race league (maximum nine races).

Only first-claim senior Ilkley Harriers (i.e. running in the event as “Ilkley Harriers”) will count in the League automatically. A second-claim senior member may have their result included and counted in the League as long as they contact the League administrator within two weeks of the race.

Only ‘official’, published results are counted.

Where available ‘chip’ times are used.

Only the above races will be included in the 2022 league (ie you cannot nominate a ‘wildcard’ race).

POINTS COMPENSATION: Anyone volunteering at a Harriers-hosted event (Ilkley Fell, Ilkley Trail, Addingham Gala, Ilkley Incline) will be compensated with their median point score *to date* for that event (so they must already have run at least one league race for this to apply). Likewise, anyone who can’t make it to a fixture because they’re representing Harriers in a relay (eg Leeds Country Way, BMW, Calderdale Way, Hodgson Bros, Fell Relays, Road Relays, etc).

BEWARE: Rombalds Stride (Feb) is already very close to capacity – there are lots of Harriers already entered but if you’ve been sitting on your hands, sit on them no longer.

BEWARE: The Wharfedale Trail Half also tends to sell out well in advance.

[More details and updated scores throughout 2022 can be found on the IH Race League page]

Outstanding Achievements, October (as nominated by Ilkley Harriers members)

Mon 1 Nov 2021

From Jean Sullivan…

Running

Mike AC – for a well deserved first-ever parkrun first place

Rachel Carter – for her superb performance and being 1st Harrier home in the 3 Peaks Fell Race

Jemima Elgood – 1st lady at race 2 of the WYXC

Jill Ezard – for coming in as 2nd female at the Pen-y-Gent Ultra. She was 5th V50 overall and only 14 seconds away from being 3rd V50

Jann Smith – 1st lady in Nidderdale Way Ultra

Helen and Dick Waddington – for the Yorkshire Trod 100

Colin Williams – for completing 4 marathons/ultras in October, with great results at each one

Ritchie Williamson – for his first ultra win in the Brecon Beacons

Volunteering

Rachel Carter for her fundraising efforts at the Three Peaks Fell Race

Jane McCarthy – for the Tuesday club runs from Burley

Steve & Jacqui Weston – who took the whole ‘supporting Harriers’ to the next level at the 3 Peaks Race, not only were they at the start but they then climbed Whernside & cheered all from the summit!

Bangor Half Marathon – Sun 31 Oct

Sat 30 Oct 2021

From Petra Bijsterveld…

Photo credit Nick Preston…

It was meant to be my 4th Snowdonia Marathon on Saturday, but the event has been postponed until 2022 by the organisers. I had hung on to my 2-night accommodation just outside Bangor with the vague idea of still having a weekend away. A few weeks ago I went online on the off-chance that there might be a race somewhere nearby on the same weekend, to find that the Bangor Half Marathon (and a 10K) was taking place on the Sunday. It was just meant to be! I sharpened my legs on Saturday morning by running Conwy parkrun just down the coast, which was a lovely, friendly and scenic event, and I spent a nice sunny afternoon exploring Caernarfon Castle. Returning to my Travelodge room and checking the forecast for the morning again I did actually consider calling it a day and driving home, heavy rain and 40 to 50 mph gales were forecast just for the time I would be running. Thankfully I did not go home, as the weather turned out to be much better than that. We started at 09:30 and it was actually mainly dry and sunny, with intermittent showers and a bit of a breeze, but certainly no gale. In fact with a temperature of 10 degrees conditions were pretty perfect. The heavens did not properly open until about midday by which time I was dry in my car. The route was fairly scenic, the highlight for me was running on Garth Pier, a classic Victorian listed pier, which came early in the race, and where we were treated to a beautiful rainbow. Whilst described as a road race, I found the route stretched the definition of ‘road’ a bit for quite a few miles. Yes it was tarmac, but much of it was on small paths through the woods, covered in leaves, twigs and standing water. Pretty and definitely nicer than running on a dual carriageway, but combined with the significant undulation it meant that this was never going to be PB course. My Saucony racing flats (don’t laugh! I wear them as they suit my feet, not my speed) felt a little inappropriate on the wet autumn leaves but they were actually OK, and I was super grateful that I had decided against my ON’s which would definitely have had me sliding all over the place. Having not done any road racing for what feels like a century I had felt a bit daunted by the prospect of 13 miles of keeping going at an ‘acceptable’ speed, but I was fairly happy with my pacing, though uneven due to the ups and downs (why can you never regain on the downs what you lose on the ups!?), and I overtook a few people in the final miles which gave me a bit of a boost. The last 2 miles were less pleasant due to cramp in one calf as well as a stitch, but I gritted my teeth and kept pushing even when a marshal said it was downhill all the way and it was actually uphill to the finish!

Results:

(1 1:15:35 Ryan Roberts, Cybi Striders)

126 2:05:52 Petra Bijsterveld

198 ran

Apperley Bridge Canter – Sat 30 Oct

Fri 29 Oct 2021

[photo credit: Philip Bland]

From Sue Williamson…

The rescheduled Apperley Bridge Canter was a well organised 10k with friendly marshalls and even sunshine after a very wet Saturday morning.

Results:

(1 Phillip Tedd, Thames Hare & Hounds, 37:25)
21 Lucy Williamson 42:16 (1st Lady)
Cantering a little behind, Sue Williamson 1Hr 10

Black Lane Ends – Sat 30 Oct

Fri 29 Oct 2021

From Alison Weston…

I managed to complete another 2 of the original 50 FRA races in the last 8 days.

23 October

Hutton Roof – 7.30 mile very runnable route near Kirkby Lonsdale with great views of the west coast from the top. Won by Josh Hartley 51:48. My time was 1hr16 and position 102.

30 October

Black Lane Ends 4 mile race between Skipton and Colne which was a fell cross country with 3 laps of a muddy hilly course. Time approximately 44:51 minutes.

WYXC League Race 2 – Sat 30 Oct

Fri 29 Oct 2021

From Jonathan Turner…

There were some superb Harriers performances in the mud at Guiseley on Saturday after the series’ second race passed an early-morning inspection. The heavy rainfall had given way to blue skies by the time of the two senior races, and Jemima Elgood shone brightest in the ladies event as she crossed the line in first place while Rachel Carter (LV45) and Sally Malir (LV55) both made the top three in their respective age categories. Another strong display from the men saw them finish second in the team standings again, with Nathan Edmondson leading the way in fourth in a stacked line-up. Cam Reilly, Jack Wood, Dan McKeown, Steve Gott and Steve Coy were the other counters. And there were some great runs in the junior races too.

Results

Hubble Bubble Marathon – Sat 30 Oct

Fri 29 Oct 2021

From Colin Williams…

On Saturday I ran my 4^th Marathon / Ultra of the month, this time nearer to home. I took part in the “it’s Grim Up North”, Hubble Bubble Marathon – Day 1. The route is all along the Leeds Liverpool Canal, starting in Kirkstall running to Leeds where you turn around, run half a marathon in the opposite direction before turn round again and run back to the start.

While the route is more or less flat, I don’t find them as easy to run as some of the hillier routes.

On Saturday my time was 3:47:06 which took me to 5^th place, the winner was Colin Johnstone in a time of 3:06:02, 25 ran.

Results

ULTRA Q&A / Social evening – Tue 30 Nov

Tue 26 Oct 2021

We’re delighted to be hosting this event from 8pm-10pm at Ilkley tennis club for anyone interested in ULTRA RUNNING – from tackling your first Ultra to thinking about multi-day extreme Ultras. There’s a huge amount of experience at the Club that can be shared about events, training, fuelling, kit etc. The evening will be fairly informal, with a short introduction, Q&A with experienced Ultra runners and then plenty of time for a drink and a general Social. Thanks to Jane McCarthy and Andrew Merrick for organising. Please book your spot via SignUp to give us an idea of numbers.

Langdale Marathon – Sat 23 Oct

Sat 23 Oct 2021

From Colin Williams…

On Saturday I took part in the 33rd Langdale Marathon, my third time of running this race, a very hilly road marathon, advertised as “the toughest road marathon in the UK” with 3,400 ft of climb and some ascents as steep as 1:3. It also has some fantastic views that keep me coming back year after year.

This year, due to Covid 19, the organisers Brathay, gave the option to start early or join the mass start at 10:30, I opted for an extra hour in bed and join the mass start. As always the start was put back by 10 minutes, as the final runners were delayed in getting into Langdale and getting parked.

The forecast for the event was looking dry, but the Cumbrian weather had a different idea, with a light drizzle from the time I got out of the car till the end of my run, but not enough to put on a waterproof. The race was very well organised as always, lots of very friendly marshals and the route is well marked with big yellow arrows which, after running a few ultras with tricky routes over the last couple of months, was a nice change.

The race was won by Jarlath McKenna of Bristol and West AC, in I think a new record time of 2:41:34. I finished in 41th place in a time of 3:58:16 and 167 ran.

Results

Nidderdale Way Ultra – Sat 23 Oct

Sat 23 Oct 2021

From Jann Smith…

29 miles / 3,300ft

There are 4 different distances of this race, half loop, full loop, 1.5 loops and double loop. We all set off together in the dark from Pateley Bridge at 7am heading over lots of beautiful landmarks including Yorks Folly, Ripley Castle, Brimham Rocks, Gouthwaite reservoir, Scar house reservoir and How Stean Gorge.

Results:

1. Ali Burns, 4hr. 07 mins
9. Jann Smith, 5hr. 36 mins (1st lady)

Brecon Beacons Ultra – Sat 16 Oct

Sat 16 Oct 2021

From Ritchie Williamson…

My entry into this race, organised by Trail Events Co, has its origins in the Cape Wrath Ultra 2021. At the pre-event dinner I met a fellow runner called Chris (previous experience, attempting to run across the Irish Sea in a giant hamster wheel), we ran a lot of CWU together and with connections made we kept in touch and made future running plans. High on the post CWU wave we decided to team up again and entered the Dragon’s Back Race for 2022. For this we committed to do some proper preparation, recces of the course and a bit more mountain fitness. Chris was already ahead of me on the training having entered the Brecon Beacons’ Ultra to get a ‘feel’ for some of the terrain the DBR would cover. Suffering from a well-known condition (runners envy, yet to be formally diagnosed) and itching to run an event post CWU I entered the race only to be put on the reserve list as it had sold out. Six days before the event, I got the nod and so started to think about an alternative fuelling and race strategy. On previous ultras I had tried a number of different approaches to fuelling, from chicken sandwiches to falafel wraps and onion bhajis (and everything in between). My race strategy (if it can be called that) had always been to a) finish the course and b) do well and it had served me well, finishing top 5 overall or in age category (but with top spot always eluding me). The Brecon Beacons Ultra seemed like a good place to attempt something different. At 32.5 miles long with around 6900ft total ascent I knew the distance and elevation would not pose a challenge. I planned to race this from the start, I reasoned if I went out hard and the wheels came off, I would still get across the line. I also needed to rethink my fuelling, carrying bulk items such as sandwiches or bagels required putting them in the race pack at the back and not in the front pockets and would slow me down getting access to them. From experience if someone was on your tail you would skip trying to access the fuel to keep ahead. There is also a certain amount of faff and time lost in using check points to refuel. I chose a well-known fuelling system and went with that, drinks and gels all the way, planning to get 20 grams of carbohydrate in every hour from the start. This was the plan.

Race day arrived, and after a very early start, registration at 06.30am at Talybont-on-Usk, we had the pre-race briefing and prepared to race. Chris and I discussed our own approaches to the race and when the race started at 07.30 am we set off together. The first 7.5 miles is a long uphill (1000ft) track/road along the side of the Talybont Reservoir. I had gone out quick and was leading within the first 2 minutes, Chris was with me and we put distance between ourselves and the following pack fairly quickly, we ran through the first check point (CP1 2.3 miles) and shouted out our race numbers as we passed through. We continued to run together for the next few miles but around mile 7 Chris wanted to run to his own plan and so I kept to my own and ran through CP 2 (7.2 miles) in the lead, again shouted my race number and kept going. I’d manged to keep to a sub 8 min/mile pace up to this point. I couldn’t see or hear any of the following runners, and never having been in this position I immediately started to think I’d gone off too quick. The next two and half miles offered a little respite as the tracks were runnable, narrow, and off road with a smaller ascent (less than 100 ft), I kept the same pace. Mile 11 is where the real climbing began, 3 miles of continuous up hill (1170ft ascent) onto the Graig Fan Ddu to join the Craig Gwaun Taf and running along as far as the Bwlch Duwynt (wind gap), I immediately regretted leaving the running poles in the car. I was puffing at this point, and there were a few strains in both claves making themselves known. I ignored them, I’d ran the first 13 miles in just under 2 hours and had kept to plan with a gel every hour from 20 minutes in as well as 500 mls fluid every hour. When I had a chance to look up, the views were amazing. It’s part of why I like ultras. Beginning the first descent from near mile 13 in was a joy, 1.5 miles of fast descent (1200ft -20% gradient) down a wide track. This was not a technical descent, and I reasoned I could put a bit more distance between myself and those behind. I went for it and felt I was flying, hitting the bottom in less than 9 minutes. It was a busy path as there were quite a lot of tourists making their way up as well as a few parties of squaddies on a march. It’s the closest you get to slalom when running. This brought me to CP3 (14 miles). I stopped to fill my flask, was told I was in the lead and replied almost apologetically with ‘I started too fast’. The next 1.5 miles were another uphill (1000ft) pull onto the Craig Cwin Llwch. I’d started cramping on the climb up (those twinges in the calves had now spread to the groin), I had to stop to stretch out a few times, I forced in another gel. I now had a long descent (3 miles) down to CP4 (20 miles), the last 1.5 miles on road. The cramping had slowed my pace as I was concerned with the “wheels coming off’ (brain trying to compensate with MV50 1st place is good enough), once I hit the road (and after some more stretches), I felt good enough to push the pace again. I filled my flasks with fluids at CP4, told them I’d gone off too fast (quickly becoming my refrain when I spoke to anyone) and set off again. I knew the next section was the toughest, approx. 9 miles to the final CP and the small matter of summiting Pen y Fan. I was still in the lead and was not used to the odd paranoia that comes with it. I knew if I could maintain the lead to CP5 I could race the last 3 miles.

Off road and starting the ascent there was 2.6 miles and 1950ft of climb between myself and the summit of Pen y Fan. I started the ascent and apart from a few twinges, all was going well. Gaining height quickly I had a clear view of what was behind, I couldn’t see anyone, I was beginning to believe. Around mile 21 (about 3hrs 30 mins of running) I needed to get another gel in, I was delaying, stomach was not feeling good (typical for around this time in most runs). I forced one in, in three attempts. The first attempt it stayed down, took a drink, the stomach was not happy. I left it a few minutes, tried to put a bit more in, there was a reflex, I held it down kept moving and had another drink. I still needed to finish the gel, I waited a few minutes more and forced the rest in. The stomach revolted; it didn’t stay down long. What followed was a few minutes of the physical act of expulsion of gastric content with the aim of removing toxic or irritating substances. I’m a neuroscientist by training, and every time this happens, I mentally list the neurotransmitters that mediate this and the brain regions that control it (yes there is a specific part of the brain that controls this), we all have our coping strategies. While I was bent over, I had a chance to scan down the Cefn Cwm Llwch ridge and spotted a red topped runner moving up. This was the first runner I had seen since parting with Chris. I reckoned they were about ¾ of a mile behind on the uphill. I needed to get a move on. The last section of Cefn Cwm Llwch on to the summit is steep, requiring hands at times. I summited and met a runner that was on the marathon distance course (different route). After a quick hello, I wanted to put some distance between myself and him so he could act as buffer between myself and the chaser in the red top.

There was now a short steep and technical descent followed by a less technical section, and the final climb of the route skirting the Gwaun Cerrig Llwydion which brought me up to just over 26 miles. I had just over 10K to go, a long 3 mile downhill on a narrow path with constant looks over my shoulder. I hadn’t been able to put any fuel in since mile 21 and was banking on there being some cola at the final check point (CP5 29.5 miles). Once at the CP5 I had 3 miles left to go, I quickly filled a flask with cola, and emptied it even quicker as I ran a 1-mile downhill road section, managing to keep a steady 7.30 min/mile pace. The final 2 miles are flat along a winding canal, this was the hardest part, I had to keep moving and had no idea if red top runner was close as there was not a line of sight behind. Energy reserves were running low due to lack of fuelling, I ran the penultimate mile at a decent pace (8.14 min/mile) but had to push. I couldn’t maintain the pace for the final mile (9.00 min/mile), which seemed to take an eternity. I crossed the line in first place and red top runner came in 6 minutes after, third place runner coming in 18 minutes after me. Red top runner was called Graham and we had a good chat at the end. The strategy had worked to a point and as with all these events it was a learning curve. Never having led a race I had to get the navigation right, there were no ‘moving way points’ for me to follow. The course was well marked, but there were a few sections that you need to be on point as to when to leave a path or make a turn. It was a great event, the weather was perfect, and I’ve probably peaked, but look forward to the next one and trying to get the fuelling right. Graham has vowed not to wear a red top when running an event again, Chris has not told me what his next event is.

British Fell Relays – Sat 16 Oct

Sat 16 Oct 2021

From Jack Wood…

Strong running from all 3 Ilkley teams at Tebay in the British Fell Relays yesterday. The men’s team was 11th, the vets 12th in their v40 category and the women 14th.

Three Peaks Fell Race – Sat 9 Oct

Sat 9 Oct 2021

From Rachel Carter…

It had never crossed my mind to think of running the Three Peaks Fell Race until someone mentioned after I had run the Wharfedale Half marathon that it was a qualifier. I gained the required second qualifier with the Yorkshireman Half and entered. April 2020 became October 2021 for the 66th race. Despite in theory having a lot of time to prepare I didn’t manage any recces and long runs were a bit thin on the ground too. I had decided early on to run this for Samaritans in memory of my brother which took away any racing pressure and made the event more about completing without coming unstuck. The general consensus from the ‘experienced attenders’ was not to go out too fast up Pen-y-ghent so I followed this advice and tried to take on plenty of fuel with an aim to get round without struggling off Ingleborough.

It was fairly warm and humid at the start (I didn’t feel cold in just a vest at 9:30) but cooler in the clagg of the hills. Visibility was poor up Whernside (perhaps good as it hid the steepness of the climb for me as a first timer), with the only sign the top was yet to be reached by the sound of a tantalizing cow bell rung by the Westons who offered much encouragement and jelly babies when you finally got there! Descending for me is about not falling over (I did wish I had worn some different shoes!) so I was fairly steady off Whernside before heading onto Ingleborough. Although it is five miles or so down, I felt good at the top of Ingleborough to run strong to the finish (though there were a few cross-country style bogs and more wet limestone rocks to negotiate!). Support was brilliant so thank you to all those that were there and moved locations to cheer on – I won’t name names in case I miss someone! Thank you also to those who sponsored me – I am pleased to have raised money for such an important cause. It’s a great event with amazing organization, camaraderie on the course and atmosphere at the finish. Given it was Alison’s 20th Three Peaks race she must like it for a good reason!

Results:

(1st Gary Greenhow, Ambleside, 3:05:22)

145th Rachel Carter 4:22 (3rd LV40)

206th Dick Waddington 4:37

278th Peter Roll 4:55

288th Paul Howard 4:56

331st Alison Weston 5:05

376th Alistaire MacGregor 5:18

416 finished

Manchester Marathon – Sun 10 Oct

Sat 9 Oct 2021

From Hilda Coulsey…

Another weekend, another marathon. Tales from the previous weekend at London built the pressure – the run itself, it is a long 26.2 miles on roads, and the muscle stiffness to look forward to after.

It was lovely to see a major marathon taking place again, crowds shouting encouragement, plenty of volunteers, a superb event. It was a long day with the half marathon before it and very staggered start times, I didn’t begin until 11.25. This was my first time running of Manchester and the first marathon for a couple of Harriers too. No-one is owning up to finding it easy.

