Ilkley Harriers news archive 2025

Lee Mill Fell Relay – Sun 30 Nov 2025

Sun 30 Nov 2025

From Daniel McKeown…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Results

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

Jon Denniss 54:44

Dan McKeown 1:04:05

Nick Kealey 56:13

Steve Gott 1:02:47

Doncaster 10k – Sun 30 Nov 2025

Sun 30 Nov 2025

From Sally Armitage…

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

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

Results

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

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

133rd Sally Armitage 38:17

1642nd David Ibbotson 56:46

2923 ran

Ilkley Gazette Report – w/c 24 November 2025

Mon 24 Nov 2025

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

From Jill Ezard & Nicola Budding…

BOFRA Championship Success for Gibbons and Moore

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

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

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

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

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

Tadcaster 10-mile – Sun 23 Nov 2025

Sun 23 Nov 2025

From Sally Armitage…

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

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

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

Results

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

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

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

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

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

847 ran

Hardwolds 80 – Sat 22 Nov 2025

Sat 22 Nov 2025

From Matthew Kennedy…

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

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

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

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

Results

(1 Oliver Shaw 12h36)

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

7 Matthew Kennedy 14h33, 1st MV50

84 starters, 65 finishers

Ilkley Gazette Report – w/c 17 November 2025

Mon 17 Nov 2025

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

From Nigel Illingworth & Nicola Budding…

Harriers’ successes recognised at annual award ceremony

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There were strong finishes in Saturday’s parkruns.

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

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

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

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

Sat 15 Nov 2025

From Petra Bijsterveld…

Photo credit Nikie Hannah/ GOBYU

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Results

Tour of Pendle Fell Race – Sat 15 Nov 2025

Sat 15 Nov 2025

From Katie Poulter…

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

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

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

Well done everyone!

Litton Birks Fell Race – Sat 15 Nov 2025

Sat 15 Nov 2025

From Peter Roll…

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

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

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

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

Ilkley Gazette Report – w/c 10 November 2025

Mon 10 Nov 2025

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

From Luke Watkeys & Nicola Budding…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ilkley Gazette Report – w/c 3 November 2025

Mon 3 Nov 2025

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

From Caroline Howe & Nicola Budding…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New York City Marathon – Sun 2 Nov 2025

Sun 2 Nov 2025

[Photo credit: Claire McLoughlin]

From Jane McCarthy…

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

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

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

Results

1 Benson Kipruto 2:08:09

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

3596 Jane McCarthy 3:08:42

59,135 finishers

Ilkley Gazette Report w/c 27 Oct 2025

Mon 27 Oct 2025

From Peter Shelley and Nicola Budding…

Photo credits: Fabio Vedovatti, Dan Patterson, Tony Pye.

Jack Cummings’ international mountain running debut and European successes for Ilkley Harriers

With Trofeo Vanoni in Italy and the European marathon season in full swing, Harriers were in action in six different countries across the continent over the weekend.

Jack Cummings stepped onto the international stage on Sunday running for one of two England teams in the Trofeo Vanoni. Staged in Morbegno, a town in Valtellina in the Italian Alps, the event has staged mountain relays for over 70 years. Having prepared extensively for the race over recent months, Jack ran leg one of three on a route that took him from Morbegno’s cobbled streets onto the steep trails and woods of Arzo climbing and descending 466m including technical sections and a wall jump in just 7km. Completing in 34 mins to handover for leg two, Jack set his team up for an excellent 1:39:39 and 14^th place of 109 teams. England’s other team did even better finishing 5^th whilst victory went to Wales amidst strong competition from Italy and France.

Marathon Eryri took place on Saturday on a spectacular road route starting in Llanberis and circumnavigating Wales’s tallest mountain in a clockwise circuit with 838m of climb. If this were not enough of a challenge over the 42km distance, runners’ endurance was further tested by rain, hail and wind. Ultra specialist Petra Bijsterveld rose to the occasion to finish in 4:42:31, placing 1092^nd of 2,208 and ninth F60 of 50 followed by Sarah Hayes in 4:56:19, placing 1271^st and 25^th F55 of 95.

2,000km south of Eryri conditions were altogether better for the Lisbon Marathon. Running the flat scenic route along the coast between the Portuguese capital and Cascais, Lucy Lowe ran 4:37:25 to place 6,634th of 9,190 finishers.

On the other side of the Iberian peninsula Valencia staged its half marathon with a field of 26,077 athletes. The Coys added to their extensive family sporting record, Stephen Coy finishing in 1:26:08 and 2,116^th place and Gaenor Coy in 2:04:37 and 18,550^th place.

Conditions were favourable further east for the Venice Marathon on Sunday. Sun, low wind and a flat course combined with the aesthetic inspiration of Italy’s historic lagoon city to speed Dan Paterson to the finish in a personal best 3:32:12. Sarah Marsden followed in 3:44:15, her fastest marathon for seven years. Dan placed 669^th and Sarah 954^th respectively in a field of 2,945 runners.

Sunday also saw the historic streets and green suburbs of Éire’s capital come alive for the Dublin Marathon. Adding to his 2025 marathon successes in Manchester and Leeds, Tony Pye ran an excellent 3:18:00 to finish 2,491/18,695, 170^th M50 of 1,311.

An altogether different kind of marathon took place in the Lake District over Saturday and Sunday. The OMM (Original Mountain Marathon) challenges participants to run and navigate in pairs in search of controls which are distributed across the fells and carry points values. Harrier John Hayes and his partner Martyn Pegg covered 47km and over 4,000m of elevation on difficult terrain from race HQ in Shap across the two days, including a night under canvas in very low temperatures. They placed a commendable 16th out of 232 in the Medium Score (and 6th vets pair).

The October edition of the Leeds 5k series took place mid-week. The flat cycle course at the Brownlee Centre produced some rapid running times. The 120 competitors included Edwyn Oliver-Evans who finished 12^th in 17:25, Harry Brook-Dobson 15^th in 17:49, Kyle Bethell 31^st in 18:56, Harry Sime 47^th in 19:33 and 1^st MV60, Emma Sheppard 66^th in 21:06 and 1^st FV45, Claire Mcloughlin 77^th in 21:47, Ellie Middlemass 87^th in 22:30 and Georgina Hamill 94^th in 22:57.

It was a busy Saturday at the parkruns. East Holmes Field attracted 17 Harriers including James Horrex who completed the course in first place in 18:50 with Daniel McKeown 3^rd in 19:42. Personal bests were posted by Martin Campbell, Hannah Osieku, Phil Chappell, Chris Cunningham and Sue Williamson. Diane Kitchen and Geoff Howard led the Harriers’ age gradings.

Nick Kealey ran a swift 19:53 into second place on the Chevin’s hilly parkrun. Nick topped the age gradings followed by Fiona Schneider. Top of the JM11–14 age category was Michael Moore with an impressive 22:57. At Lister Park Mark Hall ran 19:19 to top the age gradings while Milena Moore crossed the line 5th female in 23:00.

Further afield, Samesh Chotai ran 16:40 to 2^nd place in Coventry, an impressive time and achievement among 794 participants. Alex Foyn ran a strong 17:55 to 1^st place in Malmö, Sweden.

OMM 2 day mountain marathon Lake District 25-26 Oct 2025

Sun 26 Oct 2025

From John Hayes…

This year’s OMM was held in the Lakes in the little known area between Shap Abbey and Haweswater / the High Street range. It was classic OMM terrain: Bogs, tussocks, crags, steep climbs, treacherous descents, tricky contours etc. The OMM team are an impressive lot. Whatever the weather (and this year it was very cold), they cheer you out on Saturday morning and cheer you back on Sunday afternoon. At the overnight campsite, a bagpiper wakes you at 6am, and the starter marshals wear crazy fancy dress. For the rest of the event, it is entirely down to you to navigate well and pack enough clothing and food to survive the night squashed into a tiny tent with your running partner. I ran with Sarah’s brother Martyn. We usually mess things up at some point, but not this year. We were delighted to come 16th out of 232 in the Medium Score (and 6th vets). We put this down to our use of a trusty bit of string to measure out the optimum route on the map each day (and also to avoid being late back – not a good thing in a score event as you lose points!)

Another tip off: OMM are about to launch a range of fell shoes (with huge lugs!) and trail shoes. The prototypes were on display and they looked good to me.

Results

Marathon Eryri – Sat 25 Oct 2025

Sat 25 Oct 2025

From Sarah Hayes…

Petra Bijsterveld and I entered this years 41st Marathon Eryri. It was Petra’s 7th time at this event but my first. I have done a couple of marathons previously but knew this one would be different and potentially much more challenging given the elevation of the course (2600ft). The route encircles Mount Snowdon on roads in the Eryri National Park. Although billed as a road marathon there were a couple of sections of trail at about mile 6 and mile 25.

We travelled together to Llanberis on the Friday staying in a hotel very near the start/finish.

After collecting our race numbers we carb loaded on pub food at the hotel and had an early night conscious of the grim weather forecast for race day.

Hearing about Petra’s previous experience of the event and her top tips were invaluable. I felt I had a good idea of what was to come.

As always a marathon experience is of two halves. The first was enjoyable despite some heavy downpours and even some hail. I was able to keep my head up enjoying the spectacular scenery. The second half, not surprisingly, was more challenging. The downpours seemed heavier and wind felt even colder. I jeffed along counting down the miles. I was trying to keep up with fueling but feeling more and more nauseous with each passing mile. However the support from the locals was great. Shouts of ‘Da iawn (well done) Sarah’ spurred me on.

The final and interminable climb however was almost too much for me. I had a self indulgent weep once I’d reach the summit at mile 24. A kindly marshall who could see my distress gave me a cup of tea and encouraged me on my way.

My legs would barely work on the final descent but I manage not to slip in the muddy track that took us back to Llanberis.

I crossed the finish line saying to myself never again but after a beer and a pub meal with Petra back at the hotel I was already contemplating returning again for the 2026 event!

From Petra Bijsterveld…

This was my 7^th time running this wonderful marathon which has been staged since 1982. Often still called by its previous English name Snowdonia Marathon, Marathon Eryri is a road race which starts and finishes in Llanberis and circumnavigates Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) via a clockwise circuit, taking in Pen-y-Pass, Beddgelert, Rhyd Ddu and Waunfawr. The 2674 ft of ascent are divided over 3 climbs, from mile 2 to 4.5 up to Pen-y-Pass, mile 13 to 15 out of Beddgelert, and mile 22 to 24 out of Waunfawr. There are just 2 short off-road sections: a rough but very runnable track for about a mile at mile 7, and a downhill mile of slippery mud, grass and slate at mile 25, where many a runner in super slick road shoes has come a cropper.

This year there was meant to be a trio of Harriers on the start line, Rebecca Mon-Williams, Sarah Hayes and I. Unfortunately Rebecca had to pull out due to injury leaving Sarah and myself to represent the club. We stayed for two nights in the lovely and ideally positioned (near the start and finish) Royal Victoria Hotel in Llanberis, which always is completely filled with runners on this weekend. We collected our numbers on Friday afternoon, had a meal in the hotel followed by an early night.

The weather forecast was not great: a temperature of 6 to 7 degrees, intermittent heavy showers and a brisk breeze of 20 mph. I reckoned this could result in a ‘feels like’ temperature around freezing. Coming out of the hotel it didn’t feel too bad. Standing at the start it still didn’t feel too bad either. I have always run this race in just a vest and shorts, with gloves if needed, but this time I had taken what I thought was a pretty cautious approach and was wearing arm sleeves and my windproof (which is also showerproof). After mile one I took off my gloves and windproof, already too warm. However, by the time we reached Pen-y-Pass it started to rain heavily, or was it hail, and it was pretty cold in the wind. The precipitation was coming at us from the mountains sideways. Unbeknownst to me Sarah had wisely put her waterproof back on. I decided to tough it out thinking it would just be a shower, and didn’t cave in until mile 10, by that time I was already totally soaked of course. As an experienced ultra-runner you’d think I would have known better, but my road racing mindset really is quite a different thing and I always verge towards the minimalist side. After all, what is the worst thing that can happen on a road race….well you can get pretty cold as I discovered. It turned out to be the worst weather I have experienced on this route and there were times where I started to genuinely worry about hypothermia. There were some runners who DNF’d around mile 19 because of the cold. My legs were frozen and I think it affected my pace, I felt like the Tin Man during the second half. At least the cold spurred me on to keep running as that was the best way to keep generating a pitiful bit of heat. To compound the misery of the weather there was something decidedly not right with my stomach right from the start, making it very difficult to get any fuel in, and unfortunately what I managed to get down came out again as twice I miserably stopped at the side of the road to vomit into a hedge. The desperate lack of calories didn’t help with my temperature regulation, and it is a miracle really that I didn’t hit the infamous wall somewhere along the rain sodden course.

I was delighted to reach mile 22 at Waunfawr and the final climb and descent, always better than plodding along the flat. I knew that barring an accident (always possible on the slippery off-road section of the descent) my finish was guaranteed. I checked my watch and noted I was well behind my time from last year, which was to be expected but I still felt disappointed. I think the 4:30 pacer must have gone past me around mile 10 as I was throwing up into the vegetation, as I had not seen him come past. As it turns out I was way behind him, reaching the finish line in 4:42:31, almost 15 minutes slower than last year’s PB of 4:28:04. Under the circumstances I shouldn’t be disappointed, but I am a bit.