I found it particularly hard after 30k, not a surprise as I didn’t train beyond 2hrs 45. I was planning to run Chicago, same Sunday, deferred from last year. I was hanging on to see if we Brits would be allowed to enter the US, it didn’t seem likely hence I really didn’t have the motivation to train. However, when it was eventually a certainty in early September that I wouldn’t go, I thought but I need a good-for-age time to enter a big race next year so I entered Manchester. It was pragmatism over enthusiasm. Now I have the good-for-age time target I set myself I’m now wondering what was I thinking as my place for Chicago is deferred until 2022, do I want to do two marathons next year – NO!!!

Well done to all the runners.

The elite race was won by Mathew Crehan 2:18:26 and Anna Bracegirdle 2:40:17

Results:

836 David Foyston 3:0716
964 Jane McCarthy 3:09:52 (6th FV45)
2856 Michael Ho 3:37:48
3421 Leah Chown 3:43:59
4130 Justin Pierce 3:51:18
4286 Helen Waddington 3:52:46
5645 Tom Worboys 4:04:30
8925 Hilda Coulsey 4:37:33
13,454 finished

Lakes in a Day – Sat 9 Oct

Sat 9 Oct 2021

From Andrew Merrick…

Lakes in a Day was one of my first ultras on a very sunny day back in 2016, with a few friends including Rob who I hadn’t run with again until this August. I am not entirely sure what led me to enter it again in 2018, but in stark contrast, the weather then was very, very wet, and funnily enough my plan of drinking and eating little in a futile attempt not to get too wet wasn’t the best approach….. I threw in the towel and tried to find a dry one at Ambleside that year, so decided I had to do it again in 2020 to lay that ghost…

For obvious reasons 2020 became 2021 and since the deferred (from March 2020) Tokyo Marathon was still not an option for international runners, I stuck with the LiaD plan.

I joined the camper van convention at a very picturesque Cartmel racecourse on Friday evening, did the registration thing – no kit check in these covid times – and after an appropriate amount of faffing settled down for the night, hearing every hour rung by the church bell until my 5am alarm competed with it.

I dropped my kit bag at the village hall just in time for the 5:45 coach north to Caldbeck where the race starts. This year each forecast I had seen suggested dry, even quite pleasant, weather, so I was slightly surprised when the guy next to me on the bus suggested 4 hours of rain was likely.

At least I knew what to expect with a first steady climb out of Caldbeck before we dropped down to the double river crossing at the foot of Blencathra. No rope was required this year but there were a number of marshals in the water to ensure we didn’t fall in the knee deep current. I stuck with my standard plan of working the climbs and trying not to damage myself on the descents, Halls Fell Ridge being the first test of this plan. A fellow runner muttered something unprintable about how well his roclite’s weren’t working as we fiddled our way down, bum shuffling being required for some of us in a number of places given how wet the rocks were.

Stage 1 ends in Threlkeld, mask hunting being required as we approached the check point there, with a well stocked feed station at which we were generally encouraged not to stay too long and a water station outside. I grabbed a banana and some soreen and refilled my bottles, knowing from previous experience that the next 18 miles before CP2 (a long gap by ultra standards) were going to be challenging. I don’t recall exactly when the rain started, but cold, wet and miserable was the best description of both me and the weather courtesy of a brisk wind bringing the rain largely against us and very limited visibility almost all the way along the ridge before the long descent to Ambleside. I battled on determined that I would not DNF again, but had to have a proper word with myself as we continued along the top of the ridge to finally reach Helvellyn and the gradual descent down towards Grisedale tarn. The route here involves a series of stone steps, and I decided to follow the lead of others and run away of the steps in an attempt to make more rapid progress…. A comedy slip resulted in a damaged and bent pole, not ideal before the final major climb of Fairfield. However I managed to get that done and had company for the long, slightly messy, misty descent into Ambleside. My spirits were raised by a combination of a bowl of pasta and cup of tea (to be consumed outside), the improved temperature as we descended and got out of the wind (it was still raining), and the sight of a skiing friend of mine who happened to be in the area and had dropped by to cheer me on.

I said to my friend that I didn’t think there was a chance I would hit my target of getting back in time for us to have a drink in Cartmel, but I was firmly told that it was much easier from here and that I should crack on…..

Still 21 miles of the 50 to go (54 on my watch), with one more CP before the finish, but very different terrain from now on, with some road stretches and in places relatively flat paths, and fully signed all the way back to Cartmel and I had a pub-based renewed focus…. The lakeside paths were in places at least ankle deep in water (and it was still raining), and there were a few minor climbs through the woods as we neared Finsthwaite, leaving in theory 7.5 miles to the finish. I was in good spirits after grabbing some coke and a take away leek and potato soup on my way through the CP, not dimmed by the marshal confidently stating only 14km to go (even my tired brain told me that was nearer 9 miles). A few climbs (several more than I was expecting) but largely on tracks and decent terrain, and only one wrong turn as a few us travelled broadly at the same pace before the final couple of road miles (it was still raining) down into and through Cartmel to the school on the far side. I heard the church bell ring out 10 times as I neared it – I hadn’t missed it – which encouraged me to keep running the last half mile or so to the finish, leaving ample time for a shower before heading off to the nearest pub with my ski friend. The landlord entered into the spirit (?) of the day and said there was no charge for the pint of blonde with the water chaser that I enjoyed to the sounds of any songs he had on his music system with the word “run” in them….. After a lift back to the racecourse, I managed to sleep through the sound of the church bell until I counted 5……

A very well marshalled race, which is much more enjoyable in good weather… I don’t plan to do it again but then I promised myself all sorts as I was in the cold and miserable phase of the race. The descent off Blencathra is challenging for some of us, and the 18 mile stretch between check points starting with the ascent of Clough Head and ending with a long descent into Ambleside is both physically and mentally demanding, but it gets much easier from there and Cartmel is a lovely place to wake up (in the sunshine) on a Sunday morning… even if I did forget the sticky toffee purchase!

Results

Rotherham Round Ultra – Sat 9 Oct

Fri 8 Oct 2021

From Colin Williams…

On Saturday I took part in the Rotherham Round Ultra, a 50-mile trail run mostly through woods and over farmland with a small amount on roads. The race is part of the Run Further series of races for their league. There are 12 races, to qualify a runner needs to complete a minimum of four, including one short, 35miles or less, one medium, between 35 and 45 miles and one long over 45 miles plus another of your choosing. After missing out by one race in 2019 and having some that I had booked for 2021 being cancelled, I was determined to make the start line for the Rotherham Round.

I opted for a late start at 06:55 so that I wasn’t in the dark and didn’t need to leave home till 5am. The event is chip timed with up to 10 runners starting every five minutes, the earliest starting at 4am, so by the time I started most of the participants were already running. I started well, and made it to the first check point at 10 miles in an hour and 25 minutes, the weather was looking good, a bit damp underfoot but it was going well. At about the 18 mile mark, Rory Harris, the eventual winner, passed me – I guessed he had started about 15 mins behind, By the 35-mile mark with six checkpoints down the weather was more like a hot summer’s day than October and I was feeling done in. I carried on at a somewhat slower pace, eventually finishing in 10:15:12.

Results

1st Rory Harris 06:48:28
20th Colin Williams 10:15:12
143 Finished

Palma half marathon & 10k – Sat 9 Oct

Fri 8 Oct 2021

From Matt Snow…

A group of Harriers took one for the team and travelled to Palma for the half marathon and 10k runs.

We even made the ultimate sacrifice and took the other halves.

Well done to Dave Singleton, Roar Leijssen, Dave Holder and Matt Snow.

Conditions were more conducive to fast running than our previous visit in 2019, unfortunately, none of us do fast running.

A really well organised and friendly event.

Results:

Half Marathon:
334 Matthew Snow 1:48.54
444 Dave Holder 1:53.29
727 Roar Leijssen 2:03.18
1558 ran
10k:
213 Dave Singleton 54:26
1042 ran

parkruns – Sat 9 Oct

Thu 7 Oct 2021

Lots more good parkrun/’parkrace’ performances on Saturday, especially at Skipton where there was a Harriers double. Rob Cunningham was first across the line in an impressive 18:01 and Lucy Williamson was the first female finisher (and fifth overall) in 18:42, both PBs.

Consolidated club results here

Kielder Marathon – Sun 3 Oct

Sun 3 Oct 2021

From Colin Williams…

Last Sunday I returned to Kielder to run the marathon for my fourth time. The enforced year off due to last year’s race being cancelled, allowed me to forget how undulating the course around the Kielder Reservoir is. As always the well organised event was well attended and had a party atmosphere. The day started with rain but luckily stopped just before the race started and mostly kept dry for the rest of the event, I finished in a time of 3:48:18.

Results

(1 2:54:25 Russell Maddams, Keswick AC)
70 3:48:18 Colin Williams
237 4:40:53 David Howe
469 ran

West Yorkshire XC Race 1 Cleckheaton – Sun 3 Oct

Sun 3 Oct 2021

From Petra Bijsterveld….

The local cross country season started today after a long covid-induced hiatus, and it was wonderful to see so many familiar faces from many clubs, and of course the organisers and the official starter, who was on good form today cracking jokes with us before firing the gun. The weather was kind, if anything it was a tad warm for running, and underfoot conditions were very dry considering the rain we have had in the last few days.

Excellent running by all Harriers including the juniors who raced in the morning. In the senior women’s race, consisting of 3 large laps (3.2 miles), Rachel Carter led the Ilkley women, coming home in 10^th place as well as being 1^st W45. Alison Bennett continued her brilliant current form with a very fast time, though such was the strength of the field, this made her ‘only’ 2^nd W60. Diane Kitchen, myself and Steph Fox arrived around 5 minutes later each having given their all! Personally I was delighted to get around so well and without injury as this was the first ‘fast’ run for me in 4 months, having strained both calves in turn this year my training has all been of the slow variety.

The men’s race was 5 laps of the same course (5.5 miles) and was won in brilliant style by Tom Adams with Oli Murphy in 3^rd place. Harry Holmes of Pudsey and Bramley, who recently won the Ilkley fell race and had been leading in the initial laps, came 2^nd, it was nice to see Tom reel him in sometime around the 3^rd lap if I was counting correctly, and trapping him in an ‘Ilkley sandwich’. Strong running by all Ilkley men, who ended as 2^nd team, with Tim Ashelford coming 1st M55.

Results

Senior Women

(1 20:09 Becky Penty)

10 22:34 Rachel Carter 1^st W45

31 24:37 Alison Bennett

62 29:07 Diane Kitchen

65 29:42 Petra Bijsterveld

70 30:56 Steph Fox

78 ran

7^th team

Senior Men

1 30:23 Tom Adams

3 31:13 Oli Murphy

14 33:37 Nathan Coy

17 33:50 Matt Cox

44 37:18 Tim Ashelford 1^st M55

68 39:30 Jim Ryder

123 ran

2^nd team

Eyam Half Marathon – Sun 3 Oct

Sun 3 Oct 2021

From Jean Sullivan…

Billed as the North’s ‘most scenic half’ this course does not disappoint! Mile after mile of stunning views, across five counties.

Starting and finishing in the historic village of Eyam in Derbyshire, this ‘rat race’ consists of a clockwise circuit which involves over 1,200ft of ascent, so the views are definitely hard earned!

I enjoyed this race, apart from the climb between miles 9 and 11 which nearly finished me off! If you are after a well-organised, friendly hilly road half marathon I would highly recommend this race!

Results

(1 Luke Beresford Ripley Running Club 1:20:02)

144 Jean Sullivan 2:01:56

292 finishers

London Marathon – Sun 3 Oct

Sun 3 Oct 2021

From Michael Abrams Cohen…

The London Marathon saw a brilliant showing from the Ilkley Harriers with many donning the red and green colours and heading to the capital.

We lucked out with the weather, and 18 months after the original planned date for the London Marathon, the Harriers logged some very impressive times.

Results

1^st M Sisay Lemma 2:04:01

1^st F Jocyline Jepkosgei 2:17:43

2318 Michael Abrams Cohen 3:00:55

2548 Stephen Bysouth 3:03:10

4534 Stephen Newell 3:19:06

4739 Dave Reynier 3:20:26

10577 Marc Westerman 3:47:14

30495 Paula Reynier 4:52:15

West Yorkshire XC Race 1 Cleckheaton – Sun 3 Oct

Sat 2 Oct 2021

From Petra Bijsterveld….

16.00

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Results

Senior Women

(1 20:09 Becky Penty)

10 22:34 Rachel Carter 1^st W45

31 24:37 Alison Bennett

62 29:07 Diane Kitchen

65 29:42 Petra Bijsterveld

70 30:56 Steph Fox

78 ran

7^th team

Senior Men

1 30:23 Tom Adams

3 31:13 Oli Murphy

14 33:37 Nathan Coy

17 33:50 Matt Cox

44 37:18 Tim Ashelford 1^st M55

68 39:30 Jim Ryder

123 ran

2^nd team

Rombalds Romp – Sun 3 Oct

Sat 2 Oct 2021

From Nick Kealey…

Definitely felt like autumn as nearly 50 hardy runners stood at the start line for the annual Rombalds Romp organised by North Leeds Fell Runners. The 8.1 mile route heads up over Rombalds Moor (unsurprisingly), through the plantation (watch out for slippery bridges), and down to Ilkley Road. The tough mile or so climb up to Keighley Gate that follows is then rewarded by a flattish section across the moor towards the Badger Stone and then a brakes-off rapid descent to the finish. Great fun!

Despite knowing many of the paths it is a very enjoyable route and race. For a local race, surprisingly I was the only Harrier in the field and perhaps luckily, due to the plethora of other races at present, I was able to finish 4th and 1st V40.

Results

(1 59:15 Andy Watkins – Mercia)

4 1:02:58 Nick Kealey – 1st V40

Stay safe out running

Fri 1 Oct 2021

We’re sure many of you were struck by the tragic death of 52-year-old runner Jim Read recently.

Jim collapsed when running on Middleton Moor a fortnight ago, and his body was found by two cyclists but not identified for another two days, during which time family and friends were searching for him.

In case you didn’t see this post on the Ilkley Harriers WhatsApp group on Monday from Simon Jenkins, we believe it’s well worth highlighting:

“I had a very moving experience today which I want to share with everybody. I was cycling towards Concrete Square when I came across an older couple walking. I slowed right down to almost a stop as I always do when going past people and the lady asked if she could ask me something. She asked if I carried a mobile phone and I said I did she said that was good and it was so important to do so. We talked a little bit and then she said that they were parents of a runner who had died recently who I can only assume was Jim. I think their names were Stella and Denis. It would have been his birthday today and they had walked up to the site where he had died. I promised that I would share something on our WhatsApp site to make sure that everybody carries a mobile phone when out cycling or running. I think it is also a good idea to let people know where you are going and how long you might be if possible. I offered my very, very sincere condolences and told them that my heart goes out to them, they seem like a lovely couple. It was so sad and moving. Very upsetting. RIP Jim”

Would you please think carefully about always taking your phone, ID and emergency contact details on all runs, whether you’re by yourself or part of a group?

Many of us use Strava, and their Beacon safety feature has just been switched to the free service, allowing nominated contacts to track your run, ride or walk. Or you can support parkrun as they sell personalised-ID products, including wristbands featuring your ICE number, any medical conditions etc. Other alternatives are available.

And as we head towards winter, consider taking an extra layer and an emergency bivi bag if you’re venturing onto the moors – it could make a huge difference if you or someone you are with has a fall or sustains an injury.

Above all, stay safe and enjoy your running.

Thanks from the Harriers committee

Outstanding Achievements, September (as nominated by Ilkley Harriers members)

Fri 1 Oct 2021

From Jean Sullivan…

Running

Steve Turland – for his performance at the Dragon’s Back

Tom Adams – for winning the UK Golden Trail Series and for his amazing performance at Cleckheaton cross country

Jack Wood – for his recent race results

Matt Cox – finishing in 2nd place at the Reservoir Dogs Ultra

Volunteering

Steve Coy, Martin Archer, Jayne Norman, Sue Williamson and Beth Massey – for their excellent service to the club as part of the Ilkley Harriers Committee

Jane Bryant – for her fantastic Wednesday night speed sessions, as well as taking time out to mentor two new Harriers coaches

Caroline Howe – for organising the Ilkley Incline

Steve Weston – for organising this year’s Ilkley Moor fell race against all the odds

Neil Chapman – for restarting the Monday night circuits session and adapting them so well to Covid precautions

Jonathan Turner – for all his recent work on sorting out the SignUp system

Jack Wood – for organising a team for the Calderdale Way Relay

Tom Adams – for taking the time to talk to and inspire younger runners

British selection for Tom Adams

Wed 1 Sep 2021

Congratulations to Tom Adams who is selected for the British team in the World Trail Running Championships in Thailand in February 2022 at 40km.

Read the full British Athletics press release here.

Harrogate and District Summer Race League

Wed 1 Sep 2021

From Paul Stephens…

Congratulations to Colin Williams who was overall winner of the seven virtual races in this year’s Harrogate and District Summer Race League having completed all of the 7 courses including our own course out to Addingham and back, and the furthest away – Thirsk and Sowerby Harriers’ course along Sutton Bank. Colin was also the highest placed Harrier in the two physical races organised by Wetherby and Harrogate Harriers.

Report here and results here.

Look out for next year’s league which will hopefully revert to the usual format – five races including the final handicap race.

Tuesday club runs – exciting news for October!

Wed 1 Sep 2021

We’re delighted to confirm that from October 5th, the Tuesday club runs will return to Ilkley Lawn Tennis & Squash Club, all starting at 7pm.

Members have been sent full details via email and SignUp will reflect the changes by 11am this Wednesday.

The eight groups and likely paces will be as follows:

1/ Mike AC: 7-8min/mile

2/ Nick Kealey: fast headtorch moors run

3/ Peter Roll: 8-9min/mile

4/ Jayne Norman: 9-10min/mile

5/ Paul Sugden: 10-11min/mile

6/ Bernie Gibbons: 11-12min/mile

7/ Antonio Cardinale: 12+min/mile headtorch off-road

plus 8/ Jane McCarthy’s steadier group will still run from Burley

Please continue to book your place for all runs via SignUp.

Ilkley Incline – Sun 26th Sept

Wed 1 Sep 2021

From Caroline Howe…

A small but hardy bunch of Harriers took on this year’s Ilkley Incline event! First to finish was Rob Cunningham, with Lucy Williamson in second place. Pete Shelley was first by age grade and Jenny Roberts was second female (both overall and by age grade). All four win £25 adidas vouchers – many thanks to the anonymous Harrier who donated these! There was an appearance by Andy Wolfenden – the inventor of the Ilkley Incline race, which has been running since 2002, and will be celebrating its 20th anniversary next year, when the race will return in its full format! Many thanks to our marshals Dawn Turner, Hilda Coulsey, Sally Armitage and Mike Williamson; finishing team of Neil Chapman and Jeff Green; and Jonathan Turner and Dan McKeown behind the scenes. Well done to all who took part.

Results:
Position / time / name / age-graded position / (prize?)
1 8:45 Rob Cunningham 4 (1st male)
2 9:36 Lucy Williamson 3 (1st female)
3 9:40 Forrest Hamilton 9
4 9:41 Peter Shelley 1 (1st by age grade)
5 9:45 Iain Young 10
6 10:07 John Hayes 5
7 10:13 Jenny Roberts 6 (2nd female)
8 10:16 Tim Johnson 2
9 10:39 Richard Joel 8
10 11:03 Jeremy Greenwood 7
11 11:06 Matt Snow 12
12 11:08 Leah Chown 11
13 11:28 Michael Ho 13
14 11:42 Danny Thompson 16
15 13:00 Lucy Hayes 14
16 13:38 Chris Cunningham 18
17 14:34 Sarah Hayes 17
18 15:13 Andy Wolfenden 15

Calderdale Way Relay – Sun 26th Sept

Wed 1 Sep 2021

From Jayne Norman…

Sunday saw the return of the Calderdale Way Relay which takes in the sights around Halifax, including for some a trip up to Stoodley Pike. We finished an amazing 16th out of 62 teams.