Sarah had been behind me and caught me up around mile 12 and was running strongly, but I went past again on the climb out of Beddgelert. Having been more sensible by putting her waterproof back on earlier she remained a bit warmer throughout than I was. Nevertheless she had her own fair share of suffering and found the second half a tough gig, but was delighted to achieve her aim of a sub 5 finish on her first time on this course in 4:56:19.

We rejoined at the hotel and celebrated our triumph over the weather and the miles over a meal and a beer. I guess I may well be back at this race, though I have alternative plans for 2026. But once you have collected 7 slate coasters the temptation to get to 10 is there, as the marshal at the finish reminded me!

Results

(1 2:33:56 Michael Kallenberg, Swansea/RAFAthletics)

(24 2:58:47 Ceri Merwood, CDF Runners 1st F)

1092 4:42:31 Petra Bijsterveld

1271 4:56:19 Sarah Hayes

2208 finished

Ilkley Gazette Report w/c 20 Oct 2025

Mon 20 Oct 2025

From Jill Ezard…

Photo credit: Sacha Jones – photo caption: Women’s Vet 40 receiving their third place medals at the British Fell and Hill relays

Fell running podium success for Ilkley Harriers’ Women’s Vets team.

Four teams of Harriers travelled to Wales on Saturday to compete in the 2025 British Fell and Hill Relays. With a maximum of 200 teams across all four nations, split equally between male and female teams, tough competition is guaranteed. Teams consist of six athletes who will compete over four legs: two short , one long and one navigation exercise. The event was hosted at Penantigi Isaf Farm, Dinas Mawddwy in Powys with each leg starting and finishing at the farm. It was tough terrain for all runners: Leg one was a short leg of 4.2km and 513m of elevation for a solo runner; a pair of runners tackled leg two which covered 11.1km and 758m of ascent; leg three saw two runners navigate their way round identified checkpoints across unmarked land covering approximately 11km and 719m of ascent – assuming they didn’t go wrong; and finally the last solo runner covered the same distance and elevation as leg one over a different route. The Women’s vet 40 team of Jane McCarthy, Rachel Carter, Kate Archer, Alison Weston, Jann Smith and Katie Poulter, had a fantastic run tackling the course in a total of 4:30:53 and taking third place. Jane got the team off to a flying start taking second place in leg one, with the team remaining consistent throughout the remaining legs. The mixed team of Ann Marsham, Sacha Jones, David Norris, Nick Helliwell, Simon Richardson and Nea Weston, who stepped in at the last minute to run a fantastic anchor leg, ran consistently completing the course in 4:27:48 taking 7^th place. In the men’s open category, solo runners Sam Bentham and Ben Rothery each took second place in their legs with the pairs of Nathan Edmondson, Oli Murphy, John Denniss and Michael Odell completing the team to finish in 16^th place overall in 3:22:24. The men’s vet team of Iain Gibbons, Nick Kealey, Ritchie Williamson, Paul Carman, Dan McKeown and Gawain Moore all ran consistently finishing in 13^th place in 3:55:27. Well done to all the teams representing the club.

On the fells closer to home, two Harriers took on the Ultra Tour Yorkshire Dales 25km race. Starting and finishing in Grassington the course took participants through lesser known parts of the dales beyond Threshfield, deceptively covering 27km with 585m of elevation. Steve Ladhams was the first Harrier to finish in ninth place overall and fourth in his age category in 2:39:03. Adela Reperecki had a superb run out taking the win in her age category and completing the course in 3:39:23.

On easier terrain there were several Harriers tackling road marathons this weekend. It was another outing in an England vest for Hilda Coulsey at the Abingdon Marathon, having secured her place to represent England at the London Marathon earlier in the year. Despite the terrain being flatter, the course was challenging following the twists and turns of the roads around the area with only about five miles of closed roads. Hilda put in another great effort in a tough field in her age category and, despite a nasty collision with a cyclist near the end, finished the event in 4:44:01.

In York it was a bumper Harriers turnout for the Run For All Yorkshire Marathon. This is a flat and fast course taking participants out through the city, past the Minster and into the countryside towards Sand Hutton and Stamford Bridge before returning to the event village at the University of York. Eleven Harriers took on the challenge with some fantastic results: Matthew Thackwray was first Harrier home in a blistering 2:31:31 finishing eighth overall and second in his age category; Jaysson Sawyer and Mark Bly came in under the three hour mark in 2:53:16 and 2:59:06 respectively; Ash Winter, Andrew Marshall, Charles Wain, Jonny McKenna, Luke Watkeys and Mark Gill all finished comfortably under four hours; and Danny Thompson and Esmaeil Zadeh, one of the Run/Walk group, both finished well under five hours.

Finally, Helena Coy, one of our young adult Harriers, was out in Australia representing Great Britain at the Junior World Triathlon Championships at the weekend. Helena came 22^nd in a tough field, battling very windy conditions, and was the first GB runner home in the Junior Women’s sprint distance race in 01:06:46.

It was a bumper turnout at parkrun events across the country this weekend with 39 Harriers donning their trainers to run, walk or run/walk one of the free weekly timed events. There were PBs for several Harriers including Juniors Megan and Ella Snow. Eight Harriers were in the top ten finishers with Samesh Chotai, Junior Harrier James Lee, and Steve Coy all achieving first three finishes. And there were some outstanding age gradings for Geoff Howard 85.12%, Harry Sime 82.27% and Mark Hall a whopping 86.13%. Well done to everyone who took part.

Abingdon Marathon – Sun 19 Oct 2025

Sun 19 Oct 2025

From Hilda Coulsey…

This was the 41st edition of the race, established in 1982, making it one of the oldest in UK. It’s a fairly flat course but run mostly on pavements with many twists and turns, uneven surfaces and only 5 miles of closed roads. Undoubtedly its a club event, I didn’t see any charity runners or fancy dress and, although both main race directors were female, and female only facilities were prominent, only 28% of participants were female which I found unusual and difficult to understand. In addition, older runners were almost entirely England or Wales qualifiers ie from out of the area and whilst the cut off was 6 hours there were not many finishers after me.

I was proud again to be running in an England masters vest, having qualified from London and chalking up the clean sweep of 10k, half and full marathons in England vests this year.

I’d read Forrest Hamilton’s report from last year and viewed a few you-tube clips so I was pretty well prepared for the route. My training had gone well and I was feeling good. I have to say though that I tried hard to enjoy the race with little success. As usual I set off faster than the average pace I was planning but after half way the unevenness of the pavements, the dips forming puddles with the rain, was annoying me and my time began to free fall. I kept going until I was taken out about mile 22 by a cyclist on a path between some trees who fell over in a dip and I fell over the bike. He said he hoped he hadn’t ruined my day! So I walked to steady myself and set off again. I was just happy to finish then and time went out the window.