There were some last-minute changes due to snake bites (and not the drink variety!) but we managed to snag a super-sub in Tom Adams to accompany Jack on Leg 1.

A few changes on Leg two, with Justin and Kyle doing a sterling job via Stoodley Pike to hand over to leg 3, who thought they were there for the selfies! A few navigational mishaps was the adventure for leg 4 (even with two Garmins to assist). Leg 5 saw a tumble on the mass start with Alison pushing the pace and making Jayne really work off the hockey legs from the day before. Leg 6 saw the home straight and with an old school drawstring PE bag setting the trend for the day. A great day had by all and probably more stories to be told. These relay events are a fab way of running with new people, running in different locations and team camaraderie all the while, can we get two teams or more next year?

Leg 1 – Jack Wood and Tom Adams

Leg 2 – Justin Pierce & Kyle Bethell

Leg 3 – Dave Foyston and Mike AC

Leg 4 – Helen Thurston and Steve Gott

Leg 5 – Jayne Norman and Alison Bennett

Leg 6 – Iain Gibbons and Lawrence McCourt

Results

Reservoir Dogs – Sat 25 Sept

Wed 1 Sep 2021

From Petra Bijsterveld…

Reservoir Dogs is a local ultra, organised by Punk Panther, starting and finishing in Otley as many of their races do. As the name suggests this event is a tour around several of the reservoirs that serve our area: Lindley Wood, Swinsty and Fewston, Thruscross, John O’Gaunts, Beaver Dyke and Scargill, before heading South via Almscliffe Crag, Huby, Castley and then back to Otley along the Wharfe. The full route is 36 miles (2900 ft), I took the shorter option leaving out the Thruscross loop, which was 28 miles (2100 ft), or the ‘fun run’ as my acquired running mate explained to a passer-by. There was also a separate 20 mile option which Punk Panther have introduced this summer to some of their races as an easier introduction to running further.

Matt Cox, Colin Williams and myself were the Harriers lining up at the start line in Wharfemeadows Park, Matt and Colin going for the 36 miler. We did a lap around the tennis courts to spread us out before going up single file along Farnley lane, soon turning off left to go through the fields to Farnley, past Lindley Wood and through many fields and woods to Swinsty and then Blubberhouses which had the first checkpoint at 9 miles. A spectator said I looked ‘fresh as a daisy’ which made me wonder if she needed her eyesight checking as I was definitely feeling the effects of 9 miles of gradual climbing and the muggy warmth! But it was a nice encouragement. Most people went on across the A59 to Thruscross but I carried on east along Fewston for the 28 mile option. I had walked around Thruscross earlier in the week with a friend anyway, surely that counts! If you do the full route that loop is definitely the most scenic part though. Another 28 mile runner had just left the checkpoint too and was confused about the directions (we had to turn left off the Fewston reservoir path for the higher one or incur a time penalty, we were being tracked!), I knew that turn, and from then on until the finish the ‘man from Mansfield’ (I never asked his name…) and I spent a lot of time together, often running separately, chatting occasionally, and coming together at stiles, gates and many ‘points of navigational uncertainty’. We did not really see any other runners apart from the top 10 or so on the 36 mile route who passed us, including Matt and Colin.

Leaving Swinsty the route crosses Brame Lane by the Sun Inn. Coming out into the fields behind the pub I had my ‘faffing in a farmer’s field’ episode where I probably lost 10 or 15 minutes trying and failing to work out which of the 3 telegraph poles to aim for, and cursed the fact that I had not recced the route. You would think that with a .gpx file on my watch, a printed route description and a taped course there could not possibly be any difficulty in finding the path across a field! I had to wait for ‘man from Mansfield’ to catch me up, which took forever, as he had his own navigational challenge finding the way through the pub car park. It briefly put me in bad mood as I had lost so much time but I managed to get it back into perspective, after all, I was never going to bring the trophy home and who really cares about the time. Together we worked it out and finally also spotted the tape on the correct gate. The course was pretty well marked but with beautiful golden yellow tape which blends in beautifully with an autumn landscape….. Onwards along Beaver Dyke where the eventual winner, Stephen Kirk, sailed past effortlessly, and lovely to see Matt (who was to become 2^nd) and a friend overtake us at Scargill reservoir looking very strong. A brief stop at the second checkpoint at 16 miles and then downhill all the way on a mixture of tracks, roads and fields, via Almscliffe Cragg to Castley at 23 miles. By now I was starting to feel pretty tired. I was therefore delighted to see Andrew Merrick who was helping at the checkpoint, moreover, just thinking about his phenomenal recent UTMB performance put my last 5 miles to Otley totally back into perspective and it gave me a real boost to just grit my teeth and get on with it. Colin overtook us in the last few miles along the Wharfe which was great to see.

I was pleased to finish in just over 6 and a half hours, still running. I can’t say I ran every single step of the way, and certainly not the uphills, but I had no protracted periods of walking. It was my first ultra as far as distance goes, and hopefully there will be some more to come. I hugely enjoyed it, if anything I would have liked a bit more elevation and a bit less road. Though that might come to haunt me when I do the next one in November! Watch this space….

Results

Thieveley Pike fell race – Sat 25th Sept

Wed 1 Sep 2021

From Alison Weston…

Another of the FRA original 50 races from Holme Chapel. A bit like Ilkley fell race with a rollercoaster of ups and downs. Just over 4 miles with 1.115 ft climbing.

I can’t find official results but my time was 48:29 minutes (6th Lady). Antonio has also been doing a lot of these FRA 50 races and was also running.

More on South Mynds race from last week – This was the last of the six English FRA championship races and placed Kate Archer 3rd vet 40 (bronze medal) – a brilliant achievement!

Great Whernside Fell Race – Sat 25th Sept

Wed 1 Sep 2021

From John Hayes…

This race – which was the Yorkshire Fell Championship this year – is quite easy to describe: 2 miles uphill, touch the summit cairn and then 2 miles downhill the same way. Although, in fact, coming back down involves more route choice than you’d think. You have to dodge the other runners and navigate around some steep rocky sections. The Harriers Yorkshire ‘Dream Team’ (Jack Wood, Lawrence McCourt, Bob Hamilton and myself) posed for a picture with the Yorkshire flag at the end (although I don’t think we won anything!)

Results

Evensplits Leeds 5K series – Wed 22 Sept

Wed 1 Sep 2021

Some fast times at the Evensplits 5K at the Brownlee Centre Circuit on Wednesday evening.

A new F60 club record was set by Alison Bennett.

(1 16:30 Matthew Wall, Leven Valley AC)

6 17:05 Christos Tzelis

13 17:33 Michael Abrams-Cohen

26 19:09 Jake Norris (junior)

30 19:26 Scott White

34 20:01 Colin Williams 1^st M55

40 20:31 Tom Worboys

43 20:54 Claire McLoughlin 1^st F35

45 21:03 Alison Bennett 1^st F60 and new club record

58 22:11 Rob Budding

75 24:30 Mike Baldwin

98 ran

Results

Ring of Steall – Sat 18 Sept

Wed 1 Sep 2021

From Tom Adams…

Photo credit: Scotland Skyline photographers

The Ring of Steall (UK final of the Golden Trail Series)

I travelled up to Kinlochleven on Friday and set up my tent in the pouring rain a couple of miles from the race start. On tonight’s menu was some chicken pesto pasta, a pretty boring meal, but nice and simple is best for me before a big race. I had a good night’s sleep despite the rain and I woke up to a reasonable morning. I wolfed down some overnight oats with banana and headed over to the Ice Factor where the race start was located.

The hour or so before a race is always a strange one with mixed emotions going through your head…why have I just travelled seven hours to run up and down some hills to then drive another seven hours home? Can I really compete against these top class athletes, some of which are half my age? Come on Tom, you’ve done well in similar events before, so let’s go and smash it. I chose to ignore the first couple of thoughts and got my race pack ready with all of the required kit and funnelled into the starting pen.

I felt quite at ease before the race, chatting to fellow runners and doing the odd leg rub to warm up the pistons. Before I knew it we were called up and we were bagpiped out by a piper with crutches.

The start was nice and relaxed and somewhat steadier than the previous races in the series and we soon started up the first climb. I was running side by side with Seb Batchelor, and we were soon pulling away from the field. I felt good, but Seb obviously felt a little better as he pulled away towards the first summit and he seemed to be just far enough ahead to be out of site. I had a good descent and a short road section and a wooded trail allowed me to catch up with first place once again. I felt good at this point, but I was thinking, why is he being so restrained? We crossed a river and started heading back up. This is where I got into a few issues. I thought we just had one last climb before a nice long descent into Kinlochleven. Again Seb pulled away on the climb and I started to go backwards (not literally). I pushed on thinking if I just get to the top, you’re on the homeward straight, but this wasn’t to be. I dragged myself to the summit and could see people on the summits of peaks in the distance. I asked a marshal if we were done with the climbs, but he said you’ve got one small and two big to go yet! This almost destroyed me mentally, but I’m not one to give in easily, so again I cracked on and on and on and then through myself down a hideous technical descent and back into Kinlochleven.

I crossed the line nineteen minutes behind Seb, but I was in one piece and had a smile on my face. I knew that I had won the series and even though it would’ve been nice to win, I knew that I had completely underestimated how technical and taxing 2700m of ascent over 28km would be. Winning the series means that I now get to go to the Azores at the end of October to race at the grand final of the Golden Trail Series against the best of the best from all over the world.

Results

South Mynd Tour Fell Race – Sun 19 Sept

Wed 1 Sep 2021

From Kate Archer…..

Three Harriers travelled down to Shropshire for the last race in the English champs fell league. 14 miles with 1270 metres of climb. The route had a bit of everything, some very steep sections and quite a lot of fast running on tracks and grassy paths. There was some route choice at the start and finish which meant that on the start line some runners were facing forwards with others facing completely the opposite direction! The final results for the league are not out yet but Dan Dry looks to be high in the MOpen category, Alison has had some excellent results in the WV55 category and I should have secured 3rd WV40.

Results

(1 Chris Holdsworth, Calder Valley, 1:49:56)

11 Dan Dry 1:59:08

84 Kate Archer 2:31:17

143 Alison Weston 3:00:18

162 finished

Beckbusters 10k – Sun 19 Sept

Wed 1 Sep 2021

From Sue Williamson….

Photo credit Philip Bland

Three Ilkley Harriers competed in this lovely friendly and picturesque run starting in Bishop Monkton.

The race is multi terrain and passes through country roads, along the river Ure, then the canal and back to Bishop Monkton.

Results

Geoffrey Howard was the 1st MV70 48.02

Kate Lofthouse 1.09.08

Sue Williamson 1.09.08

Embsay Fell Race – Sun 19 Sept

Wed 1 Sep 2021

From Rachel Carter….

Jack and I were the only Ilkley Harriers at the senior’s race on a warm sunny afternoon at Embsay.

Jack was 2nd (behind Simon Bailey who has won most of the men’s races this season) and I was pleased with 3rd female having been out for a run earlier on in the day having not been planning to run at Embsay.

Results

Myrtle parkrun Sat 18 Sept

Wed 1 Sep 2021

From Mike Abrams Cohen…..

Jack Cummings on his first ever parkrun broke the Myrtle parkrun course record on his way to a brilliant win.

Myrtle parkrun is a course well known for its difficulty and a tough hill that is negotiated 4 times. A multi terrain course with a mixture of tarmac and grass, his time of 16:31 was about 3 seconds faster than Jack Kelly who got the record only 8 weeks prior.

Mike AC held on to a distant 2nd place with a time of 18:46 to complete the Ilkley 1 and 2. His quest for a 1st place once again thwarted by the greatness of a Jack from Ilkley.

Results

1st Jack Cummings 16:31

2nd Mike Abrams Cohen 18:46

(122 runners)

Outstanding Achievements, August (as nominated by Ilkley Harriers members)

Wed 1 Sep 2021

From Jean Sullivan…

Running

Andrew Merrick – for his amazing performance at the UTMB

Petra Bijsterveld – for returning from injury and doing so well at the Nendaz Trail ‘Petit Parcours’ race

Tom Adams – 3rd place at the World Mountain Running Championships

Jane McCarthy – for completing and for being 2nd female finisher at the Dalesway Punk Panther race

Jill Ezard – 2nd FV50 at the Derwentwater Trail Challenge, part of the Lakeland Trails series

Hilda Coulsley for setting a new club 5 mile LV65 record at the Portrush 5 Miles race

Volunteering

Mark Iley – for organising and running the Wednesday night track sessions

Neil Chapman – for his great Thursday evening training sessions

Dan McKeown for his amusing report on the Leeds Dock Relay

West Yorks XC League – enter this week!

Wed 1 Sep 2021

Entries for the West Yorkshire Cross Country league are now live! The deadline for entries is 19 September.

Dates for the league are:

Sunday 3 Oct – Cleckheaton

Saturday 30 Oct – Nunroyd, Guiseley

Sunday 21 Nov – Thornes Park, Wakefield

Sunday 12 Dec – Harrogate Show Ground

Races are suitable for everyone. Entry to all 4 races is only £15 (subsidised by the club).

Click here to enter!

The Ilkley Incline 2021

Wed 1 Sep 2021

From Caroline Howe…

Hi Harriers! The Hill Everyone Loves To Hate is back!!! On Sunday 26 September at 10am we will once again be holding a Harriers-only Ilkley Incline event… 1 mile, 560 ft of climb… you know you want to! Free to enter, with 4 x £25 sports voucher prizes up for grabs. It will be pre-entry via this form. We also need a few volunteers to help run the event so if you don’t want to run (!) and can spare a couple of hours, let me know.

Montane Dragons Back Race – 6th-11th Sept

Wed 1 Sep 2021

From Steve Turland…

Pleased to report that I managed to complete the Dragons Back Race last week. Extended by an extra day from previous races, this is a six-day mountain race, 240 miles down the length of Wales from Conwy Castle in the north, to Cardiff Castle in the south, with a total ascent of around 60,000ft. There are three (reasonably tight) cut off times each day which you have to meet to stay in the race. The hot weather on the first couple of days really took its toll – from the 400 runners who started the race, two thirds of the field had either retired or missed the cut offs by the end of day two, with only 90 runners eventually making it to the finish line in Cardiff. I managed to finish in 74th overall in a total time of 82 hrs 40 mins. A tough race, but the most amazing experience through the mountains of Wales and thoroughly enjoyed every minute.

Results

Vale of York Half Marathon – Sun 12th Sept

Wed 1 Sep 2021

From Jeff Green…

This was my first ever half marathon and first road race for many years. Entries were well down on the 2019 event (from over 1400 down to under 500!) and with official results based on chip time, rather than gun time, the start felt fairly relaxed. This is definitely a PB potential course – almost completely flat with just a couple of inclines over the railway and plenty of pace runners targeting 1:20 to 2:20. From my pre-race test runs, I decided I was aiming for 1:25 and managed to keep pretty close to, or just outside, my target 4min/km for the first 15km. Fortunately, I had a bit left in the tank to pick up the pace for the last few km and finish just inside 1:25!

Results:

(1. Scott Harrington, Otley AC, 1:09:22)
70. Jeff Green 1:24:33
462 finished

IMFR – thankyou!

Wed 1 Sep 2021

From Peter Roll…

A very big thank you to all the Volunteers on the Ilkley Moor Fell Race yesterday.

Your help and assistance is all greatly appreciated, it couldn’t be done without you!

First impressions are that a good time was had by all.

Ilkley Moor Fell Race – Sun 12th Sept

Wed 1 Sep 2021

From John Hayes…

The chances of having to navigate deep bogs or large snow drifts were significantly reduced by holding this year’s race in September instead of February. Indeed, in contrast to the usual snow, hail or freezing rain, this year’s challenge was coping with the heat. I can usually depend on the the snow/bogs to slow me down, and so it was a bit of a shock to the system to find the ground fast underfoot. Even the jungle-sized bracken in places didn’t get in the way. I assume this was a result of the enthusiastic efforts of those who “pruned” the route in advance (including my dad Spike, who likes that kind of thing). Huge thanks go to Steve and the many helpers and marshals who pull together every year to maintain this race’s status as a favourite in the fell running calendar. I remarked to Steve at the finish that today’s event had been such a success that perhaps the race should become biannual. He responded with a wry smile and a polite but firm no!

Results

Bradley Fell Race – Sun 12 Sept

Wed 1 Sep 2021

From Kate Archer…

I had entered Ilkley Moor but the children have enjoyed Bradley Show in the past and were keen to run so plans were changed at the last minute. The senior race is short (3.5 miles), an out and back course and all very runnable.

Results:

(1 James Hall, Wharfedale Harriers, 23:38)
29 Kate Archer 31:10 (2nd Lady/1st LV40)
41 David Singleton 33:09
89 finished

Richmond Runfest – Sat/Sun 11th/12th Sept

Wed 1 Sep 2021

From Hilda Coulsey…

This is a series of events over the weekend from 1 mile to a marathon with the start inside Kew Gardens and with additional entry for partner and children making it popular and enjoyable.

18-20 months ago England Athletics ran its usual qualifying races for Age group / masters international events which I qualified for in the 10k and together with Sally Malir in the half marathon. These internationals were to be held in the summer of 2020 at Bristol and Fleet respectively. With the disruption EA decided a good option would be to run these races at Kew alongside this Runfest as they had a 10k on Saturday and half marathon on Sunday, great from an EA organisation viewpoint but less so for a few of us who had qualified for both! But as they say, ‘in for a penny, in for a pound’.

10k – Sat 11th Sept

This was run entirely through Kew Gardens. It was a tortuous route, lots of corners and switchbacks but flat. It was early morning, 8.20, but warm and humid. It was lovely having supporters and although not my best time I was pleased to give it a blast.

My category winner was Dorothy Kesterton, Sheffield Steel City, who I’ve met many times previously always as the winner, in another great time of 47:34.

To follow then a 3-4 hour walk with coffee stops through the gardens making the most of the opportunity, and why not?!

Results:

1 James Bellward 32:30
519 Hilda Coulsey 51:41
2102 ran

Half marathon – Sun 12th Sept

It was lovely to meet up and warm up with Sally and again at the finish. Weather was the same, warm and muggy, the start was the same although a little later to accommodate the marathon start.

A different course, but similar with switchbacks and corners in the Gardens then after 6k we joined the Thames path for a very lengthy stretch westerly to km15, then through a housing estate and back onto the Thames path for another few ks and into Old Deer Park for the finish. The Thames path is narrow, unmade mostly (bearing in mind this is a replacement for a road half marathon) and on a Sunday morning as might be imagined is very busy with walkers, runners, toddlers on bikes, speedy cyclists and even an e-scooter. This is not a PB course. My legs had had enough by 10k but I kept going to enjoy the experience and the challenge. Slightly annoyed with many others we weren’t allowed back into Kew for the pleasant coffee and changing facilities (the lesson-read the small print). Not at all sure of the course length 21.29k recorded not just by me, but to be fair that was probably the extra dodging of pedestrians etc.

Again reflecting on some outstanding age grade / masters times in UK, the winner of Sally’s category was Jackie Murdy 1:31:42 and for mine Lynda Hembury in 1:42:08.

Results:

1 Craig Ruddy 1:08:54
430 Sally Malir 1:42:56
944 Hilda Coulsey 1:58:40
2140 ran

Blackpool Marathon – Sun 12th Sept

Wed 1 Sep 2021

From Colin Williams…

The Blackpool Marathon, like so many races, was postponed from earlier in the year, originally due to be run in April.

This is the third time that I have taken part – it is a flat course, two laps of the seafront on closed roads.

I started well but found it hard going 2/3 of the way, and was a few minutes down on my previous results.

I finished 49th in a time of 3:32:40, the race was won by Michael Taylor in a time of 2:26:12. 195 Ran.

Results

Great North Run – Sun 12th Sept

Wed 1 Sep 2021

From Alex Hyde…

And so the ‘big’ races are back! A staggered start (over 3 hours!) and a revised route meant that the 40th Great North Run could take place safely and I have to say the organisation was tremendous. Apparently there were 57,000 signed up for the race and although there were noticeably fewer supporters lining the route than in previous years, there was still an amazing atmosphere, especially with the bonus of crossing the Tyne Bridge twice. For me personally it was a bit of a battle just to get to the start line for my first race since the Dewsbury 10k some 19 months ago. I had managed to keep training through Covid (sort of!) but then had a badly sprained ankle in February followed by the return of a bothersome piriformis …. quite literally a pain in the backside … meaning that my prep for the race was pretty much non-existent. My pace through the first 15k was pleasingly consistent though averaging just over 6 mins/km, but then the wheels fell off with the last 6k averaging over 7.5 mins/km. But I got to the end! A time of 2:22:11 and a placing of 18,980th is hardly going to set the world alight, but it put a smile on this old bloke’s face!

Results

Yorkshireman – Sun 12th Sept

Wed 1 Sep 2021

From Steph Fox…

Some months ago in a moment of running madness, I half-heartedly agreed to run the Yorkshireman Half Marathon with (new to the club – but not running) Teresa Brooks. I had hoped that a casual agreement over a sunny mooch over the Moor along with the tick of the confirmation box was just a figment of my imagination.

So imagine my surprise when I found myself at the bottom of Haworth Main Street on Sunday morning, particularly when fell racing isn’t something I would ordinarily choose to take part in.

The Yorkshireman half and marathon is a superbly organised event by Keighley & Craven AC. The regular updates and social media streams sustained enough anticipation for the race over the weeks and months. In addition to this, the club host regular recces over the summer months and so with a little trepidation I had joined one of the runs on a very wet August afternoon.

In fact the two ladies who took out my recce skipped home in first place in the marathon pair’s race!!

The weather conditions were perfect, dry underfoot, not a wisp of air, and an ambient temperature, so with a packed whistle, waterproofs, map and compass – we headed off up a brute of a hill start.

Once the initial climb was conquered, I was able to find a suitably comfortable plodding pace and for a very brief moment experienced some elation and the views.

I was heartened that the group I had managed to fall in with, all slowed to a fast march up the hills rather than a lung busting, heart stopping run and I was able to relax into the race.

At mile 8, I inhaled around a dozen jelly babies (I even ran back for more!) and then trudged on the tarmac for a short spell, before heading back on to the uneven moorlands. I secretly rejoiced at being back on the uneven terrain and with a skip, jump and thankfully not a tumble headed down into Oxenhope.

The race finishes as it starts with a small incline (the sting in the tail otherwise known as Butt Lane) and as I trudged up the hill I could almost smell the finish line and the slice of pizza before stumbling to chip in with my time with a sense of achievement and a tear in my eye (again!) and a can of coke in hand.

This is fantastic event, with supportive helpers, including the children who handed out the pizza to some very tired runners and I would highly recommend it to everyone.

From Sarah Edwards…

A perfect day for running over the moors above Haworth. I ran the “half” marathon, which is a beautiful and tough 15-mile route taking in some varied terrain and fabulous views. A killer finish up the hill to Haworth primary school but well worth it for the pizza afterwards.

Results:

1 Jack Wood 1:46:56
24 Rachel Carter 2:06:59 (3rd lady)
29 Paul Calderbank 2:10:04 (1st MV60)
58 Paul Disney 2:22:35
109 Chantal Busby 2:38:59
118 Sarah Edwards 2:42:10
130 Adela Reperecki 2:45:39 (2nd FV60)
151 Stephanie Fox 2:52:45
158 Teresa Brooks 2:58:44
235 finished

Ron Hill Rivington Pike Fell Race – 11th Sept

Wed 1 Sep 2021

From Alison Weston…

One of the original FRA races 50 years ago, and this year run in memory of Ron Hill who completed the Pike fell race an incredible 40 times and won it on three occasions. His PB was 16:52 minutes to run the three miles up to the Pike and down! All runners received a Ron Hill programme outlining all his vast achievements including the 1964 Tokyo, 1968 Mexico and 1972 Munich Olympics, 10 mile, 15 mile and 25 km world records, international marathon wins and tributes from previous Pike winners.

This year the race was won by Daniel Haworth from Matlock AC in 17:34 and I was pleased to come 121st in just under 30 mins (28:26).

Results

Ultra-Trail Snowdonia – Sat 11th Sept

Wed 1 Sep 2021

From Jann Smith…

This mountain ultra of 32 miles taking in 11,000 feet of ascent is billed as “Beautiful beyond belief, Savage beyond reason,” and carries a disclaimer that you may die or seriously injure yourself doing this event … I liked it!

The challenge in particular for me was the very technical rock face scrambling sections and ridges which scared me but I managed to conquer!

The weather was drizzling and clagged in mostly which made the rocky course pretty dicey, a great adventurous event, with an elite worldwide field. Will Simmons had a fantastic run to take second place, as did I, unfortunately Paul wasn’t feeling too well and suffered!

Results:

1 Harry Jones 6hrs 13mins
2 Will Simmons 6hrs 56 mins
61 Jann Smith 9 hrs 32 mins (8th lady, 1st F50)
143 Paul Carman 10hrs 57 mins

Be bright, be safe

Wed 1 Sep 2021

Just a reminder as it starts to get dark before many club runs and sessions have finished – for your own safety and that of the group, please wear hi-vis clothing and head/chest torches.

Anglesey Half Marathon – Sun 5th Sept

Wed 1 Sep 2021

From Lucy Williamson…

It was a beautiful day for the Anglesey half marathon on Sunday. Starting on the Menai Suspension Bridge and running out and back to Beaumaris with fantastic views of the Menai Straits and Snowdonia. This race is usually held in March but postponed this year, it was great to run it in slightly warmer weather!

Results:

(1 Martin Green, North Wales Road Runners, 1:13:44)

10 Lucy Williamson 1:25:56 (3rd Lady)

347 Ran

Wetherby 10k – Sun 5th Sept

Wed 1 Sep 2021

From Jonathan Turner…

Well done to Sally (third lady overall and second LV40) and Hilda (first LV65) as the popular Wetherby 10k made a welcome return on Sunday. It was a little warmer than forecast by the 2pm start time which added to the challenge. The scenic loop from the racecourse is mostly on tarmac, with a bit of track and trail thrown in to keep things interesting. (Photo above courtesy of Philip Bland)

Results:

(1 Scott Harrington, Otley AC, 32:41)

23 Andrew Overend 38:22

24 Jonathan Turner 38:29 (2nd MV50)

42 Sally Armitage 40:16 (3rd lady, 2nd LV40)

199 Hilda Coulsey 53:19 (1st LV65)

571 finished

Skipton Trail Half Marathon – Sat 4th Sept

Wed 1 Sep 2021

From John Hayes…

The route for the Skipton Trail Half Marathon takes in Sharphaw (twice), Flasby, Hetton and the trails and backroads up and around Winterburn Reservoir. At about mile 12, when your legs have had enough and your thoughts are turning to the post-race meal, there is a steep climb back over Sharphaw. Most runners at the finish agreed that that climb was brutal (although not Alison Weston who remarked how much she was looking forward to the big climb when she was running the more gentle undulating sections of the course!) It is a friendly, well run event, with a goody bag to go with the meal. As ever, there was a good Harriers turn out with some excellent results.

Results

Bullock Smith Ultra – Sat/Sun 4th/5th Sept

Wed 1 Sep 2021

From Colin Williams…

The Bullock Smith Ultra was an event postponed from last year. It’s a challenging 56-mile route, if you don’t go the wrong way and add three miles on like I did. It’s a well-organised event run by Hazel Grove Scout Group, with checkpoints about every five miles offering drinks, snacks and friendly support to keep you going.

I finished in 19th place in a time of 13 hours 9 minutes, the race was won by Rory Harris in an amazing 8:19, 1 hour 20 minutes ahead of the second runner. 261 runners started and 217 finished.

Results

Harrogate HDRSL – Thu 2nd Sept

Wed 1 Sep 2021

From Colin Williams…

Five Ilkley Harriers turned out for the last HDSRL race of the season. The well organised event, organised by Harrogate Harriers, was over an undulating 9km route around the Harrogate showground.

Results

(1 Scott Harrington, Otley AC, 29:51)

21 Colin Williams 38:00

40 David Singleton 40:48

60 David Holder 43:44

84 Paul Stephens 46:52

86 Philip Hirst 47:14

134 Ran

Kilnsey Show – Tue 31st Aug

Mon 30 Aug 2021

From Rachel Carter…

In the absence of any women in age categories beyond mine, or men aged 60 years or over taking part, I was set off first in this handicapped ‘Metric Mile’ (1500m) race – involving 3 and a bit laps set out on a Dales field opposite Kilnsey Crag – think dry cross country (some wore spikes) with longish grass! The handicaps were set based on 1500m Track World Rankings/Records so I didn’t hold too much hope even without tired and sore legs from Ilkley Skyline the day before. 15 of us took on this challenge in the main arena of Kilnsey showground with a good number of people watching – the queues to get there were back to Skipton! I held onto ‘the lead’ for at least half a lap before being overtaken. Unofficial results show I finished 10th, with U20 Yorkshire 1500m champion Alex Thompson of Wharfedale taking first place! I was happy to have taken part and also rather relieved to be excused from the renowned Crag race (1 mile, 350′) due to childcare when I saw the infamous chimney scree descent route. It was an inspiring spectacle to watch though and the women’s record was broken by Ailish Graham of Wharfedale.

Ilkley Skyline – Mon 30th Aug

Sun 29 Aug 2021

From Rachel Carter…

When I saw that Peter had recced part of the Skyline route in July I commented on Strava that I would be interested in running it too if that was his intention as I knew it would be good training for the 3 Peaks in October. August BH weekend was pencilled in and Monday confirmed just a day or two beforehand. The weather looked ok (i.e. not too warm), stepping stones clear and I would have a whole day of resting my legs on the Saturday for the occasion while on the car journey back from our holiday in Scotland. I knew parts of the route (track to shooting hut, 12 Apostles to Buck stones and the hill up to Beamsley etc.) but hadn’t undertaken any recces as such.

All in all we had a good run – reasonable underfoot except for a few bog-jumping sections on the far moor, only young timid cows to negotiate a couple of times and not too much long wet grass. We lacked any ‘Skyline Views’ in the rain but managed to get round in one piece and quicker than Peter had predicted in 3h 31min 34s. Thinking about it after I realised it is only the third time I have ever run over 20 miles…so that must be why my legs ache so much!

Nendaz Trail ‘Petit Parcours’ – Sat 28th Aug

Sat 28 Aug 2021

From Petra Bijsterveld…

Haute-Nendaz is a village and ski resort in Valais in the mountains above Sion (Switzerland) and the Nendaz Trail event is held every year on the last Saturday in August. A very low key and small event compared to the UTMB which is held at the same time not so far away, it is very easy to enter and attracts mainly Swiss runners, with a few French, Belgian and Dutch in the mix. There are 3 distances to choose from, 16k (not worth getting out of bed for really), 30k or 70k (way too long for me). I had done the 30k in 2019 and was delighted to be able to return and tackle it again. Two matters could definitely have derailed my plans: the uncertainties around travel to the Continent during the pandemic, and injury. I managed to strain my calf in early June and was only able to resume a tentative run/walk regime from the second half of July, which left precious little time to do any kind of distance or hill training. The last few weeks could best be described as an ‘inverse taper’, with a lot of caution not to get injured again. The furthest I had managed to run in preparation was 13 miles.

The 30k ‘Petit Parcours’ starts at an altitude of 1350m. It is cold when I arrive in Nendaz early in the morning and I think I can almost feel frost tingle my fingers when I pick up my number and have my kit checked. But the sun rises over the mountains and soon the air warms up and it becomes a beautiful day, warm but never too hot. We set off at 08:30. Having climbed (by car) the hairpins out of the valley bottom it is hard to believe there is so much more ‘up’ possible, but the first 8k are spent climbing to the highest point in this race, Le Basso d’Alou at 2337m, to be rewarded with stunning views of the mountains all around. The descent is technical for a long stretch which is very much my weak point and this is where I have to let quite a few runners go past, they fly by like mountain goats. It is frustrating, running in mountain terrain when you are the world’s worst descender, but it doesn’t stop me entering these events. Leaving the rocks behind we reach a nice easy downhill track where I make decent progress and stop briefly for refreshments at the Sivier checkpoint at 1730m. We descend another 200m after the checkpoint to then start the second major climb which goes from 1530m to 2100m over 3k. When you are doing a 35min/mile you know it’s steep! Even though I have done the race before I can hardly believe how long this climb goes on for and I am also worried about my calves in case another injury strikes. Still, my ascending is fairly strong relative to my overall running ability, and I overtake quite a few people and fall into step behind a man maintaining a suitable pace for me and it all feels very zen going up in silence on pine needle strewn hairpin paths in the forest. Luckily for me the descent is on a wonderful track and I can maintain the advantage I have built up. I am only overtaken by a couple of the lead runners on the 70k. Back to Sivier for more coke, bouillon, cheesy biscuits and bananas (perfect!) and then after a short slog uphill it is back towards Nendaz along ‘les bisses’ for about 5k. These are artificial water channels for irrigation that are carved into the mountainsides with paths alongside, pretty much following the contour lines of the mountain. Fairly runnable, but the endless rocks and tree roots still require caution especially with my clumsy feet. Here I have company from a nice Swiss young woman and we take it in turns to do the ‘no after you, you really are faster than I am’ dance, but then in French. The last 3k are downhill again, a combination of road/track and a few more tricky (for me) descents through the woods. My Swiss companion and I keep switching positions as I have the better pace on the road, but she definitely wins the battle with the tree roots. The final few hundred meters are steeply down the grass and some stairs and I run for my life towards the finish arch as I have a PB to get, even though I failed to beat the 6 hour mark which had briefly seemed to be in my grasp. I hear my name over the tannoy as I cross the line and ‘néerlandaise’ which somehow pleases me no end. I bump elbows with my Swiss running companion who beat me to the finish line by about 30 seconds, and I sit on the grass, drink more coke with lemon and salt(!) and chat with a Dutch woman whom I had met earlier on the trail and we exchange Strava details. I was delighted to have taken 7 minutes off my previous time, but most of all it was a grand day out in glorious Swiss sunshine, surrounded by lots of lovely fellow runners and supported by friendly volunteers.

Results:

1 2:50:53 Bastien Quinodoz

187 6:04:20 Petra Bijsterveld

211 finished

UTMB – Sat/Sun 28/29th Aug

Fri 27 Aug 2021

From Andrew Merrick…

After my marathon work was done in 2015, a friend called me around Christmas time and asked me if I would be up for doing a race called Lakes in a Day in Autumn 2016. In a moment of weakness, I said yes – the same thing had happened with my first marathon in 2001, I must remember next time I get one of those Christmas calls…

So that set me on the path that culminated last weekend; after multiple qualifying races and many attempts in the ballot, I finally got a place in UTMB 2020, which was then delayed to this year.

The feel of UTMB is much more like a big city marathon than a more normal ultra, with a full expo in the centre of Chamonix, and a holding pen (large sunny field) where we were asked to assemble about 90 mins before our respective starts (there were three this year – 5, 5:30 and 6pm rather than the traditional 6pm on a Friday evening). As I sat in the field I reflected on the contrast between this and my previous ultra where we had set off as a pair from next to the organiser’s car on a soggy Saltaire street.

UTMB has a reputation for being very strict on kit checks, typically registration requiring all items to be checked. This year, for obvious reasons, there was no formal kit check at that stage but we were told that there would be checks during the race, and in fact some were undertaken in the holding pen. The additional cold weather kit (no open toed shoes (!), a third layer and some sunglasses) had been invoked the day before, and we had a mild panic on the Friday morning when we realised that the sunglasses had to be reactolite style so they were clear at night. This was creatively solved by the acquisition of the lightest, clearest swimming goggles we could find as a further addition to an already bulging pack.

Notwithstanding these covid times, as is traditional, the streets were lined on both sides with cheering well wishers as we headed out of Chamonix and it was nice to finally get going. My ultra friends Rob and Laura were also in the race, with Laura in the 5pm start, myself in the middle and Rob bringing up the rear.

Rather out of character with the rest of the run, the first 5 miles are pleasantly flat, so the challenge is not to get too giddy…… I had a number of people ask me what my race plan was… I had concluded that largely I would work the uphills, be careful/steady on the downs (to avoid any race-ending damage), and refuel sensibly. I was also working on the basis that there were 10 hills, 4 of which (including the longest) being before the halfway point at Courmayeur.

All largely went to plan for the first half, although Morgan Williams was right to warn me about the climb up to and rocky run down from the col des pyramides calcaires, which culminated in a very cold check point in the bottom of the valley, where I hooked up with Rob, after he had overtaken me on the climb up. So I had company on the section up and over into Courmayeur which was largely very pleasant with lovely views, other than the dust bowl of a descent into Courmayeur Sports Centre, and some frustrating minutes spent waiting for my drop bag to be found… After a breakfast of pasta, a change of socks, and the application of a compeed (which stuck very well, despite my dusty and soggy feet, but as I subsequently discovered largely to my sock!), Rob and I were on our way again…

The climb up and out of Courmayeur was very tough – a steep zigzagging trail through the trees which appeared to go on forever, finally ending at the next checkpoint only 5k later at Refuge Bertone. After a refuelling stop there (generally refuelling at this stage was a combination of (largely clear) soup, a coffee and half a banana), I found that my ability to move uphill had deserted me. I shouted to Rob who was already disappearing into the distance that I was pretty convinced my race was over, but he persuaded me to crest the small climb and carry on since it was largely downhill from there to the next CP. I found I was still able to move ok on the flat and not-too-steep downs so we continued on until the Refugio Bonatti, the small climb up to which did for me again. I told Rob that I was going to stop there and encouraged him to carry on with our new trail friend Sidney (“I am trying not to fall over since I had my appendix out four weeks ago”). At this point I was sure there was no way I would be able to finish. I had done four of the ten climbs, with the toughest next and I couldn’t really move uphill. I decided to take a half an hour break in the sunshine on a bench outside the refugio to try to sort myself out… I looked at the UTMB wrist tag, which someone had told me gets cut off if you DNF, I looked at the pink socks I had changed into in support of a good running friend of mine … and I thought about what her approach would be. I decided I needed to find a way to move at my (very slow) uphill pace, and not be deflected by the speed of others. I also consciously put my cap on, so I would focus on the ten yards ahead rather than look further up any hill I was on. After 25 minutes I was back underway, the rest having helped too; I found my way down to the CP at Arnouvaz and after a short refuel I was on the climb up to Grand Col Ferret at just over 2500m. I found a slow person to follow for the first steepest section of the climb and the plan appeared to be working, and eventually I hit the very windy summit before a long but steady descent into La Fouly and the world was a happier place….. I passed Sidney at this point and was reunited with Rob at the CP, although he was then having his own challenges. We agreed I would crack on in daylight on the 9 mile leg to Champex, which I just about managed without a head torch.

The next two legs I had run previously when out in the Alps, but had completely forgotten just how steep they were, so they both were a real slow struggle through our second night. Rob had happily caught me up for the second one, and was very patient as I set the (snail’s) pace up and over before the long descent into Vallorcine. Both this and the previous leg vie for the title of the most contrived route to the checkpoint, with both having a range of difficult-to-run gnarly switchbacks which then still ended some way from the respective CP. But once we were in Vallorcine we had only one leg left most of which would be in daylight again. I had also been more prepared for the second night hallucinations this time and ignored the rocks pretending to be in the shape of Punch (as in Judy) and a battered van, and the runner dancing back towards me…

It was very chilly alongside the river as we set off (after more soup and coffee) for the final climb up to tete aux vents and on to Flegere before the drop down to the finish, but we soon warmed up on the climb, happily not as steep as the path I was expecting nor was there a drop and climb between tete aux vents and Flegere that Rob was expecting. I celebrated slightly prematurely with a glass of coke and a cookie at the final stop at Flegere, this time more successfully than my previous request (in my best French) for a coke with little fizz – on that occasion, I was proudly provided with a coke topped up with a little fizzy water…..