Results

1. Tom Hollis 2:29:24 Lonely Goat RC (gun time)

51. Louise Flynn 2:46:43 Les Croupiers RC

950. Hilda Coulsey 4:44:01 (chip time)

1014 ran 728 male, 283 female

Yorkshire Marathon – Sun 19 Oct 2025

Sun 19 Oct 2025

From Ash Winter…

Yorkshire Marathon 2024 took place in the aptly named Storm Ashley, everyone was drenched, the last 10km was into a headwind, finishing was a sweet release from a harrowing experience. I’d been awake since 5:30am, as I drove on the day, parking was a nightmare, never mind finding my car afterwards in a sea of silver vehicles. Yorkshire Marathon 2025 couldn’t have been more different, middling temperatures, a bit overcast, a nice hotel room in York allowing for a more civilised time on the alarm clock. Virtually all excuses for not getting a personal best had been shed, so it was time to deliver.

Thankfully, I did deliver. Improving on the 03:30 in 2024 and my previous marathon best mark of 03:18 at Manchester in 2022. Getting faster as I get older apparently. A steady start in and about York Minister, get to goal pace by halfway and see from there. Halfway in 01:39, then home in 01:37, left me basking in the smugness that only a negative split can provide. There was pain along the way, the long, undulating out and back between Dunnington and Stamford Bridge. Plus, that deadly hill in the 42nd kilometre that almost stops you in your tracks. Great support there though, plenty to draw energy from for the gallop down the hill to the finish. 03:16:15 was my chip time, which left a big smile on my face at the finish.

Enough about me though, loads of other Harriers smashed their goals as well.

Matthew Thackwray came 8th overall, 02:31:31, which I believe was his first race as MV40. Another mind-boggling time from an athlete having a fantastic year.

Jaysson Sawyer and Mark Bly went under 3 hours, significantly so in Jaysson’s case, with 02:53 and 02:59 respectively. Sub 3 is always a huge achievement. Jaysson also features in the Yorkshire Marathon magazine, a great story of overcoming adversity to excel as a runner and hopefully qualify for England Masters too.

Andrew Marshall was next home, with an excellent 03:18, in what I believe was his first marathon! What a great performance. We were close for most of the race, but I just managed to get and stay ahead.

Luke Watkeys hit a long-held goal of sub 3:30, expertly paced by Johnny McKenna, crossing the line together with 20 seconds to spare. Good to see Harriers helping each other to hit their goals. Charles Wain was next in 03:32, another big personal best on the day.

Honourable mention as well for Mark Gill, not a personal best on the day due to injury but still a great performance to honour the hard work he’d put into training. I am certain he will be back for another go at improving his marathon best.

Kudos too to Daniel Thompson and Esmaeil Zadeh too, ducking below 04:30 and 05:00 respectively to round off an excellent day!

Results

FRA relays – Sat 18 Oct 2025

Sat 18 Oct 2025

From Jane McCarthy…

The UKA and Fell Runner Association National fell and hill running relay Championships 2025 were held in the beautiful Welsh mountains around Dinas Mawddwy: featuring STEEP climbs, pathless moorland, rocks and challenging underfoot. In the spirit of the event “Rhedeg ym mynyddoedd Cymru – Ile mae’r enaid yn hedfan” OR “Running in the Welsh mountains – where the soul takes flight” (apparently) seems appropriate for the vertiginous ascents and descents tackled in the short but hard legs 1 and 4, and the tussocks, climbs and bogs of Legs 2 and 3. The format of the race is mixing solo, pairs and navigational legs – teams needing endurance, speed, team tactics and navigational abilities. The weather was kind to us and spirits high on a rewarding day out.

Ilkley Harriers were proud to field four teams at this prestigious event – the Men’s Open Team secured a fantastic 16^th place with outstanding performances from Sam Bentham (a close 2^nd place just 4 seconds behind the winner) on Leg 1 and from English Fell Champion Ben Rothery bringing the team home on Leg 4 with the second fastest time (28:16) of the day. In the Mixed Open team a special mention for Leg 3 runners Simon Richardson and Nick Helliwell who excelled at the Nav leg (where there seemed minimal Nav opportunities they found all of them). There were consistently strong performances from a high placing Men’s Vet 40 Team – brought home by Gawain Moore in a fantastic leg time of 34:45 and many thanks to Nea Weston stepping in to anchor the Mixed Open into a brilliant 7^th place. The Ladies Vet 40 Team couldn’t retain their title from 2024 but were delighted to podium in 3^rd place with all round strong performances. Next year a more local venue – Todmorden – should be a great event!

Category Position Time Cat. result

Open Men 16^th 03:22:24 16th

Vet 40 Men 54^th 03:55:27 13th

Mixed Open 105^th 04:27:48 7th

Vet 40 Women 112^th 04:30:53 3^rd

Ilkley Gazette Report w/c 13 Oct 2025

Mon 13 Oct 2025

From Nigel Illingworth…

Photo credit: Woodentops

Harriers excel on the fells and roads.

An excellent week for the Harriers with achievements high on the fells and down on the roads.

Sunday saw many Harriers on the Withins Skyline, a six-mile race passing Top Withens. Jack Cummings was 1^st with 41:50, followed by Gawain Moore 3^rd MV40 with 48:39, Paul Carman 9^th MV40 with 50:48, John Hayes 7^th MV50 with 56:00, Katie Poulter 2^nd FV40 with 58:29, Jann Smith 5^th FV50 with 1:02:59 and Alison Weston 1^st FV60 with 1:03:33. Also, Alistair Barlow (1:02:41), Colm McCann (1:04:51) and Katie Hickling (1:13:08).

Saturday’s Wasdale Fell Race is known as one of the toughest races in the BOFRA calendar, with probably the steepest ascent and descent as the race climbs to the summit of Kirk Fell. Gawain Moore was 2^nd in the senior race and 1^st MV45 with 44.41, followed by Iain Gibbons in 6^th with 50:03. Harriers’ juniors also did well with Oscar Shinn 3^rd Boy in the U17s with 20:51, Roberts Brooks 2^nd Boy in the U14s with 08:05, and in the U12s, Michael Moore was 1^st Boy with 04:34, followed by Olly Brooks in 7^th with 05:05.

Saturday also saw the Langdale Horseshoe, over a rough, tough course with almost exclusively rocky and slippy ground. Sam Bentham came 3^rd with 02:11:48, followed by Michael Burdon with 03:26:02.