I am sure I reconfirmed with the still very patient Rob multiple times whether we just had to get down to Chamonix from there… After a few more gnarly tree rooty, stoney switch backs which I was not going to run down, we got onto the track down to Chamonix. I think I was rather too tired to completely enjoy the fantastic reception that awaited us, more spectator lined streets, as we finally finished, in my case just under 42 hours later…

A gruelling experience with some epic views and climbs – there were times when I thought 36 hours might be possible, others when I didn’t think I would make it at all – ultimately the challenge was to finish! I don’t plan to do it again, but I am very happy to have done it once!

Results

parkruns – Sat 28th Aug

Fri 27 Aug 2021

From Jonathan Turner…

A busy day on the parkrun front on Saturday saw two particularly notable displays.

Nick Kealey bagged his maiden first-place finish at Myrtle in 18:50 while Geoffrey Howard topped the age-grading charts from nearly 400 runners at Fountains Abbey, with his time of 22:05 earning a stunning figure of 89.06% for the MV75-79 band.

And I was lucky enough to take part in the first-ever Chevin Forest parkrun above Otley. A soft launch, which deliberately wasn’t publicised, saw just over 100 runners take part at an event that has been 11 years in the making.

The organisation was superb and very welcoming. It’s definitely not a PB contender as you’re faced with two up-and-down loops entirely on trails, but sunshine and blue skies meant it was far less testing than it could have been.

It’s great to now have a parkrun on our doorstep – if you’re going to give it a try and have to drive then allow a bit of extra time as the start is at least a 10-minute warm-up jog from the suggested car park at Surprise View.

Consolidated club results here

Portrush 5 miles – Fri 27th Aug

Thu 26 Aug 2021

From Hilda Coulsey…

I signed up for this race on holiday planning to enjoy a lovely seaside evening on the Friday and I would volunteer for the beach parkrun on Saturday morning. It was a super evening and we came to the finish as the sun was low, setting over the sea, a beautiful scene.

I tend to imagine that the course along the coast would be flat, out towards Portstewart and back to the promenade in Portrush. However when the course description says starting at the prom then up Blackrock hill, a bit more up then some down and more up, finally down and back I knew I was in for a bit more of a challenge as if 8k isn’t challenge enough, basically trying to maintain 5k pace for longer! (exaggeration, I know, as this is UTMB week, the Yorkshireman etc etc). Lots of local running club members were taking part and the atmosphere before and afterwards was chatty and friendly.

I was happy with the result, a new pb/IH record and I can look forward to volunteering at the parkrun on Saturday.

Results: Here

(1 Ricky Johnson, Jog Lisburn Running Club, 26:35)

79 Hilda Coulsey 40:40

155 ran

Brighouse Humpday 10k – Wed 25th Aug

Tue 24 Aug 2021

From Sally Armitage…

I trundled over to Brighouse to take part in the final week of a 3 part 10k road race series that Run Able have been holding throughout August. It was a super-small field of only 38 runners, the course was mostly flat with a return along the canal. As expected, the field became really spread out very quickly and I was grateful to be able to keep the gentleman in front of me just within sight or, with no marshals on course and only the occasional arrow on trees/lampposts, I would’ve absolutely gone the wrong way!

Results: Here

(1 Joshua Mitchell, unattached, 34:32)

6 Sally Armitage 40:56 (1st lady)

38 ran

Piethorne 10k Trail Race – Sun 22nd Aug

Sat 21 Aug 2021

From Jim Ryder…

My last hilly race was the Ilkley Moor Fell Race 2020 just before lockdown. So it was nice to pull on the red and green vest once again at the Piethorne Trail Race over near Rochdale. A varied 6.4mile, 890ft elevation, route with trails alongside reservoirs, bridleways and a few sharp climbs up and over. I was 17th in a field of 119 and 2nd V55. A friendly race very well organised.

Results: Here

(1. Andrew Worster, Calder Valley Fell Runners, 38:06)

17 Jim Ryder 48:18 (2nd MV55)

119 finished

parkruns – Sat 21st Aug

Fri 20 Aug 2021

Horton Park – from Dawn Turner…

After an 18 month hiatus it was great to get back to a parkrun and where better to return than to the scene of our last one – Horton Park, Bradford.

This park holds special memories for me, not only was it a frequent childhood playing haunt but the site of my primary school is literally a cricket 6 over the perimeter hedge. Happy days.

After reacquainting ourselves with the hill on the warm up – was it always this steep? – I sought a suitable position in the starting lineup and at 9am prompt we were off. The 5km run comprises three laps of the very attractive park and on the final descent I was lapped by the race winner!

At the finish funnel JT was waiting for me, he’d crossed the line in third, with the runner a place ahead of him the wonderfully-named Mohamed Farah. I was 21st and was very chuffed to finish first in my age category.

Upton House – from Adrian Hall…

Taking advantage of a local parkrun in Poole, Dorset whilst visiting family, we ran this enjoyable 5km trail route.

Emma, who is a member of the JIH, running in Sally Westlake’s Wednesday group, was second JW10 in 29 minutes and 21 seconds.

Other parkruns…

Well done to Catherine Gibbons who was the first lady at Richmond and also to Geoff Howard, who topped the age-grade standings at Skipton.

Consolidated club results here

Leeds Dock Relay – Thu 19th Aug

Wed 18 Aug 2021

From Dan McKeown…

We had a renegade quartet of Harriers at the Leeds Dock Relay on Thursday evening – a highly furtive event that I stumbled across while I was doom-scrolling through Twitter. Teams of up to four aiming to complete as many 0.9-mile laps of the dock as possible within a one-hour time limit. I came up with the team name ‘Scrooge McDock’ and emailed the organiser to grab a berth.

Alongside my usual running buddies Danny Thompson and Lawrence McCourt, a recruitment plea on a long-since archived Fell Relays Facebook chat turned up some guy called Jack Wood, so we had a fearsome foursome and were ready to hit the docks.

The format: the course was a pavement-pounding slog round the docks with a quick scuttle across some cobbles at one point; there was a kind-of socially distanced changeover and each runner had to collect a token at the end of their lap to stick in their team’s envelope. Any team out on course at the end of the hour would be allowed to complete that lap, and the fullest envelope would determine the victor. It sounds like a faff, but it worked fairly well.

Roundhay Runners had clearly got the memo about the event as they showed up with 15 teams. Alas for the blue wall, it was to no avail – a lung-bursting fourth lap from Jack Wood (whoever he is) allowed Lawrence to get away for his own fourth lap – our 14th in total – just before the hour expired.

This was enough to secure us a famous victory and possibly our own likeness in the shape of a waterfront statue in days to come (TBC – the organisers haven’t got back to me about that one yet). Roundhay’s ‘A’ team had to settle for an unfortunate 13 laps, while there was a six-way tie of teams on 12 laps for third place, making for a somewhat crowded podium.

The event was organised by Run Leeds as part of the Leeds Waterfront Festival, which is on until the end of the month, so if anyone’s looking for something to do with the kids / in-laws there are events like canoeing and (checks website) er, Tudor jousting. (More on https://leedswf.co.uk/)

There don’t appear to be any results posted up online and I wouldn’t be surprised if none were forthcoming. The main thing is, we have our victory medals, plus we got the upstairs decking at the Brewery Tap all to ourselves, so I’m chalking that up as another win.

Result:

1. Scrooge McDock (14 laps)

Jack Wood (4 laps)

Lawrence McCourt (4 laps)

Dan McKeown (3 laps)

Danny Thompson (3 laps)

Dales Way Ultra – Sat/Sun 14th/15th Aug

Sat 14 Aug 2021

From Jane McCarthy…

Tackling the iconic Dales Way in one go has always been on my bucket list, so when Punk Panther Events announced they were running it again in 2021 (after the fiftieth anniversary and first edition ultramarathon ran in 2019) I signed up. The aim was always to finish it and enjoy it – both achieved, although I couldn’t say I enjoyed ALL of it.

The Dales Way Challenge is run North to South, finishing in our lovely home town after an official 81 miles. With checkpoints a little way off the trail and a few minor wrong turns it turned in to 84 miles. The 1,570m of climbing is far gentler than the 3,770m on the alternative Dales High Way, yet the number of stiles and gates to negotiate is massively more. I couldn’t find an answer when I googled it but I reckon there must be about 200! This made sections that are fairly flat and runnable quite a lot slower and more stop-start than I was expecting.

Luckily, there was amazing company all along the route. I was running with a friend from another local running club, and we grouped up with about six other runners early on to hear some amazing tales from the ultra-running world, which was pretty intimidating, yet everyone was so friendly, supportive, encouraging, positive, and happy!

The checkpoints are positioned every 10 miles which breaks the route down nicely and again runners are met with enthusiasm, cheers and kindness to get you motivated, re-fuelled and on to the next section with a smile. We were lucky to have Andrew Merrick kindly supporting in the early stages, making such a difference on a long event. Entering Wharfedale above Buckden (mile 50’ish) felt like a watershed moment (our home valley!) and had the added bonus of fellow Harriers Jean S, Becky White and Gail Welsh cheering us on.

As night fell, the head torches were on and our heads were down for a slog back home. This is where the hole in the enjoyment experience came. The stiles loomed every few hundred metres, the ground felt hard, there were a few too many cows nearby, the beautiful Wharfedale views were reduced to our 2 metre head torch beam…… which is the point in a race/event that I always tell myself “If it was easy, everyone would be doing it…” So Rebecca and I cracked on and got ourselves back to Ilkley, clocking in at 4am. This is a tough event, 27 finished out of 38 starters. There was mention at the end by one of the PP team that it may also be run as a relay event next year, which would be an excellent way to encourage more people to enjoy this iconic trail.

Results: Here

(1 Greg Judges 17hrs 07mins)

10= Rebecca Cesar de Sa and Jane McCarthy 19hrs 28mins (2nd= female)

27 finished

Eldwick Gala Fell Race – Sat 14th Aug

Fri 13 Aug 2021

From Richard Joel…

Nice to see the return of a village gala! Four Harriers ran in today’s Eldwick Gala fell race, organised by Bingley Harriers. This 3-mile route takes you to the trig on Baildon Moor and back, involving 550 feet of climbing. Conditions were fine and not too hot with a bit of a breeze at the top.

Well done to Jack for coming second overall, Fay for second Senior Lady and Alison for first LV50.

Results: Here

(1. Joe Baxter, Pudsey & Bramley AC, 16:49)

2. Jack Cummings 17:10

32. Richard Joel 22:25

44. Fay Walsh 23:28

66. Alison Weston 26:35 (1st LV50)

96 finished

Littondale Fell & Road Races – Sat 14th Aug

Fri 13 Aug 2021

From Jonathan Turner…

My first experience of the Arncliffe Gala races and hopefully the first of many. It’s a very friendly and well-organised day, with tea and cakes on the picturesque village green and a brass band playing. Lots of junior Harriers took part in the various sports and races, with Samuel Bentham winning the U17 event while Poppy Anderson was first WJun in the four-mile road race which preceded the main event. What are thought to be record turnouts of 130 seniors and 128 juniors took part in the fell races, with Ted Mason of Wharfedale Harriers claiming his first BOFRA championship win of the season in a time of 10.34 for the 2.4km route and Iain Gibbons leading us home in 13:12. It was nice to meet him as well as David and Matt – and the less said about my shambolic descending back to the village the better!

Results: Here

Fell Race

(1. Ted Mason, Wharfedale Harriers, 10:34)

23. Iain Gibbons 13:12

43. Jonathan Turner 15:01

52. David Singleton 15:54

65. Matthew Snow 16:51

130 finished

Road Race

(1. Joe Monk, Preston Harriers, 20:06)

13. Jonathan Turner 24:17 (1st MV50)

36. Poppy Anderson 28:33 (1st WJun)

104 finished

Kings Challenge – Thu 12th Aug

Wed 11 Aug 2021

From Bob Hamilton…

It’s reassuring to find fell races now being held in their usual slots on the calendar. This was the seventh running of the Kings Challenge and just my second, the race having fallen below my radar until 2018. The only change was an adjustment to the previous start on the road opposite the Kings Arms (from which the race takes its name) to a more sensible one in the park opposite. There is something very appealing about races that begin in a village and run to the top of the nearest hill, in this case, the trig point on Addingham High Moor.

The great thing about an out and back course is that it puts you closely in touch with the race, able to see who is leading, who your targets might be, and who might be targeting you. I was able to witness Ian Holmes fly past near the front of the race (he ultimately finished 2nd, which at 56 years of age is nothing short of astonishing and making me very happy that we move into different vet categories at almost the same time!). Soon after the turn, I was able to see that two fellow Harrier vests were hot on my heels, spurring me on to a faster descent than I might otherwise have taken. I’ve always found that there’s nothing quite like the rivalry inspired by seeing a club vest in front of you! I managed to hold Paul and Duncan off until the last quarter of a mile where I failed to discover a response to their sprint finish that I don’t think I’ve ever managed to find. We all helped each other push ourselves a little more than we otherwise might have done, which is a big part of the fun of running for a club.

Congratulations to Fay Walsh as first woman home and also Alison Weston as the first LV50.

Results: Here

(1. Paul Pruzina, Pudsey & Bramley AC, 42.00)

30. Fay Walsh 54.33 (1st lady)

35. Duncan Cooper 56.26

37. Paul Disney 56.32

38. Bob Hamilton 56.35

61. Alison Weston 1.03.18 (1st LV50)

91 finished

Round Hill Fell Race – Sun 8th Aug

Sat 7 Aug 2021

[Photo courtesy of Steve Davey]

From Matt Cox… I made the short trip up to Timble for the Round Hill Fell Race, along with three other Harriers. It’s been a while since I have run this race (2008 & 2009), so I thought I’d have another crack at it given it’s so local. The course was what you may call “moist” after several heavy downpours in the days preceding the race, and on the morning itself just before the start. Once the gun went however, the sun was out and it really was a great run along to Lippersley Pike, Round Hill and then down towards March Ghyll Reservoir. The stream crossings that had been a mere trickle on my recce the week before had become much deeper, as Sam Green from Wharfedale who was just in front of me as we made the first crossing found out and took a full Tom Daley style dive head first into it. No harm done thankfully! After a slight battle with Sam, I held on for 3rd overall and 1st MV40, just sneaking under the hour. Fay Walsh also had a great run to finish 5th lady.

Overall a cracking little race, and one I’d recommend to anyone wanting to try a fell race without worrying about navigation as the course was well flagged, marked and marshalled.

From Colin Williams…On Sunday the Round Hill Fell Race took place, the numbers of runners was down on the last time it was run and only four Ilkley Harriers took part.

The forecast was for showers and the heavens opened 15 minutes before the start but luckily the shower passed and the race was more or less rain-free, but the overnight rain made the course very wet underfoot.

The star of the Ilkley Harriers was Matt Cox, who came third overall and also was the fastest MV40 in a time of 59:54.

Results: Here

(1. Gary Priestley, Salford Harriers, 57:21)

3 Matt Cox 59:54 (1st MV40)

36 Colin Williams 1:13:30

40 Fay Walsh 1:16:10

46 Paul Disney 1:17:35

97 finished

Harriers AGM – 21st Sept 8.30pm (on Zoom)

Sun 1 Aug 2021

As is required in our Club Constitution we must hold an AGM after the end of our financial year, end August. This year our AGM is remote via Zoom on the 21st September 2021.

We must have an AGM with a quorum of members and the committee would appreciate if you could join to hear what the committee and others in the club have undertaken on your behalf, to question us and to input your ideas as well as get to see fellow members.

It would therefore be appreciated if as many of you who can join do so.

The details (including meeting ID / passcode) are all on the agenda (via this link) and you should also have received that and the minutes from last year’s meeting via email. Over the next few weeks we will prepare reports on our activities for discussion and these will be available beforehand along with the final agenda. This notice will also be posted on Facebook and WhatsApp.

Finally, there are still some key roles available so please step forward to support the club as part of the committee, race captains or race organisers. We look forward to seeing you in a few weeks.

Regards,

Steve

On behalf of the Ilkley Harriers Committee

England U17 mountain running

Sun 1 Aug 2021

Congratulations to Emily Gibbins on her selection for the England Women’s U17 B team for the upcoming mountain running Junior Home International in Northern Ireland on 4 September.

This is now the highlight of the mountain running season for the Juniors with the recent postponement of the world championships.

Today’s England Athletics announcement read: “Emily secures her first England vest after a strong showing in the trial for the U18 Home Countries Youth Cup in Ambleside, where she finished six seconds behind automatic selection. Like her teammates, Emily’s experience over Cross Country has produced a bronze in the 2020 U17 Yorkshire County Championships and a commendable 17th place in the CAU Inter Counties FU15 championship race in 2020. Emily also finished fifth in the 2021 English FRA FU17 championships.”

Ilkley Moor Fell Race – please volunteer!

Sun 1 Aug 2021

The Ilkley Moor Fell Race takes place on Sunday 12th September and we still need a few more volunteers – please sign up here if you’re able to help. If you’re wanting to run in the event then click here to enter.

Ilkley Moor Fell Race 2021

Sun 1 Aug 2021

We’re pleased to announce the Ilkley Moor Fell Race will take place in 2021, on 12th September rather than its usual slot earlier in the calendar. More details to follow shortly and you can enter here.

Kentmere Horseshoe – Sun 1st Aug

Sat 31 Jul 2021

From Rachel Carter…

The Kentmere Horseshoe, a FRA championship counter, was dedicated to Pete Bland this year (in honour of his dedication to fell running and specifically to being race organiser of this race for many years). It sold out with 600 entrants and was attended by lots of key figures of the sport. Despite COVID, the registration field felt pleasantly back to normal on a warm, dry day with runners milling about before and afterwards. After a few words from Pete’s family, plenty of applause and three cheers, the race was underway – women at noon, followed by the men 15 mins later. The race is a (long) AM category – 12.3 miles and 3300 ft of climbing (and descending!).

I ran intending to ‘get round’ in one piece, which I did. My lack of descending skill was blatantly highlighted amongst the experienced fell runners in this race, plus I found it hard to race when I didn’t really know what was left in terms of terrain, ascent and descent (i.e. a recce would have helped!). It was a beautiful day, but I barely looked up for fear of tripping (I did see Haweswater and Windermere) – unlike Peter who stopped to indulge in the view and take a photo or two.

The course record was broken for both the men’s race (Jacob Adkin) and the women’s race – with Hannah Horsburgh of Keswick AC taking an amazing 11mins off to finish in 1:29:30!

A few Harriers made the journey up the A65 (including Geoff Howard supporting), with Dan and Nathan both on excellent form.

From Peter Shelley…

After 18 months without racing, other than local virtual ‘races’ and a socially-distanced Ilkley Incline, I felt ready for a fell race, in so far as that is ever possible, and decided it should be Kentmere. I had mountain biked through Kentmere village and over the Garburn Pass and thought it was a beautiful area worth revisiting. The race seemed to offer a slightly better pleasure-to-pain ratio than Wasdale or Langdale Horseshoes, is a bit shorter and in a reasonably accessible part of the Lakes. I was pleased to see that a number of other Ilkley Harriers had had the same idea, and travelled over with Rachel and Jon.

After a nice chat in the car on the way, we would have settled for a picnic in the field by the Church, but no, 19km and 1,000m of ascent awaited, preceded by the usual kit dilemma: what to wear, what to carry, would wind chill be a problem, or sunburn, or both? Take the jam sandwiches and save the peanut butter sandwiches for later, or vice versa? As part of the 2021 English Fell Running Championship, the race had reached its 600-competitor limit in advance. On the day, only 478 turned up due I suspect to a combination of pan- and pingdemic.

Competitors were split into women and men with 15 minutes between starts. Despite this there was still a bottleneck as runners turned off the bridleway from the village and onto the single track beneath Buck Crag. Here it was a case of single file only apart from those suffering early race enthusiasm who took on the surrounding bracken and lost.