On Sunday, Guiseley’s Nunroyd Park hosted the first of four races in the West Yorkshire Cross Country League. Conditions were unusually dry and warm for this 9.5km race. A tight finish saw Edward Hobbs win with 30:27, just 10 seconds ahead of 2^nd place and Christos Tzelis in 3^rd with 30:39. Stephen Coy was 3^rd V50 with 37:53 followed by Adam Gerrish 41:50. There was a separate 5.5km women’s race with Alison Bennett finishing in 38:25. Harriers Juniors also ran well with Rafe Garner 25^th and Thomas Bailey 27^th in the U11 Boys, Ethan Pickwoad 32^nd in the U13 Boys and Joseph Bentham 8^th in the U15 Boys.

More Junior Harriers were across the county in Haworth on Sunday for the Penistone Hill Quarry Runs. Michael Moore delivered a brilliant 2^nd U13 Boy, and Lerryn O’Neil stormed to 5^th in the U11 Girls’ race.

Manchester Half Marathon on Sunday saw Harriers on the road. Steve Newell was 10^th M60 with 01:34:16, followed by Michael Ho with 01:49:42 and David Ibbotson with 02:14:37.

Other races this week saw Mark Hall 1^st MV65 with 40:32 at Sunday’s Holmfirth 10k.

New for 2025 on Tuesday was the Punk Panther Headtorch Half, a nighttime trail race around Swinsty and Fewston Reservoirs. With the Super Moon hidden by cloud, Darren Hopkinson came 21^st with 1:59:05, followed by Petra Bijsterveld, 34^th and 1^st FV60 with 2:13:10.

Friday’s fast and flat York 5k delivered two fast times from Rhys Jones, 6^th M45 with 18:40, followed by Harry Sime, 2^nd M60 with 19:44.

In Saturday morning’s weekly parkruns, Harriers dominated the top ten at our home event at Ilkley’s East Holmes Field with Dominic Coy 1^st (16:01), James Horrex 3^rd (18:26), junior James Lee 6^th (19:04), Daniel McKeown 8^th (19:21) and Stephen Coy 9^th (19:24). Another 1^st in Malmö Ribersborg for Alex Foyn (17:51), 2^nd for Samesh Chotai at Leamington (16:59), 10^th for Harry Brook-Dobson at Keswick (18:47), 9^th female for Sally Malir at Lister Park (24:28) and 14^th female for junior Isobel Moore at Roberts Park (24:16).

WYXC #1 Nunroyd Park – Sun 12 Oct 2025

Sun 12 Oct 2025

From Alison Bennett…

The first of 4 races in the league and was held locally at Nunroyd Park, Guiseley. The conditions for this 9.5 km race were dry, warm and sunny so quite unusual for an event usually associated with mud and rain.

There were tremendous results for Ilkley with Edward Hobbs winning the race, 10 seconds clear of the 2nd placed runner; and Christos Tzelis taking 3rd, only couple of seconds later. Stephen Coy was 70th and 3rd V50,

Although popular with Harriers in the past this league is now attracting fewer club members. Everyone can take part and it’s still possible to enter for the later races. The cross country is a good event for speed and endurance which can benefit performances in other types of running.

1 Edward Hobbs 30:27

3 Christos Tzelis 30:39

70 Stephen Coy 37:53

105 Adam Gerrish 41:50

The men’s race was preceded by the ladies’ who ran 5.5 km. Although I finished well towards the back of the field, there was some compensation; by virtue of being the only female Ilkley Harrier taking part, I was the first finisher for the club.

48 Alison Bennett 38:25

Punk Panther Head Torch Half – Tue 7 Oct 2025

Tue 7 Oct 2025

From Petra Bijsterveld…

Photo Credit: Ryk Downes

Ryk Downes, aka ‘Mr Punk Panther’, told me he had only added this race, with a 10k and a half marathon option, as a filler in the racing calendar, and had not really expected many entries. However, this midweek night-time trail race around the Swinsty and Fewston Reservoirs proved very popular with local runners, and it sold out. One counter-clockwise lap of both reservoirs for the 10k, two for the half marathon.

Whilst we had a Super Moon on Tuesday, it was barely visible for much of the race, hidden from view by a thick blanket of clouds. Head torches had to be on at the start at 7pm as it was completely dark already. The weather was otherwise kind to us, with pleasant (shorts and t-shirt) running temperatures, no wind to speak off, and only a very slight drizzle from about 8pm, very noticeable in my head torch beam but it did not seem to make me particularly wet. The only piece of mandatory kit was a head torch, and there was water at the start/finish, which was also the half-way point for the half marathon.

I had entered this event more as a training run (as part of my marathon training) than a race. Still, it was difficult to completely let go of my competitive instincts when it comes to age category position. Having checked the entry list I was aware of the presence of one other F60, Ursula McGouran from Otley AC. After some research I worked out we could be fairly well matched in pace. I recognized her early on in the first lap and we did some yo-yoing of positions, but eventually I managed to get ahead and stay ahead. I did not see her again, but never felt relaxed until I reached the finish, where I discovered that she had changed to the 10k race prior to the start! Never mind, whilst I had not been ‘racing’ the desire for another veteran’s trophy had at least kept me moving forward at a reasonable pace.

Darren Hopkinson was the only other Ilkley Harrier there as far as I can see in the results.

A nice low-key race with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, I imagine it will be back next year and I would very much recommend this one to other Harriers. For those hesitant about off-road running in the dark this could be a particularly good introductory event: the trails are very even underfoot, navigation is easy and there are other runners around, so you feel (and are) very safe.

Results

1 1:20:15 Sam Green, Wharfedale Harriers

21 1:59:05 Darren Hopkinson

34 2:13:10 Petra Bijsterveld 1^st F60

45 ran

(42 ran in the 10k)

Chester Marathon – Sun 5 Oct 2025

Sun 5 Oct 2025

From Sally Armitage…

This was my 3rd marathon and my 1st one outside of Blackpool! Having a had a tough, very windy run at Blackpool marathon in spring I decided to run one marginally further inland instead and, despite another very windy run, Chester didn’t disappoint. The race was impeccably organised, the support on course was unreal, and the higher number of runners than there have been in my previous marathons meant I was always running in a pack, Blackpool can be very solitary. This made it a lot more fun, and gave me lots of people to hide behind in the windy sections!

Admittedly, my other reason for entering Chester was that if you have run a marathon in under 3:15 since January 2024 you get an ‘elite runner pass’. Yes that’s a poor reason to select a marathon but it gave me the opportunity to feel extra fancy for a day so I took it! It gave me free parking and access to the ‘elite runners lounge’ close to the start line, which had fancy queue free toilets, comfy seats and water and gels provided. Honestly though, the clean, queue free toilets were the real bonus.