At this stage, the slower pace was no bad thing as most of the race ascent ensued over the next 9k to High Street, interrupted only by a short tricky descent off Ill Bell, which marked the first of three control peaks where runners had to ‘dib’. The endless climbing, including a fair bit of walking, left plenty of time for the inner monologue ‘Why are you doing this when it’s so horrible? You are too old/confused/unfit. You should stick to shorter races/longer races/flatter races/cycling/knitting’ etc.

The views from 800m were fantastic, and at one point the tourist in me overcame the racer and I stopped to take some photographs of the Kentmere reservoir and valley below. I now wish I had taken some at Nan Bield pass as well, which offered great views east to Haweswater and west to Kentmere.

Most of the second half is descent, much of it on runnable grassy slopes with the odd rocky or muddy surprise. I slipped a couple of times, avoided falling, but in the last 2km got cramp in my left calf and tried a variety of unorthodox running techniques to try and get to the finish. I finished 10 minutes within my estimated time of 2hrs 20m for a profoundly average result of 269/478 overall and 21/41 V50, held back I believe by carrying all the mandatory FRA kit which I never needed, a particularly heavy mobile phone which I used to take photographs that wasted further time, and additional time spent searching for a sandwich in my backpack which I later discovered was in my car. There may have been other impediments I have yet to remember.

Some great performances by younger Ilkley Harriers:

Results: Here

(1. Jacob Adkin, Keswick AC, 1:20:22)

20. Dan Dry 1:32:59

26. Nathan Edmondson 1:35:28

100. Jonathan Denniss 1:49:53

185. Paul Howard 2:01:55

243. Rachel Carter 2:07:51 (36th female, 4th FV45)

269. Peter Shelley 2:10.19

478 finished.

parkruns – Sat 31st July

Fri 30 Jul 2021

Lots of Harriers have returned to parkrun since the restart earlier this month. At Woodhouse parkrun Harry Stead came 6th and Fay Walsh was first female, whilst Steve Gott flew the Ilkley flag at Bradford parkrun in 5th position. Beth Massey was first female at Fountains Abbey, and Michael Abrams-Cohen 4th at Skipton. Full results can be found by following the link below.

Consolidated club results here

Dick Hudson’s Fell Race – Thu 29th July

Wed 28 Jul 2021

From Bob Hamilton…

For the second time in two weeks, Oli Murphy chased the winner all the way home, again losing out by just a few agonising seconds. Holding the race in late July as opposed to April meant that the best line from the start (by the gate on the track up to White Wells) was more in doubt than usual, this year’s verdant crop of bracken having stolen away many of the usual trods. It must be a fascinating sight to see people disappearing up any number of different routes.

I originally instigated and organised this race in my days as a renegade wearing the white vest of Wharfedale. Being an unmarked out and back meant that it didn’t require much organisation, which was the general idea. It’s always odd to be running now, without any responsibility, very few people knowing of the history, and being able to enjoy the fact that all the pain being suffered out on the course is ultimately down to me! The course has never been faster, both men’s and ladies records being broken this year.

Results: Here

(1. Harry Holmes, Matlock AC, 44:57)

2. Oli Murphy 45:00

18. Joe Morrell 51:36

52. Rob Cunningham 57:47

55. Steve Ladhams 58:26

69. Fay Walsh 1:00:42

84. Bob Hamilton 1:04:12 (1st MV60)

137. Mary Jeal 1:28:37

Aintree 10k – Sun 25th July

Sat 24 Jul 2021

From Alison Bennett…

My 60th birthday started with an outing to the races. Fortunately, the jumps and the fences for which this course is renowned were not a feature of today’s 10k race. Setting off in socially distanced pairs for a two-lap course, passing the iconic Red Rum statue, along the Melling Road and finishing in front of the Grandstand created a special atmosphere and the results suggest the ‘going was good’.

Results: Here

(1. Ciaran Ferris, Springwell RC, 32:51)

24. Alison Bennett 43:30 (3rd lady, 1st FV60)

191 finished

*UPDATE – congratulations to Alison, this is a new FV60 club record (and also beats the FV55 mark too)*

parkruns – Sat 24th July

Fri 23 Jul 2021

Saturday saw the welcome return of parkruns in England. At Skipton, three Harriers placed in the top 20 – Rob Cunningham was third in 18:11, with Mike AC sixth and Tom Lambe 16th. And at Bradford – which is now run in a clockwise direction – Steve Gott also notched a third place with a time of 18:36.

Consolidated club results here.

Lakeland 100 / 50 – Fri/Sat 23rd/24th July

Thu 22 Jul 2021

From Ben Sheppard…

I don’t know if it is possible to be overtrained for a 100-mile run, but I certainly was not. Praying for the heatwave to abate before the race start (6pm Friday) took my mind off the distance and climb that lay ahead: a cruelly misadvertised 105 miles and barely mentioned 22,000 ft. Slathered in sun cream and waiting to get started, we were serenaded with Nessun Dorma to raise the emotional temperature, followed by some thumping rock music to get us duly pumped up for departing Coniston via streets lined with cheering friends, family and bewildered holidaymakers.

A beautiful warm evening took us to Seathwaite, Boot, and into Wasdale as night fell. Over Black Sail pass into Ennerdale, to Buttermere, Braithwaite, past Keswick, Blencathra as the sun rose, Dockray and at last the psychological halfway point (albeit at 60 miles) of Dalemain where a bag drop promised fresh socks and top, resupply of foot balm and sun cream, and the start point of the 50-mile race where Kate Archer and Jane McCarthy would shortly be setting off.

Mercifully some cloud cover took the edge off the rising temperatures as midday approached, through Howtown, the neverending climb up Fusedale, the painfully slow and sweltering rocky path to Mardale Head, another long climb up Gatesgarth Pass, the downhills now becoming painful, into Long Sleddale and then Kentmere, the faster 50-mile racers coming past – including Kate looking brilliant but feeling unwell. Over Garburn Pass on to Ambleside (friendly words from Jane as she breezed past me looking very relaxed), the town thronging with cheering supporters and tourists, where a leg massage and mug of soup revived my body and lifted my spirits.

Final push now albeit at barely more than shuffle through Langdale, every step on the flat and downhill now quite painful (my uphill legs faring much better). Over Blea Moor to the final checkpoint at Tilberthwaite and one last big climb, relying heavily on my poles, and checking my watch at the top to discover that my arbitrary goal of 30 hours (midnight) was still possible – just. Oh bother, that meant I had to push hard on the final rocky descent into Coppermines Valley and a final stretch of road to Coniston and with a few minutes to spare the finish line, where every finisher is greeted with whoops and applause that felt surreal as the joy, relief and tiredness flooded over me.

Lovely to see Jane and Kate at the finish and savour that pint of beer that had been on my mind for the past 12 hours. Perhaps the hardest part was the half-mile shuffle to my B&B after my body had shut down. Well done to Jane (6th lady) and Kate on the 50-mile race – one of the toughest 50-mile races around and on a hot, hot day. If you asked me at the finish I’d have said never again. But if you like a challenge and an adventure you should give it a go some day.

Results: Here

Harrogate SRL at Sicklinghall – Wed 21st July

Tue 20 Jul 2021

From Alison Bennett…

Wednesday evening saw a small gathering of Ilkley Harriers receive a warm welcome at the first actual, non-virtual race of the Harrogate Summer Road League; rather too warm for most, with the evening temperatures being in the mid 20 degrees centigrade.

This didn’t deter Dan who ran a scorcher to finish in second place. Other Harriers also performed well and I was super chuffed to be third lady overall!

Participants were set off at intervals in small groups which maintained social distancing. The race started and finished with a lap of the field and incorporated some undulating lanes in between.

Thank you to Wetherby Runners who hosted a well-organized and marshalled event. It was won by Scott Harrington of Otley AC, hot on the heels of his Ilkley Half Marathon victory.

Results: Here

(1. Scott Harrington, Otley AC, 33:20)

2. Dan Dry 34:20 (1st MSEN)

28. Colin Williams 43:18 (3rd MV55)

37. Alison Bennett 44:20 (3rd lady, 1st FV55)

50. David Singleton 46:26

68. David Holder 48:30

90. Philip Hirst 52:00 (3rd MV60)

158 finished

Sir Titus Trot Marathon – Sun 18 July

Sat 17 Jul 2021

From Colin Williams…

On Sunday I ran the It’s Grim up North ‘Sir Titus Trot Marathon’. IGUN is a local company that regularly runs small friendly races from 5K up to Ultra Marathons. Pre-covid, their races filled up quickly, but recently their numbers have been down, so if you are looking for a race at short notice, run by a very friendly team, give them a go.

The marathon on Sunday was along the Leeds-Liverpool Canal and while flat the hot weather made it a very tough race. I finished in 4:14:58, the race winner was Joseph Minton in a time of 3:57:23.

Results: Here

(1. Joseph Minton, N/A, 03:57:23)

3. Colin Williams 4:14:58

13 finished

Alderman’s Ascent – Sat 17th July

Fri 16 Jul 2021

From Alison Weston…

FRA English Championship race – 5.1 miles with 1,463 ft ascent. Sweltering hot to put it mildly, but six Harriers took part in a very competitive field. Kate had a flyer and didn’t seem to notice the heat, but Sarah and I had to recover in the river afterwards! Great times for Dan and Jack too and well done to Antonio who ran for Otley and finished 10th MV70!

Results: Here

Ladies race

(1. Hannah Horsburgh, Keswick AC, 39:12)

13. Kate Archer 50:53 (2nd FV40)

45. Alison Weston 61:26 (9th FV55)

58. Sarah Pickering 67:20 (7th FU23)

79 finished

Men’s race

(1. Joseph Dugdale, Cumberland Fell Runners, 35:52)

34. Dan Dry 42:37

36. Jack Cummings 42:50

222 finished

Ingleborough Mountain Race – Sat 17th July

Fri 16 Jul 2021

From Rachel Carter…

I had entered Ingleborough Mountain Race on the quiet (i.e. I hadn’t negotiated an afternoon out) a couple of months back so had actually forgotten about it until the day before when the ‘Race Instructions’ landed in my inbox on Friday AM. In the end all was good for me to run (accompanied by eldest son for support) on what was a scorching hot afternoon. Despite the heat (and lack of rain forecast) FRA kit requirements were only relaxed slightly in that we could omit waterproof trousers and gloves from the list, and also had to carry water – a no brainer for me. The race is essentially an out and back, except for the option of taking a steep grassy descent off the top to avoid the rocky crags you’ve just scrambled up, and includes a long section of rocky track in both directions between 2 walls, which was a bit like running between 2 pizza stones on this occasion. The race was set off in 5 waves, 5 mins apart so you only find out how you’ve done once back home/the day after.

Results: Here

(1 Graham Rush, Leeds City Athletic Club, 48:45)

31 Danny Thompson 1:05:09

32 Rachel Carter 1:05:51 (2nd Lady, 1st LV40)

Beamsley Beacon Fell Race – Thu 15th July

Wed 14 Jul 2021

From Bob Hamilton…

You wait months, years even, for a local fell race and then two come along at once! Covid rescheduling meant that the Otley Chevin and Beamsley Beacon races fell on successive evenings. I have a long history with both but Beamsley is the one that’s dearest to me.

It’s not easy to write a race report from the middle of the field where I seemed to be running in a Harrier vacuum. I had no Ilkley vest in sight from start to finish. In all the years I’ve run this event I don’t think I can remember a more perfect evening for racing: blue skies, warm without being hot or too humid, and barely a breath of wind. As I climb (or fall?) through the vet categories, fell running becomes less about time and position and more about enjoying the privilege of still being able to take part. I have to admit, though, that there remains a thrill to be had from hearing your name called out at the prize-giving and going to collect a couple of bottles of beer! A hard-earned but simple pleasure!

At the sharp end of the race, Oli Murphy and Nathan Edmondson kept each other thoroughly honest, just a couple of seconds separating them at the finish. This is a club rivalry that looks likely to run and run! Nathan will have his name added to the trophy, which I noticed is rapidly running out of space for engraving. It has a remarkably long history.

Full credit to Wharfedale Harriers for putting on the event so well, one eye to safety, the other to making it feel like we’re almost back to normal.

Results: Here

1. Nathan Edmonson 33:52

2. Oli Murphy 33:54

5. Dan Dry 36:00

32. Richard Joel 43:38

52. Bob Hamilton 48:12 (1st MV60)

66. John Pickering 51:30

89. Chris Oxlade 57:25

98. Phil Chappell 1:03:20

100. Mary Jeal 1:04:54

108 finished

Otley Chevin Fell Race – Wed 14th July

Tue 13 Jul 2021

From Jeff Green…

Now in its 40-somethingth year, the Otley Chevin Fell Race is short (4.5k) but sharp (210m climb). So sharp that, despite being a category C race, it only just falls short of the A category in terms of climb per km.

Numbers were a bit down on 2019, possibly due to some runners not having recovered from the Ilkley Half just three days earlier. Jack Cummings seemed to have recovered well and had a storming run, collecting 2nd place and a voucher to spend at Yorkshire Runner, who sponsored the race and provided all runners with a free pair of socks – if they could make it down the road to the shop after the race.

As COVID restrictions hadn’t been lifted as expected, runners were set off in waves every 10 seconds, based on their own predicted times. This reduced the potential for bottlenecks in the early stages of the race, but made results calculations more challenging and prizes had to be announced by email the following day. It also meant that you didn’t know whether digging a bit deeper on the home straight might make a difference to your position. Fingers crossed for a return to normal for next year’s race.

It was my first time at this race and I was happy to beat my predicted time by a small margin, but was still 20 seconds behind the leading MV50. Steve Ladhams also had a good run, coming in well ahead of his predicted time.

Results: Here

(1 Graham Rush, Leeds City AC, 17:31)

2 Jack Cummings 17:48

13 Jeff Green 21:58

33 Steve Ladhams 24:22

130 finished

Ilkley Half Marathon – Sun 11th July

Sat 10 Jul 2021

From Jonathan Turner…

Another brilliantly organised and marshalled Ilkley Half – all the more impressive given the challenges and restrictions imposed by Covid – was enjoyed by nearly 100 Harriers. Plenty of fantastic performances including top-seven places for Jack, Oli and Cam, plus top-five in the ladies standings for Lucy and Rachel. If I’m not mistaken that also means both team prizes went to the Harriers. And there were age category wins for Jonathan Sinclair and Barbara Bullock.

Huge thanks to everyone who gave up their time to put on the race, marshall and support, it was much appreciated.

And if you’d like to send in a report from your own perspective that would be great, please email to the address at the top of the page.

Results: Here

(1 Scott Harrington, Otley AC, 1:11:10)

4 Jack Cummings 1:12:58

5 Oliver Murphy 1:13:29

7 Cameron Reilly 1:14:38

18 Daniel McKeown 1:19:14

26 Rob Cunningham 1:22:02

30 Danny Thompson 1:22:35

36 Ritchie Williamson 1:23:18

52 Jonathan Turner 1:26:14 (2nd MV50)

57 Lucy Williamson 1:26:50 (3rd lady, 2nd F SNR)

66 Rachel Carter 1:27:48 (2nd FV40)

69 Will Simmons 1:28:21

70 Peter De Sanctis 1:28:32

85 Michael Abrams-Cohen 1:29:08

91 Andrew Overend 1:29:21

99 Paddy Sturman 1:29:43

115 Steve Newell 1:31:00

118 Jenny Roberts 1:31:14

146 Iain Young 1:33:29

149 Harry Stead 1:33:47

155 Jonathan Sinclair 1:34:05 (1st MV60)

171 Colin Williams 1:35:15

185 John Hayes 1:35:56

186 Leah Chown 1:36:01

187 Scott White 1:36:12

248 Ann-Kristin Marsham 1:39:11

249 Michael Ho 1:39:13

262 Mike Williams 1:39:45 (2nd MV60)

265 Peter Roll 1:39:53

282 Claire Mcloughlin 1:40:56

285 Tom Worboys 1:41:02

308 Richard Eccles 1:42:08

316 John Pickering 1:42:28

317 Mary Fairclough 1:42:33

321 David Singleton 1:43:02

325 Marc Westerman 1:43:10

335 Craig Berry 1:43:51

350 Molina Marshall-Brooksbank 1:44:25

374 Harry Sime 1:45:22

377 Michael Duffield 1:45:31

407 Hannah Partner 1:46:27

413 Peter Chippindale 1:46:35

417 Keith Wood 1:46:47

422 Oliver Stoker 1:47:06

430 Paul Disney 1:47:32

437 Nigel Tapper 1:47:45

454 Oliver Street 1:48:27

456 Oscar Street 1:48:28

463 Charlotte Smithson 1:48:46

470 Simon Jenkins 1:49:12

535 Joanne Williamson 1:51:06

565 Tom Lally 1:52:15

603 Jill Ezard 1:53:46

618 Larrissa Penny 1:54:18

639 David Cunningham 1:55:04

676 Dawn Turner 1:56:16

683 Teresa Brooks 1:56:27

711 Jenny Burton 1:57:18

722 Erin Keating 1:57:33

785 Martyn Stocker 1:59:05

801 Stephanie Fox 1:59:44

840 Hilda Coulsey 2:01:44

890 David Howe 2:04:29

893 Amelia Miles 2:04:45

906 Catherine Eversfield 2:05:35

914 Barbara Bullock 2:05:47 (1st F70)

1022 Andrew Barker 2:11:53

1143 Sarah Hayes 2:19:39

1153 Sue Verspyck 2:20:27

1164 David Ibbotson 2:20:54

1165 Maria Brophy 2:21:04

1166 Melanie Edwards 2:21:13

1194 Sue Williamson 2:23:45

1198 Penny Coulthard 2:23:52

1205 Tracy Russell 2:24:44

1212 Jonathan Nelson 2:25:36

1284 Murna Downs 2:34:33

1289 Nicky Solloway 2:35:35

1291 Sarah Carroll 2:35:51

1362 Caroline Iredale 2:56:24

1377 finished

Race to the Stones – Sat 10th July

Fri 9 Jul 2021

A father’s race report from Bob Hamilton

One of four races in the Threshold Trail Series, the Race to the Stones follows the ancient ridgeway path from Lewknor, at the edge of the Chilterns, to Avebury in Wiltshire, 100 kms in distance. What was Forrest thinking? He’d not even run a marathon before this event. But, as any parent will understand, there was little point in trying to dissuade him from his folly. His mind had been set for some while, picking up the ultra-distance running bug during the lockdown of last year. I have to carry some blame. Running together, it’s possible that he got so fed up with hearing about my exploits of thirty-odd years ago that he decided he’d better start writing some stories of his own.

I’ve been so out of touch with the ultra scene that I’ll admit to having no idea just how big it has become in recent years. I’ve been aware of the elite runners smashing records and posting insane times for the Pennine Way and the Coast to Coast, but it hadn’t really registered just how many runners at the grassroots level were completing Ultras. Perhaps I should have gained some idea from all the race reports appearing here from fellow Harriers. There seems to be a lot of experience in the club.

When Forrest realised that I’d run the Western States 100 miler in California, all the way back in 1985, he set himself the challenge to one day run the race himself and win his own silver buckle, aiming for a faster time too—there’s nothing quite like a bit of father-son rivalry! The biggest challenge is now simply getting an entry to the race, the number of people putting their names in the hat for the lottery growing every year. The very first step is to get the standard to enter and this race served as an official qualification event.

During lockdown Forrest has been reading avariciously about ultrarunning, studying the science, learning about nutrition, understanding his body. It was so different in my day. If there was any science, I certainly didn’t know about it. I ran my first marathon in a pair of Woolworth plimsolls, my first 100 miler in a pair of Dunlop Green Flash tennis shoes. It’s hard for Forrest to believe that trainers weren’t a thing back then. A multi-billion dollar industry didn’t exist. Nutrition didn’t go much further than Ambrosia Creamed Rice Pudding and Mars Bars.

Various little niggles meant that he hadn’t run as many miles as he would have liked in training, nor had he been able to do the marathon distance run he’d planned for a few weeks before the big day. He reasoned that it was more important to make sure he turned up on the start line well rested and without any issues. He’s far more sensible than I ever was.

This was my first ever experience from the other side of the fence, supporting Forrest in this race. It was hard work! His mum was the driver. I was the navigator, armed with the four OS Landranger maps the race route traversed. My main advice to Forrest was not to start too fast and I knew it wouldn’t be heeded. It just had to be said anyway. When we first saw him, at 18 miles, he knew perfectly well that he was getting sucked into a faster pace than he intended. He was enjoying himself. I knew the feeling. He’d found someone to run with and was enjoying the pace and the camaraderie. There was no point in telling him to drop off.

At the halfway point, over 30 miles in, the wheels had started to come off and I had to remind myself that he’d already run further than he’d ever run before. Forrest didn’t need any such reminding. His whole body was telling him so in the language of fatigue. The race was now a mental battle rather than a physical one. I had very little doubt that he had the resilience required to keep going but he had yet to prove that to himself. He soon did.

Having never before shown a lot of interest in running, it was an incredible and unexpected delight for me to run with Forrest for a few miles in the second half of the race, and be able to remind myself of the joy of these events and why I once loved them so much. They are an incredible celebration of the human spirit. The support on the trail was fabulous. All the runners I saw had smiles on their faces. I got a chance to chat to a few. They all had their own stories, often running to raise money for causes close to home. There is such an incredible buzz.

I knew that he’d experience more pain in the last third of the race than he’d ever have thought possible. That wasn’t wrong. He really had no idea! I’ve told him that it will likely never be as bad as that again. He’ll now train hard enough to make sure of that. It was an immensely proud moment to watch him cross the finishing line. He learned a great deal about himself during this event. And he wants to learn more. It’s most definitely the start of something rather than the finish.

Results:

(1 Paddy Hamilton 8:21:46)

130 Forrest Hamilton 12:13:00

1,285 finished

Wharfedale Trail Half Marathon – Sat 10th July

Fri 9 Jul 2021

From Jo Foster…

Before marshalling on Sunday I did the other half marathon that was on this weekend, Saturday’s Wharfedale Trail Half Marathon. It’s a gorgeous route that starts and finishes in Threshfield and is lumpier than I remembered. It’s not just about Mastiles Lane! We also had humid conditions but there was, at least, a bit of breeze in parts – and tractors to get stuck behind! This was the first race I’ve done in a very long time and I was really pleased to get round in 2:17:05 and 2nd FV50. There were a few other Harriers there too and some great performances – Matt Cox was sixth (and first MV45), Jenny Roberts was second lady (and ran the Ilkley Half the next day!) while Jayne Norman notched another PB.

Results: Here

(1 Matt Livesey, Pudsey Pacers, 1:32:57)

6 Matt Cox 1:39:32 (1st MV45)

21 Jenny Roberts 1:50:23 (2nd lady)

27 Robert Green 1:55:28

96= Paul Evans 2:17:05

96= Jo Foster 2:17:05 (2nd FV50)

100 Emma Sheppard 2:17:26

122 Jayne Norman 2:24:00

191 Deborah Nicholson 250:45

219 finished

Lakeland Trails 55k – Sat 10th July

Fri 9 Jul 2021

From Andrew Merrick…

Jane McCarthy, Helen Waddington and I set out from Ilkley at 7am on Saturday morning for a Lakeland adventure, Jane having very kindly offered to drive us across to Ambleside in time for our staggered starts. We had located a car park close to the start by 9am, giving us plenty of essential pre-race faffing time.

We were set off in groups of 10 or so at various time slots from 9:30 onwards, having been required to show a negative covid test result before we were allowed into registration, which included a very thorough kit check on a very warm and humid morning.

I had the opportunity to maintain my reputation for bumping into people in random places as I found an ex-colleague from Sheffield and his wife were also doing the race…. I was the last of our merry band to set off, and near the back of the field, having been the slowest to respond to the email to book a starting slot, so I was able to cheer on Helen and then Jane before my final pre race faffing…..

I had been having trouble with my Garmin all week (mainly on the golf course), but had made sure that it was fully charged on Friday night. I was somewhat surprised to find it had 28% of battery left as I switched it into running mode just before I started (it had clearly been running some function overnight without telling me or the watch face it had continued to show). Fortunately the route was very well marked and supported by marshalls, so watch failure was more of a mental than navigational challenge as I set off in our 10:43 gang of about 8 up to Kirkstone Pass. I was glad, however, I had printed out the “route card” which gave me distances between the various checkpoints.

The steady climb up to Kirkstone pass was incident free and I stopped long enough at the first CP to grab a banana (I still haven’t worked out nutrition on hot days), and a water bottle refill. The weather was by this time sunnier than we had expected from the very cloudy start but it was certainly very muggy, the compulsory extra top and waterproof trousers (not to mention the head torch) were feeling a little surplus to requirements.

I don’t recall much about leg 2 (a slight concern!) other than when I arrived at Glenridding Village Hall, there was a long refuelling queue so I took a bit of a risk and decided to crack on for the longest (only 12km) leg featuring our toughest climb over Grisedale, concluding I could manage that distance with my remaining 0.7 litre of tailwind/water, knowing I would be over halfway by then, and that I had food supplies with me.

This plan largely worked, although my current long distance food of choice (nakd bars) I found were materially harder to consume on hot days and needed more liquid accompaniment than I was expecting. I had four bottles with me, with extra tailwind supplies, which I was glad of, and filled 3 of the 4 when I made it into Grasmere and a much smaller water queue. So I was soon on my way again, feeling in reasonably good shape. The dynamic of staggered starts is an interesting one in that there are always people in front of you that you feel you can/should chase down – on balance I think it is helpful although there is a risk that you go off too quickly and it does add to the traffic on narrow sections of the route. Personally on the long climbs I found it useful to have a target to aim for, and, of course, in my case it did help a little with navigation… My watch finally gave up on me a short while after Grasmere, but I knew from here it was only 6-7km to each of the next three checkpoints and an 8km final leg.

So my focus for the remainder of the race switched to ensuring I drank regularly, whilst staying upright and counting down the checkpoints. I only tripped over twice which is probably about par for me over that distance, and provided entertainment for those sensibly following me at a safe distance. I don’t recall much about the remaining legs other than I was conscious I was close to cramping up on a couple of climbs and that I was pleasantly surprised to find the penultimate check point slightly sooner than I was expecting. I grabbed some cramp avoidance peanuts and crisps at the final checkpoint and set off for the final climb (actually two, I had forgotten about the second one, having done the same route a few years ago) before dropping down to the finish. As I exited the final CP, the black skies finally let go of the burden they had been carrying for some time, and we were absolutely drenched over the final 5 miles, which was largely a very pleasant experience! The only challenge was having to guess how deep the puddles were that had formed very quickly in the downpour.

By the time I arrived at the finish the rain had largely abated and I made a token sprint for the line for the supporting crowds who were kindly cheering us all on.

Needless to say Jane, who was the first lady, had already finished well before me in yet another impressive run, and was looking as if she had been out for a morning stroll, as I adopted my post-race waddle back the van. And Helen wasn’t far behind having smashed her previous time from a couple of years ago in a testament to her commitment to her CCC training.

To round off our outing Jane very kindly went into Ambleside to acquire fish & chips, washed down in my case by the compulsory post race Saltaire Blonde.

A friendly, very popular, well organised race in beautiful surroundings within relatively easy access, strongly recommended for anyone wanting to do a short distance ultra in the Lakes. The punk panther races are also recommended for those wanting an outing closer to home.

Results: Here

1. Julian Hood (Skipton AC) 5:39:20

13. Jane McCarthy 6:54:29 (1st lady)

32. Andrew Merrick 7:31:03 (1st MV60)

109. Helen Waddington 8:49:03

Harrogate 10k – Sun 4th July

Sat 3 Jul 2021

From Mike Abrams-Cohen…

A hilly multi terrain event, the Harrogate 10k saw seven Harriers compete. Dan McKeown obviously had his Weetabix this and he powered up the hills like a graceful mountain goat, finishing in a godly 37:56 to finish seventh out of 785 and first in his age cat. Followed (not so closely) by Mike AC in 24th.

Tom Lambe ran strongly and crossed the line in just under 47 minutes, and a few new faces donned the Ilkley Harriers vests such Adrienne Dyson, Ken Souyave and Rachel Barnicoat.

Results: Here

(1 Marcos Angel Valero Palacios, Roundhay Runners, 33:29)

7 Dan McKeown 37:56 (1st MV40)

24 Mike AC 40:43

99 Tom Lambe 46:57

198 Ken Souyave 51:27 (2nd MV70)

428 Ellen Chapman 59:35

610 Rachel Barnicoat 67:12

721 Adrienne Dyson 74:54

Portrush parkrun – Sat 3rd July

Fri 2 Jul 2021

From Hilda Coulsey…

Yes indeed parkruns have restarted in one part of UK. I surprised even myself by coming top of the age grade % list with 86.84, my time of 24.49 also improved my age category record for Portrush.

Portrush is an excellent run, entirely on the beach which means times are very dependant on tides (high tide and you are running on very soft sand) and winds (normally strong westerly directly against in the second half). It is such fun and you’re not time watching because of these. Very social too, hopefully soon they can reintroduce tea and biscuits afterwards and chatting. Today was low tide and fairly light winds. Having cycled to, ran, swam in the sea, coffee then cycled back it was a super morning.

Results: Here

Pennine 39 ultra – Sat 3rd July

Fri 2 Jul 2021

From Colin Williams…

Last Saturday I took part in the Pennine 39-mile ultra race, on a classic section of the Pennine Way from Bowlees to Alston. The route runs from Low Force past High Force, to Cauldron’s Snout then on to High Cup Nick before climbing Old Man Knock, traversing over Cross fell and finishing along the river to Alston.

The forecast was for rain and it started just before the race did, with a continuous drizzle for the next 25 miles.

I completed it in 7 hours and 28 minutes, coming seventh out of 51 runners. The race was won by Rory Harris in a new course record of 5 hours 28 mins.

Eccup 10-mile – Sun 27th June

Sat 26 Jun 2021

From Geoff Howard…

Good conditions for the excellently and safely organised Eccup 10.

Results: Here

(1 Nicholas Barry, Sale Harriers, 51.19)

40 David Foyston 63.40

42 Michael Abrams 64.09

46 Jonathan Turner 64.28 (1st MV50)

67 Kate Archer 66.29 (3rd FV40)

71 Rachel Carter 66.39 (1st FV45)

85 Justin Pierce 67.18

130 Harry Stead 70.39

132 Colin Williams 70.48

188 Beth Massey 74.21 (3rd FV50)

257 Geoffrey Howard 78.25 (1st MV75)

326 Emma Sheppard 82.26

394 Dawn Turner 86.26

735 ran

Latest race report + Harriers Race League page

Tue 1 Jun 2021

From Sue Williamson…

Here’s a shortened version of the Welsh Fell Runners report on this 4.1-mile race, featuring 1240 ft of ascent, which Lucy took part in.

A warm evening welcomed fellrunners back to the slopes of the Great Orme after a year’s hiatus. In the ladies race there was no contest with visiting Uni member Lucy Williamson running for Ilkley Harriers. She had no challenger within three and a half minutes. Tracy Rogers of Buckley Runners was a clear second, followed by Jackie Lee.

Results: H ere

Harrogate District Summer Race League 2021

The 2021 Harrogate District Summer Race League consists of 2 "real" races and at least 5 virtual races. For any Harriers interested in participating, details can be found here.

If you entered last year and your entry was carried forward, you should have already received an email about this from RaceBest. If not, you can enter now here.

Otley 10-mile - Wed 23rd June

From Jean Sullivan...

Great to see the return of the Otley 10-mile road race, a long-established road race organised by Otley AC. It starts in Otley, and passes through the lovely villages of Leathley and Farnley before returning back to Otley.

It was a perfect summer's evening for racing; cloudy with a pleasant cool breeze at times!

The route is challenging but with the rewards of some great downhill sections. After a flat 3 mile start there is a gentle climb to the 'big hill', which seems to go on forever. There is a nice downhill recovery before the next big climb! All worth it for the lovely descent back down to Otley!

There was a fantastic turnout of Harriers with some excellent performances. Rob Cunningham was the 1st Harrier home followed closely by Dave Foyston. Sally Armitage was the 2nd lady home (and 1st F40), with Rachel Carter following as 3rd lady (and 2nd F45).

Definitely a race to add to your calendar! The goody bag was excellent too, containing a buff, socks, a chocolate bar, a banana and a bottle of beer!

Results: Here

The Wall - Sat 19th June

From Nick Helliwell...

Gavin Lamb competed in The Wall, an ultra marathon running event from Carlisle to Newcastle, roughly following the route of Hadrian's Wall, which is a staggering 70 miles! The measure for success in this race is definitely just getting to the end, however long it takes. Starting early on Saturday morning, many competitors walk through day and night to arrive at the finishing line on Sunday. Not Gavin though, who managed to both start and finish in daylight, clocking a hugely impressive time of 15 and a half hours. "Never, ever (ever) again," Gavin was heard saying afterwards!

Settle Saunter - Sun 13th June

From Mark Judkowski...

This is an LDWA event on mixed terrain from country roads to grassy paths. It’s a 23ish-mile circuit from Settle to Clapham, looping back via Stainforth and taking in views of Ingleborough and Pen-y-ghent. (13 mile and 10k circuits were also being run for anyone that might be interested for 2022!). For what was forecast to be the hottest day of the year, the running gods were smiling on us and provided cloud cover for pretty much the whole run, keeping the temperature bearable.

Results: Here

(1 Ady Pendred, Wellingborough & District AC, 3:21)
23 Mark Judkowski 4:33:11 (1st MV60)
44 Jayne Norman 5:08:58
95 finished

Lothersdale Fell Race - Wed 9th June

Dan Dry claimed an emphatic win at the Lothersdale Fell race.

The 5.8km out-and-back event was run in a time trial format with a staggered start this year. Dan stopped the clock in 22:17, well ahead of Wharfedale's Ethan Hassell who was runner up in 24:10.

Results: Here

1 Dan Dry 22:17
62 Mary Jeal 41:01
66 finished

Burton Leonard 10k - Sun 13th June

From Sally Armitage...

A chip timed, undulating multi-terrain race. A fun race, despite the heat, with a staggered start. We were interestingly set off in race number order. Which was ok for me as I was number 8 but less ok for the speedy ones having to set off at the back of the pack I imagine. It also meant I panicked a tad as the rest of my group galloped off into the distance & I was convinced I was going to get lost. I thought the course might be a little like Wetherby 10k & it was, only hillier, and there was a stile. A STILE. There was an alternative route, which Dan McKeown opted for, through a stream, but I like dry toes. I was super stoked to be second lady & Dan ran like a rocket to come 4th.

From Dan McKeown...

We had two runners at the Burton Leonard 10k, a hilly multi-terrain village event somewhere north of Harrogate. Highlights included the choice of a stream crossing or a stile at kilometres 1 and 9 (I took one of each), and two very long uphills in the last two miles. It was also blazingly hot.

I came fourth overall, which is pretty much first, if you only count people who didn't take a prize home. Sally fared somewhat better on the gong front with a comfortable second place in the ladies' field ('comfortable' in terms of time, not in terms of comfort).

Results: Here

1 Andrew Grant (Harrogate Harriers) 36:34
4 Dan McKeown 37:44
19 Sally Armitage (2nd lady) 42:10
228 ran

Bob Graham Round - Fri 4th June

From Jann Smith...

42 Peaks / 68 miles / 27,000 feet / 24 hours
The Bob Graham Round is one of the toughest challenges in England. It entails running in a circular route starting and finishing at the Moot Hall in Keswick around 42 of the highest Lake District mountains in 24 hours non-stop. The ascent and descent is 27,000 feet (the equivalent of Mount Everest) and the distance is about 68 miles (the equivalent of London to Dover). The terrain is some of the harshest in England and encompasses boulder fields, scree, rock scrambling and exposed ridges. It is the holy grail of fell running and it had long been an aspiration of mine to complete it and with two aborted attempts in the past I was really pleased to finish it this time.

Kettlewell (Skirfare) Half Marathon - Sat 29 May

From Petra Bijsterveld...

This was the second race in the Due North Trail Race Series, a challenging course of just under 14 miles with 900m of ascent divided over 3 main climbs. Starting and finishing at Hawkswick Cote beside the river Skirfare, runners are 'eased in' by the side of the river along the flat to Arncliffe, to be faced with a steep ascent virtually perpendicular to the contour lines, followed by a grassy, somewhat boggy, and then very stoney descent into Starbotton. The course continues along the side of the hill to Kettlewell, leaving the village the route goes quite steeply up once more but the reward is a long grassy descent, a bit of flat road running and some nice fields back to Kettlewell. One final long and steep uphill to tackle before the finish field finally comes into view.

It was the first warm and sunny day for a long time which no doubt added to the physical effort required, but it did lift the mood for everyone I am sure, and it was so nice to be able to sit on the grass afterwards with one's clubmates (socially distanced of course) eating a well deserved plate of pasta which was laid on by the organisers.

This is the third year this race has been held (previous editions in 2018 and 2019) and the old course record of 1 hour 54 was comprehensively demolished today by Tom Adams who romped home in 1 hour 36, a full 10 minutes ahead of Wharfedale's Ted Mason who came 2nd. Excellent Harrier performances at the pointy end with 4 runners in the top 10! Nice to meet Joe Morrell and Jack Gribbin who both joined the club just before lockdown last year, Jack told me this was the first outing for his Harrier vest and it may well have been the same for Joe, they both ran excellent times.

For me, aside from the running which was ace, the next best thing about the event was being able to hang out with some fellow Harriers at an event again. Thanks also to those who had come out to support and offer encouragement out on the hills. I hope I have not missed anyone off the list, as the clubs were not listed on the results.

Results: Here
1 1:36:51 Tom Adams
3 1:47:44 Oli Murphy
5 1:55:09 Will Simmons
8 2:00:52 Joe Morrell
19 2:07:29 Jack Gribbin
24 2:11:17 Rob Cunningham
53 2:23:40 Dick Waddington
87 2:39:30 Justin Pierce
99 2:45:16 Alison Weston
144 3:07:14 Keith Wood
145 3:07:14 John Pickering
148 3:08:00 Liz Price
154 3:10:13 Jayne Norman
159 3:13:16 Rebecca White
168 3:17:31 Mike Williams
187 3:24:40 Petra Bijsterveld
240 finished

Leeds EvenSplits 5k, Wed 26 May

Plenty of Harriers travelled to the Brownlee Centre and Dan McKeown led them home with his 17:38. Just pipping him for the best Ilkley age-graded time of the night was Sally Malir's 21:56 (80.6%).

Results - Here
(1 Marcos Valero, Roundhay Runners, 15:14)
18 Dan McKeown 17:38
24 Danny Thompson 17:55
27 Mike Abrams-Cohen 18:08
44 Archie Budding 19:07
57 Scott White 20:01
85 Robert Budding 21:29
91 Sally Malir 21:56
149 Nicola Budding 27:53
158 ran

Harewood 10k trail race, Sun 23 May

From Jane Bryant ...

Results - Here
1 Jack Cummings 34:49
45 Anna Nolan 54:10 2nd F40
59 Jane Bryant 56:45 1st F50
107 Georgia Weston 1:02:53 1st F junior
130 Jacqui Weston 1:06:52
209 ran

York EvenSplits 5k, Fri 21 May

From Geoffrey Howard ...

Fortunately, the wet and windy conditions had subsided substantially by the time the first socially distanced eight runners took their positions on the start line at 7.00pm.

Results - Here
(1 Lewis Gamble-Thompson, New Marske Harriers, 14:49)
77 Harry Stead 18:13
126 Archie Budding 19:27
157 Mark Iley 20:45
163 Michael Ho 21:15
177 Geoffrey Howard 22:16
220 ran

Ilkley Harriers Race League 2021

Information for the 2021 Ilkley Harriers race league is now available here

EvenSplits Lockdown League, Feb/Mar 2021

The latest easing of Covid restrictions this week allowed the long-awaited presentation to the Harriers as winners of the EvenSplits 'Lockdown League'. Over 30 clubs from across Yorkshire and beyond competed virtually across a range of distances and challenges during February and March. No fewer than 25 Ilkley runners took part over the eight weeks, with Kate Archer and Sally Armitage leading the way. They dominated the ladies standings with scores of 500 and 499 points respectively (out of a max of 500!) to put the Harriers in pole position for the team prize. Everyone who ran contributed to us finishing on 3,906 points, over 200 points clear of second-placed Valley Striders.