After resting all week and stuffing my face with carbs for the previous 36 hours I was feeling a little too invincible and set off way too fast. Even when my friend, and experienced marathoner, Will Kerr passed me at the 5 mile mark and warned me to ‘just be careful’ with my pacing, I carried on regardless, then after exactly 1hr 48mins of running the calf spasms started in both legs. Sharp painful spasms that come and go. This continued for the rest of the race, it wasn’t debilitating but uncomfortable and took a fair chunk off my pace. Then at 40kms my hamstring joined in and this was actually so sharp it made me stop, after 10-15 seconds of inactivity it relaxed thankfully and I was able to continue to the finish.

My experience at Chester just drives my determination to conquer this distance, the only distance I don’t feel I’ve run my best at yet.

Results

1st male Adam Peers (Wakefield District H & AC) 2:35:52

1st female Sammy Antell (Bideford AAC) 2:44:21

351 (11th F) Sally Armitage 3:06:46

1399 (151st F) Rebecca Brown 3:42:28

1400 (152nd F) Kirsty Wicks 3:42:29

6698 ran

Morley 10k – Sun 5 Oct 2025

Sun 5 Oct 2025

From Will Worboys…

Although I’d entered the Morley 10k several weeks ago, I wasn’t going to do it because of various circumstances. One of which being that I’m currently following a training plan devised by Harrier Mark Gill, stating this Sunday should be an ‘easy run’. However as other circumstances resolved themselves I decided last minute to do it and just run it ‘easy’.

However, after the uphill start wasn’t easy at all and being just behind the 60 minute pacers for much of the race seemingly too much of a challenge, sadly this race felt anything but ‘easy’.

I had read reports from this race in the past and vowed to myself that I would one day find out about the legendary ‘Morley Bottoms’ for myself. Disappointingly that turned out just to be the name of the intersection that we crossed through three times, once after the start and then during two ‘out and backs’ in opposite directions and all involving hills.

The Morley bottoms was however a popular spot to spectate creating a brilliant atmosphere for the race. This was a big event with over a thousand runners and very well spectated despite the strong winds and was brilliantly organised by the friendly local running club.

As the race went on, so did my struggle to keep up with the 60 minute pacers. In my mind I’m 10 years younger with functional lungs and running 45 minutes for 10K, so the pace I’m running ‘should’ be easy. This also being a constant reminder of why I am trying out Marks Gill’s services to improve my form and run like an elastic man, hopefully somewhat diminishing the need for perfect lung function.

With miles 3 and 4 mostly a nice pleasant steady downhill, I knew that meant the last portion of the race would be a steady uphill into the substantial breeze. This was really tough going and the only way it would have felt easy would have been to walk it… slowly. I managed to keep running but my target pacers were disappearing into the distance making me question if running was maybe just not for me.

As I stumbled up the steepest hill of the race, cruelly lying just before the finish, I overtook the Pacers who were walking, having clearly misjudged their pace for the earlier part of the race, meaning I actually finished comfortably under the hour and as first Harrier! Admittedly I was the only Harrier but I’m still taking it. This actually is a great event, much recommended for the atmosphere, but definitely nowhere near easy… Sorry Mark.

Results

1st Adam Stacey (Morley Runners) 35.01

637 Will Worboys 58.54

1059 ran

Run to the Sea Bournemouth – Sat 4 Oct 2025

Sat 4 Oct 2025

From Nigel Illingworth…

I can’t remember exactly where I was when friends Pete and Maxine (experienced ultra runners) said, “Nigel, you should run an ultra, and we recommend Run to the Sea Bournemouth – it’s flat, on good surfaces, has generous cutoffs and it’s only 50km.” Before I knew it, I was entered, and the t-shirt was ordered.

Alarm bells started ringing when Maxine said she was busy running a whole 5km – twice – in Germany on some Parkrun tourism thing, but Pete was there in Bournemouth on Saturday to guide me, support me, and get me to the finish.

The initial worry was which of storms Humberto or Amy would hit first. In the end, the weather was OK apart from a blustery wind on the Bournemouth promenade and some horizontal rain showers coming off Poole Harbour. The south coast escaped the much worse weather in West Yorkshire that weekend. As Pete said, the high winds also blew all the tourists off the promenade, so there were fewer people to run around than in previous years.

It was a really enjoyable day. The first 25km featured a mixture of terrains: woods, trails, and towns, all very clearly signposted, with excellent guidance from marshals. Then about 15km ran alongside Poole Harbour, offering great views across to the posh houses of Sandbanks. We then turned left – with the tailwind – for the last 10km along the promenade to the finish near Christchurch. Aid stations every 10km or so broke things up nicely with some tasty snacks.

I ticked off my first ultra and learnt a lot about fuelling, various race tactics and what I could do over that longer distance. It’s a different mindset for this type of race. I was well within the cutoffs, though still a bit disappointed there was only one person behind me in the results. But then I realised there were only 556 finishers from an entry list of around 700, so I’m claiming the achievement: I did better than all those that couldn’t finish, couldn’t start, or couldn’t enter!

North Coast 110 – Fri 3 Oct 2025

Fri 3 Oct 2025

From Matthew Kennedy…

This North Coast is probably not the first one that comes to mind in Yorkshire, since the race name refers to the final stretch of the South West Coast Path, running from Hartland Quay in Devon to Minehead in Somerset.

It makes for quite an unbalanced course – nearly 25 miles of cliffs to Westward Ho!, about 25 flat miles around the Torridge & Taw estuaries to Saunton Sands, and then back to the cliffs of the Exmoor coast for the final 60 miles or so. With 18,500+ feet of climbing in total, it’s more or less the Three Peaks and the Fellsman, with a regular marathon sandwiched in between.

The other factor that made the race unusual was Storm Amy, although out on the fringes the weather was more peculiar than bad. During the day, it was windy & wet but surprisingly warm – the steady drizzle felt fine without a waterproof – and during the night, the wind and rain mostly dropped away.

However, for maybe 5-10 minutes every hour, the wind would suddenly pick up – gusting strongly enough to blow you up a hill (nice) or off your feet into a gorse bush (not so nice) – and it was often accompanied by short bursts of freezing rain and even hail. But as the lowish dropout rate of around 25% suggests, overall conditions weren’t actually all that terrible (even if the state of my feet afterwards might suggest otherwise…)

Each stage of the race presented its own challenges – the Hartland cliffs were muddy & slippy, the estuary cycle path was monotonous & unforgiving in trail shoes, and the Exmoor cliffs included a long, twisty forest section that felt like it was never going to end. Nevertheless, I was treated to a beautiful sunrise as I climbed the last hill, then shuffled down into Minehead to see one final hailstorm catch the local parkrunners by surprise.