Individual and team results here

Shires & Spires Ultra, Sun 16 May

From Colin Williams ...

The Shires & Spires Ultra is a 35mile circular route starting and finishing in Naseby, a mixture of road running and muddy trails across farmland, with lots of gates and stiles to contend with.

I'd originally intended to try it in 2020 before Covid19 put a stop to that.

In addition to the 227 taking part in the ultra, runners taking on the 10k, half marathon and marathon all started three at a time in a staggered start, therefore it was very difficult to tell during he race how you were doing compared to other runners.

In the end I came 30th out of 217 finishers in a time of 5hrs 39mins 19secs , the winner, Andrew Siggers of Kenilworth Runners, completed the course in 4:08:41.

Results - Here
Ultra
(1 Andrew Siggers, Kenilworth Runners, 4:08:41)
30 Colin Williams 5:39:19
217 finished

Dales High Way Ultra, Sat/Sun 8/9 May

From Andrew Merrick ...

The vast majority of the training runs and recces that Jane McCarthy and I did in advance of last weekend’s adventure took place in good weather.

As the training turned to tapering, the weather forecast for 8 May suggested the dry spell had ended. It was right….

After a lot of kit faffing preparation in the preceding days, we set off just before 8am from Saltaire on our journey to Appleby, both muttering “it wasn’t even raining when I got up this morning….” part of a small field who could set off at a time of their choice within a generous window.

Heavy rain accompanied us on our journey although it had largely subsided by the time we got to Settle (via Addingham, Skipton, a very blustery Sharp Haw, Hetton, Weets Moor and Malham). At Settle unbeknownst to us we met the designers of the route, and I was also slightly stunned to learn that Feizor is pronounced “Fazer”. The Punk Panther team had a range of well stocked check points staffed by a great team whose enthusiasm was faultless. We had however made our own plan with my daughter operating our first 4 stops, handing over to Andrew McCarthy at the aforementioned Feizor, where Elaine’s was a refuelling stop for both of them as well as us. In case of interest, refuelling for us consisted of Tailwind (which Jane has now converted to), many bananas, with nakd bars for me, and a range of attractive sandwiches and wraps for Jane. We lost enthusiasm for our recce favourite of hot cross buns!

Our personal support crew did a fantastic job (a huge thank you to Andrew and Sophie) supplemented by other supporters along the way (thank you Paul, Alison, Jean, Richard, Dick and Helen). We had seen a forecast suggesting 50 mile an hour winds on the top of Ingleborough but happily it was pretty calm with good visibility when we summited. I celebrated with the traditional face plant as we headed back down towards Chapel le Dale knowing we were pretty much halfway and had dealt with the majority of the climb and those messy steps….

Somewhat earlier than intended, I went into fast walk mode from here along the most beautiful section of our route as we headed over to Dent, with head torches required as we hit a rough descent down into our next stop after a brief section of the route shared with the Dales Way. From here it was a shorter section to Sedbergh (a section we were both glad we had recce’d since the route took us on a steepish climb up onto the moor before dropping back down into the book town (surprisingly short of coffee shops we had previously discovered one Sunday morning). The rain re-joined us for the night section over the Howgills, which was tough going on indistinct paths, but Jane did a great job of watch based navigation on the higher slopes and we eventually started to feel a consistent downhill gradient, before seeing the welcome sight of Andrew and the VW van just near Newbiggin. We were both very impressed that Ryk (Mr Punk Panther) Downes had been up on the Howgills earlier putting out large direction arrows in key spots although we were slightly surprised by the direction of his last arrow….. [This mystery was later solved when we found out that the arrows for a different race altogether and one of our gang had unfortunately followed that last arrow into the wrong valley….].

After the challenge of the Howgills, we only had two shortish legs left between here and Appleby, the 90 mile mark and the finish of the race for most. These two legs hadn’t been recce’d so full navigation concentration was required over an eerie misty moor with very strangely shaped trees. We kept moving through the mist and had a brief stop with the dawn chorus as daylight and dry weather returned in Great Asby before heading out on the least enjoyable leg to our first finish in Appleby. This final/penultimate leg of our journey featured a lot of fields with long wet grass, not great for keeping feet dry (one of us having stuck with the same pair of shoes since the start). However, we swerved what could have been a couple of messy navigational errors and found ourselves finally heading down into Appleby on a nice dry bit of road!!

Ryk had organised a 90 (aka 92) mile version of the run, which used the entire length of the Dales High Way, and for those wanting to do a full 100, he had added an additional “10” (aka 14) mile loop up over High Cup Nick and back to Appleby.

We stopped long enough in Appleby for a (porridge pot) breakfast and we were also happy to see another Ilkley Harrier, Ritchie Williamson who had finished a little earlier. We were then relatively soon back out on our way somewhat slowly up to High Cup Nick, only four of us made this additional journey. Fortunately we had recced this with Ryk a couple of weeks earlier (on a gloriously sunny day), so we knew what to expect. The double finish line was mentally challenging but we kept each other going as we finally reached the far end of the cup which signalled a downhill run back to Appleby, apart from a couple of additional bits of into the wind climb we had both forgotten about.

We finally arrived back to a dry Appleby a little over 27 hours, 106 miles and 15000 ft of ascent after having started out in Saltaire to a small but still enthusiastic gang for whom we managed a final run to our final finish.

A Saltaire Blonde seemed an appropriate means of rehydration on our journey back home.

A big thank you to all our support, to Ryk and the Punkpanther team, and to Jane for her company on our training runs, recces and on the race itself.

(Punkpanther, based near Otley, organise a range of largely shorter distance friendly ultras in the local area together with some longer distance events. Give them a try!)

Times at the 90 mile finish:
(1 Daniel Hendriksen 25h:28m)
3 Jane McCarthy / Andrew Merrick 23:02
7 Ritchie Williamson 23:59

Big Flat Runway races at Elvington Airfield, Sun 25 Apr

From Sally Armitage ...

This marked round two after the excitement of round one, last October, was somewhat dampened by the PB-destroying gale force winds on race day. Sunshine and a slight breeze today made for a more enjoyable experience. Distance choices again consisted of 5k, 10k, 10 miles, half marathon & full marathon. Races were staggered and athletes were set off in groups of eight at 15 second intervals. Another expertly organised, COVID safe, event by Racebest.

From Colin Williams ...

For me this is the first time I have run the Big Flat Airfield Races, the races were well organised with a friendly team and social distancing was well observed. The marathon was 10 laps of the airfield, the weather was ok with a little breeze on the return leg. I came 28th in a PB of 3hr 21min 25 sec. Second in my class.

Results - Here

Marathon
(1 Joseph Baker, Stadium Runners, 2:33:59)
28 Colin Williams 3:21:25
47 finished

Half marathon
(1 Joe Sagar, Spenborough & District AC, 1:06:48)
35 Harry Stead 1:31:41
84 finished

10 miles
(1 Robert Cassy, Sheffield RC, 57:50)
4 Jaysson Sawyer 1:00:20
22 Sally Armitage 1:06:26 (2nd lady)
78 finished

10k
(1 Matthew Pierson, Stainland Lions Running Club, 31:35)
118 Philip Hirst 48:16
273 finished

5k
(1 Thomas Hodgson, N/A, 15:41)
15 Mike Abrams-Cohen 18:40
70 finished

York EvenSplits, Fri 23 Apr

From Michael Abrams-Cohen ...

Just wanted to flag a big run by Mark Iley (first sub-20 since 2017 according to Power of 10) and Brit Tate (PB) at April's York EvenSplits event.

Results: Here
(1 Callum Elson, Roundhay Runners, 14:43)
75 Michael Abrams-Cohen 18:07
95 Brit Tate 18:39
113 Archie Budding (junior) 19:05
121 Mark Iley 19 :34
142 Fay Walsh 20:54
195 finished

Burnsall Trail Half Marathon, Sat 17th Apr

From Hilda Coulsey ...

It felt wonderful to be wearing my Ilkley vest again out running with other Harriers in such an amazing location. The weather was very kind too. Start times were spread out within an hour which added to the relaxed atmosphere. This meant you really didn't know where you were in race order hence for me making it simply a challenge with the terrain. And it was a challenging 21.3k of trails and fields with a few short road sections plus 504m of elevation with three main hills, the last of which at 16k was a killer! First Harrier was Steven Bysouth, looking very fresh at the end, as did all the Harriers I saw - so many smiles, it was great to see. I must admit I was feeling somewhat wiped out but then as was pointed out, thank you Jacqui, I was dressed for mid winter and not a pleasant sunny Spring day. The option of cooling off in the river afterwards was popular!

This is one of three Due North series trail half marathons, I'm looking forward to the others at Kettlewell and Skipton.

Results - Here
(1 Owen Beilby, Wharfedale Harriers, 1:24:35)
16 Steven Bysouth 1:37:27
39 Rob Cunningham 1:47:13
87 Justin Pierce 1:59:11
156 Alison Weston 2:12:04
169 Mike Williams 2:15:29
170 Jayne Norman 2:15:49
181 Keith Wood 2:18:29
182 John Pickering 2:18:30
185 Anna Nolan 2:18:58
237 Hilda Coulsey 2:28:52
256 Rebecca White 2:32:42
290 Jacqui Weston 2:45:08
325 finished

Mallory Park Spring 5k Festival, Sat 17 Apr

From Christine Reilly ...

Cameron Reilly ran 14:30, a new club 5k record, beating his previous mark of 14:46. He came 12th in the race and was the second U20.

Results - Here
(1 Sam Hart, Newbury AC, 14:12)
12 Cameron Reilly 14:30 (2nd U20)
274 finished

Swainby Sweep, Sun 11 Apr

From Mark Judkowski ...

The Swainby Sweep is either 7 or 16 miles run on trails on the edge of the North Yorks Moors. Ironically, after wondering if it would go ahead at all, the 16-mile distance was cancelled due to adverse conditions on the moor caused by snowfall. Those entrants therefore did two laps of the 7-mile circuit. Though disappointing that this only skirted the edge of the moor it still offered very runnable trails with stunning views. Probably one to come back to next year when the weather might be better. Anyone missing airport immigration control would have appreciated the queuing system the organisers put in place to maintain social distancing. Indeed a sign of the times.

Results - Here
(1 Kris Axon, 1:28:08)
40 Mark Judkowski 2:03:40 (1st MV60)

Club sessions available, 29 Mar 2021

Club sessions are available again from 29th March. Please see booking details on the training page here.

Training Update, 10 Mar 2021

With the government announcements and recent committee meeting we are pleased to say we are planning to restart club activities from the week commencing 29th March. More information and details to follow over the next few weeks, but likely start the same as the end of 2020 in terms of the session number and requirements.

Update Policies, 10 Mar 2021

Following a review of our club policies we have updated and refreshed a significant number of them, which can be found here. Please review and make yourself aware of the latest policies in advance of any club sessions.

IH 2020 Recognitions, 24 Jan 2021

Thank you for taking the time to send in emails of recognition.

I have received over 30 separate emails, most with two or more nominations included, all of which have been inspiring to read through and a testament to the whole club of keeping us all going.

I would like to thank the rest of the committee, coaches and run leaders who have volunteered their time and contributed to keeping the club alive. As Hilda Coulsey - the 'rock' of the club (as was noted by a few) - says: "It's been great to see so many step up to join the committee. It is a strong community that I am proud to be part of."

A specific mention for Paul Wood as after many years he has retired from running and updating the website. His knowledge, dedication and support for the club are likely to be unmatched and difficult shoes to fill, but we have plans in place to split the various roles around the committee to keep the website and comms to members up to date. Thanks Paul and enjoy retirement !

So, onto the nominations. I have split into three areas; Club activities, Coaches and Run Leaders and Running Performance and Races. I have grouped similar responses, but all received nominations have been included below and left verbatim in most cases.

Happy reading, I hope it makes you feel as proud to be part of a great club as I do, and I look forward to having face-to-face sessions going again when we can in 2021.

In the meantime, stay safe and enjoy your running.

Steve

Club Activities

Nomination	Rationale
Dan McKeown	For the Strava segment challenges and brilliant posts and organising the Ilkley Incline As well challenging routes, his write ups were some of the funniest things I’ve ever read and his points system challenged all the known laws of mathematical theorem. His weekly challenges were incredibly motivating through lockdown As an injured Harrier, I loved reading his brilliantly written weekly reports and finding out what other people were up to! His segment challenges……and….the brilliant write ups, keeping us all entertained and feeling a lot less gloomy than we might otherwise For keeping people going/entertained with the strava segment competition and for organising the incline. I think Dan very much deserves recognition for his efforts.
Jeff Green and Jean Sullivan and team	Organising the highly successful Xmas relays Like Santa, brought some joy to a very odd Christmas. For organising the IH Christmas relays, a great event that lifted everyone's spirits
Brit Tate	For doing the online strength training - really good to be able 'see' some other Harriers, whilst also getting a good strength workout!
Petra Bijsterveld	For doing the unenviable task of membership secretary and social media rep so skilfully
Committee	The Committee for their selflessness, tireless hard work and commitment. Their efforts have kept the club going in the toughest of times, when its members needed it more than ever. For sorting all the Sign Up stuff which has helped make the training sessions possible, and for their endless patience helping us all out with tech issues! I think the club has done a great job in adapting to the changing restrictions. Very clear guidance and well organised groups. Makes a nice change from the government’s response!

Coaches and Run Leaders

Nomination	Rationale
Jane Bryant	For those early post initial lockdown speed sessions when she held 2 each Thurs with a 15min break in between, and perhaps only 2-3 people in each session For the Weds night speed sessions that have happened come rain or shine whenever it was possible
Neil Chapman	Neil has been as reliable as ever, turning out every Thursday (when allowed). He’s adapted his session to accommodate restrictions even though it’s meant he’s running two sessions back to back (and as ever, standing in some horrible weather conditions). He’s a star. Neil because his sessions have improved my running and speed immensely, and for being able to operate his session in a socially distanced method. In a normal year, Neil does so much for IH, but when training resumed in the summer, his Thursday session was extra special (and hard work!). It was great to be able to take part in a structured session again, but also meet fellow Harriers again in a safe environment (many of whom I hadn’t seen for several months).
Sally Armitage	For running the Saturday long sessions and for Facebook posts Her relentless encouragement and good humour on Strava For her exuberance and entertaining encouragement via her activities For organising the Saturday morning efforts without fail and more importantly always turning up with a smile to take the edge off the early starts. Taking over as club road captain
Antonio Cardinale	Most dedicated motivator!......I have had first hand weekly experience of his dedication to running & his desire to involve as many people as possible in the sport He has been there for our group the entire time. When we couldn't meet up due to restrictions, he emailed us to keep our spirits high encouraging us to keep exercising… He is a great role model, especially as he's in his 70s. I nominate Antonio who knows some amazing trails and routes around Ilkley, Burley and Menston. When the rules were 6 people he kept me motivated to get up and run every week. He is absolutely amazing.
Peter Roll	I stupidly took on some long distance challenges last year for a charity I support. Peter joined me on practically all or part of my weekly long training runs - as soon as we were allowed - and was just the best companion. My favourite week was the week I had to do a marathon distance training run. We set out with him saying he would join me for about 16 and he just didn’t stop - his first marathon for 10 years under his belt. He really did make a difference to me and whilst he knows it I would like him to have the Harriers recognition
Jayne Norman	Kept a number of us going on by leading Tuesday night runs. She always makes sure everyone's ok and looks after the group - we have a laugh and get fit while we're at it. She's also had an impressive year if running herself, not least of which was a great performance and pb at Yorkshireman Marathon. Well done Jayne and keep doing what you do so well!
Nicola Budding	Support coach for the junior fell session on a Monday Night, the best support I could have she is always there whatever the weather, she is amazing at putting things on line for me. She just makes coaching a pleasure
Jane McCarthy and Jonathan Turner	For setting up the Tuesday evening IH sessions in Burley Running the Burley sessions with Nick Kealey and Mike AC

Running Performance and Races

Nomination	Rationale
Club Records 2020	Open: Jemima Elgood 5k 16:46 and 10k 35:27. Cam Reilly 5K 14:46. Jack Wood half marathon 1:08:24. V55 - Sally Malir half marathon 1:35:57. V65 - Hilda Coulsey 5k 24:08, 10k 49:45, half marathon 1:51:51.
Steve Turland	for his inspirational Wainwrights project which allowed some of us to enjoy ultra running vicariously adventures in the Lake District, completing all 214 Wainwright’s over 5 (non-consecutive) long days. Quite inspiring!
Oli Murphy & Jane McCarthy	for their inspiring Ilkley Skyline runs. As NLFR haven’t updated their Skyline results, I guess both are “unofficial” course records, but either way they were both fantastic runs that reflect the “Fastest Known Time” spirit of lockdown.
Jann Smith	for a V50 (also still to be officially recognised) record for ilkley Skyline over the Summer.
Hilda Coulsey	for her excellent performances at the Virtual Masters over the Summer for her fantastic contribution to the club in her role as secretary, constantly going above the call of duty and nothing is ever too much trouble for her to take on
Andrew Merrick	for completing the Hardmoors 110 in September for another year of fantastic ultra running
Paul Carman	for his double Ilkley Skyline (yet to be formally recognised but) New Record time
Mike Abrams-Cohen	put so much focussed training over months into breaking his 5k18 mins barrier, getting closer and closer, together with his tolerant and entertaining shoe ribbing. Taking over as club road captain
Lucy Williamson	for her performance to be 1st lady at Anglesey half marathon
Joanne Williamson	She is doing some great runs with ever increasing speed She has completed a few half marathons driven by self motivation and most importantly is enjoying it
Ilkley Harriers trip to the Coniston Trail Half Marathon	like to nominate Caroline Tong and Jo-Ann Pattinson, Janette Sauly and Paul Sugden for organising the trip for Coniston Trail Half Marathon This was the only competitive / organised race that I and some of other participants completed in 2020. Despite injury, and concerns as to whether our group would be able to finish the race, we managed to get round and have a thoroughly enjoyable day.

Club Training update, 4 Jan 2021

Following the announcement on 4th Jan 21 of a further lockdown period, the latest Government rules with regard to exercise and activities are as follows:

You may leave the home to

Exercise with your household (or support bubble) or one other person, this should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area.
You may exercise on your own, with one other person, or with your household or support bubble
You must stay 2 metres apart from anyone not in your household.

This means that all organised club sessions are cancelled with immediate effect. If you do meet with another club member as part of your allowed exercise this must not be as a 'club activity' and so we would ask that you do not wear Ilkley Harriers branded clothing etc.

As further clarification is published by the Government or from UK Athletics on what is / is not allowed then we will update you all accordingly.

In the meantime, stay safe and stay active (within the rules) :)

Great Owl Running GPX Grand Prix, Fri 1 Jan

From Jeff Green ... The Great Owl GPX Grand Prix series which kicked off in July and included 12 races (best 5 to count) finally drew to a close on 1st Jan 2021. Only two Harriers competed - myself and Steven Bysouth - but we both finished in the top 10 with Steven just missing out (by 1 point) in a very closely fought battle for first place. I got off to a good start with efforts that placed me 4th in The Roundhay Rumble (see earlier race report), 2nd - to Steven, obviously! - in The Dick Double (Medium Fell) and 3rd in Wild West Park (Short Trail). Unfortunately, an ongoing Achilles problem meant I had to stick to the short races for my last two counters and couldn't match my earlier form, finishing 6th overall and first MV50. Steven on the other hand, ran 11 out of the 12 races, won 4 and never dropped below 3rd place, including a win in the 45k North Leeds Trail Marathon! A well-deserved custom-made trophy should soon be sitting on Steven's mantelpiece!
Results ...