(It’s my second ultra organised by Climb South West and I can highly recommend them for folks looking to venture further afield. They offer smaller, friendly races across a range of distances and seem to have developed a loyal following – the closest local comparison would be Punk Panther)

Results

(1= David Parrott 24h48)

(1= Martin Reynolds 24h48)

3 Matthew Kennedy 25h05

15 starters, 11 finishers

Ilkley Gazette Report w/c Oct 6 2025

Wed 1 Oct 2025

From Luke Watkeys….

Storm forces Hodgson Relay cancellation as Harriers compete across the country

Our racing week starts on Friday, 3 October at the North Coast 110, where club runner Matthew Kennedy delivered a superb performance, claiming third place in 25 hours and 5 minutes on a course that’s as beautiful as it is brutal. Despite the name, this particular “North Coast” takes in the final stretch of the South West Coast Path, from Hartland Quay in Devon to Minehead in Somerset – a punishing 110-mile route with over 18,500 feet of climbing. Runners faced everything from slippery cliff paths and endless estuary flats to relentless Exmoor climbs, all under the unpredictable influence of Storm Amy, which brought bursts of wind, rain, hail, and fleeting sunshine. Matthew held strong through the challenging terrain and conditions, greeted by a stunning sunrise before descending into Minehead to finish in 25:04:34, just minutes behind joint winners David Parrott and Martin Reynolds.

The 2025 Hodgson Brothers Mountain Relay was scheduled to take place on Saturday, with Harriers in contention, but was cancelled due to adverse weather conditions and the advice of mountain rescue teams. The weather forecast with Storm Amy was too dangerous to hold the race due to the forecasted 70mph+ winds on the fell tops.

Back again on the coast, on Saturday, Nigel Illingworth took on his first ultramarathon at Run to the Sea Bournemouth, a 50km point-to-point race from Salisbury to the coast. Despite the threat of the storm, conditions proved manageable, with just a few blustery showers along the seafront. Crossing the line well within the cut-offs, he was delighted to complete his first ultra in 8:50:31 – and, on discovering that only 556 of the 700 entrants finished, justifiably proud to count himself among them.

On Sunday, Sally Armitage, Rebecca Brown and Kirsty Wicks put in a strong performance at the Chester Marathon. Sally finished 11th female overall and 351st out of nearly 7,000 runners in an impressive 3:06:46, setting a new LV45 club record at the marathon distance. Rebecca Brown and Kirsty Wicks also had a great run, finishing together in 3:42:28. Sally reflected on the day; running her third marathon – and her first away from Blackpool – she found Chester a far more enjoyable experience, thanks to the superb organisation, packed field, and fantastic crowd support. After setting off a little too enthusiastically, Sally battled calf spasms from halfway onwards, later joined by a protesting hamstring in the final stretch. Even so, she showed great determination to push through and finish strongly.

Also on Sunday, the Morley 10K took place – a volunteer-led, not-for-profit event raising funds for local good causes. The race follows a closed road course around the historic streets of Morley with two out-and-back sections and, perhaps uniquely, a three-way crossover section at the legendary ‘Morley Bottoms’. Will Worboys held the torch for the Harriers at the event, crossing the line in a time of 58:54.

Turning to parkrun, the ninth Ilkley parkrun took place at East Holmes Field despite the stormy conditions, attracting 184 runners, including 20 Harriers. James Horrex was first home in 18:57, with Dan McKeown finishing fourth in 20:14, Paul Carman ninth with a time of 20:59, and Kyle Bethell and Lucy Lowe tenth in their gender categories with times of 21:11 and 26:41, respectively. Further afield, Samesh Chotai ran at Coventry, finishing second in 17:09.

Ilkley Gazette Report – w/c 29 September 2025

Mon 29 Sep 2025

[Ben Rothery excelling in the highest trail running company imaginable, photo courtesy of Jamie Rutherford Photography]

From Caroline Howe & Nicola Budding…

Rothery and Bentham excel at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships

A fantastic performance by reigning English fell champion Ben Rothery saw the Ilkley Harrier lead the GB&NI men’s team home at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Spain. Held in the Pyrenees for the first time, the Championships comprise a number of races across the spectacular mountain terrain over three days of competition. Competing in the 45km ‘Short’ Trail race, Ben finished 27th in this top international field. The race has an eye-watering 3500m of elevation. Ben was 68th at the top of the first summit, but showed his descending skills and some world-class pacing to move through the field, taking another four spots in the final ascent.

On the final day of the championships, Harrier Sam Bentham finished in 10th place in the U20 8km race. With 400m of elevation gain, Sam ran superbly to finish as the second British runner home, helping the GB&NI team to the silver medal – a fantastic achievement. Sam’s performance follows his third place finish at the British and Irish Mountain Running Championships in Wales last week, with his season continuing to go from strength to strength.

Further east, the Mon-Williams family took on another, lesser-known mountain range – the Julian Alps in Slovenia. The Julian Alps UTMB race offers a range of race options, from 120km to 5km. Ruaridh, Mark and Rebecca opted for the 25km route which starts and finishes in the Alpine village of Kranskja Gora, taking in 1000m of climb. It was a successful day for the trio – Ruaridh finished in fifth place in 1:55; Mark finished as second MV60 in 2:25, and Rebecca as first FV55 in 2:58.

In peaks closer to home, two hardy Harriers took part in ultra races as part of the 13 Valleys Ultra event in the Lake District. Four distances are offered over three days, ranging from 2 Valleys to the full 13. Gavin Lamb opted for the second longest option – the 110km 7 Valleys route, finishing in 23 hours and 10 minutes, while Ritchie Williamson went the whole hog, finishing a fantastic 12th place in the full 180km 13 Valleys race in 32 hour 53 minutes.

On home turf, Saturday saw the Rombald’s Romp take place on Ilkley Moor. Nathan Edmondson took the win, with Jack Cummings finishing fourth. Plenty of Harriers took part in the race, with age category prizes for Rachel Carter, Michael Odell and Alison Weston.

On the tarmac, some excellent running at the latest 5k Evensplits event at the Brownlee Centre in Leeds earlier in the week saw Harry Sime finish first in the M60 category in 19:53. A trio of Emily Butterworth (21:22), Claire McLoughlin (21:45) and Georgina Hamil (22:52) finished second, third and fourth in the F35 age category respectively.

On Saturday two teams represented Harriers at the Yorkshire Veterans’ Athletic Association road relays in Wyke. The event saw teams of three runners each run 2.75 miles around the Wyke Community Centre cycle track. Sally Malir, Caroline Howe and Sally Armitage, competing in the F35-44 category, finished in 58:06, fifth out of 12 teams. Competing in the F55-64 category Jane Bryant, Petra Bijsterveld and Diane Kitchen finished in 1:07:40, fourth out of five teams.

Notable parkrun performances on Saturday included Steve Coy in third place at East Holmes Field; Oscar Shinn in third place at Myrtle; James Lee in fourth at Chevin parkrun; Kyle Bethell in fourth in Skatas (Sweden); and Samesh Chotai in sixth place at Coventry.

YVAA Road Relays – Sat 27 Sep 2025

Sat 27 Sep 2025

From Petra Bijsterveld…

The Yorkshire Veterans’ Athletics Association Road Relays 2025 took place at the relatively new (2022) Wyke Community Sports Village in Bradford, which contains a cycling track, football pitches as well as a nice pavilion with changing rooms. The track has an inner and outer loop, with one lap of both loops totalling just under a mile. The race was for teams of 3 runners who each had to run 3 laps (2.75 miles), and hand over a baton between runners, with the timing chip being in the baton.

Thanks to Sally Armitage’s encouragement we managed to get two ladies’ teams out today. Team F35 was made up of Sally Malir, Caroline Howe and Sally Armitage. Surely these runners are all perhaps a little older than 35 I hear you say?! Well with the female age groups defined as 35-44; 45-54; 55-64 and 65+ we had no choice, Caroline being under 45 forced the whole team into the F35 category. The second team, F55, contained Jane Bryant, myself and Diane Kitchen, slightly less spread out in age, though both Diane and I are well into our sixties. Anyway, this was not going to spoil our fun, we were realistic enough to know we were not necessarily there to win trophies.

Despite the prospect of possibly being a little way down on the results list all six of us gave it our very best efforts. We had a solid warm-up and explored the track. The connections between the outer and inner loops initially looked confusing but after a helpful explanation from a marshal we got to grips with it and it was actually a nice circuit to run. Not dissimilar to the Brownlee track known to many from the Leeds Evensplits races, but hillier than we had imagined and there was also a fairly stiff breeze making it a bit harder too. In fact the purple gazebo belonging to City of Hull took off across the grass just before the race commenced and had to be chased after by the Hull runners!

Once the race started at 2pm, men and women running together, it was immediately clear this was a fast field, and I spotted lots of familiar faces of speedy runners from other clubs such as Holmfirth, Bingley and Saltaire. All six of us worked really hard, no one dropped a baton and the handovers were as smooth as you could wish for. In the end we gave a good account of ourselves. The F35 team came 5^th out of 11 teams. In fact so nearly 4^th: Sally Armitage, running the last leg at a blistering pace, was just pipped to the line by an F35 runner from City of Hull, there is one second (!) difference in the total team time. The F55 team came 4^th out of 5 teams.

We all enjoyed it, especially once it was over 🙂 Personally I find the short distances always much harder and more painful than any of my long ultras, but they are good to do, if only to prevent myself turning into a runner whose only pace is the ultra-shuffle!

Hopefully we can get some more teams (and some men!) out at the next opportunity.

Results

Ilkley Gazette Report – w/c 22 September 2025

Mon 22 Sep 2025

[Steve Gott and his stag companions at the Kirkstall 7m]

From Peter Shelley & Nicola Budding…

Harriers undeterred by heavy rain and wind

Wet and slippery conditions on Saturday proved no deterrent to runners in the Great Whernside Fell Race. The 6.5km route is a simple but hard ascent of the Yorkshire Dales peak via the footpath which starts in Kettlewell and rises 686m passing Hag Dyke and through pasture, bog and rocky terrain to the summit before retracing its way down. Completing the race in 32:33, Sam Bentham took the win, his third annual victory in succession despite still being in the under 21-category. Sam was just three seconds clear of Wharfedale Harriers’ more experienced (and expert descender) Ted Mason. Oscar Shinn finished a creditable 10th and 3rd MU21, Gawain Moore 11th, George Whittlestone 15th and 4th MU21 in a great overall showing for Ilkley Harriers’ younger runners. Jamie Bentham was 37th.

Ilkley Harrier juniors’ strong collective efforts in the U19 Boys Team over the season won them a superb second place in the FRA Junior Fell Running Championships 2025. Medals go to Alexander Wolfenden, George Whittlestone and Oscar Shinn.

Kate Archer endured Saturday’s torrential conditions for considerably longer in the Hardmoors 60. Starting at 8am in Guisborough, the race headed to the North Yorkshire coast via Saltburn and on to Whitby and Scarborough before finishing at Filey. Runners had to manage not only the 60-mile distance and 3,000 metres of ascent but worsening conditions as the rain and mud intensified and, come the evening, was accompanied by high winds. 78 of the 179 starters retired. Kate rose to the challenge to finish in an impressive 12 hours 8 mins, placing 6th and 2nd lady, a fantastic achievement and testimony to her determination and race craft.

More brave souls tackled Saturday’s Three Shires Fell Race. One of the Classic Lakeland Fell Races, the Three Shires takes runners over 22km of remote and challenging terrain with 1,535m of ascent including the Little Langdale and Coniston Fells. Charles Wain made the finish in 94th place and Alison Weston in 110th.

Some way further east, Dick Waddington and Rumana Chowdhury faced a different kind of meteorological challenge as they tackled one of the world’s ‘Big Seven’ marathons in Berlin. Temperatures rose to the mid-20s on the route around the German capital leaving runners struggling to hydrate and keep moving. Dick made the finish in an excellent 4:02:38 while Rumana took encouragement from the party atmosphere and support to prevail over various setbacks, happy to earn her medal in 5:15:09.

Conditions in North Yorkshire had improved on Sunday by the time Hilda Coulsey and Jane McCarthy arrived for the Redcar Half Marathon. There was still wind to contend with on the coastal race route, but the sun was shining and both Harriers delivered competitive performances. Jane finished 78th, fifth lady and first F50 whilst Hilda finished 338th and 1st F70. They now qualify for England masters’ vests in next year’s home international in Swansea.

Benign conditions greeted the Kirkstall Abbey 7 on Sunday. En route to his stag-do in Leeds and dressed accordingly, Steve Gott was first Harrier to complete the seven-mile trail taking in the grounds of the Abbey to Rodley, finishing in 14th place and 2nd MV45. David Singleton was 46th and 2nd MV50, Matthew Snow 73rd and Roar Leijssen 148th of 214.

The trails around Swinsty Reservoir were also busy on Sunday with the Tilbury Douglas Yorkshire Run for WaterAid. The event raised money to help fund water supply projects in Ethiopia. Colm McCann covered the 10km route to finish 13th of 92 runners and 3rd M50. Wendy Lockwood finished 40th and 3rd F40.

Juniors were to the fore in parkruns this weekend. Alexander Wolfenden posted a swift 18:19 at Fountains Abbey finishing 7th overall and 1st JM15-17.

At East Holmes Field in Ilkley Daisy Lowe led the way for the girls, finishing 1st JW11-14 in 28:35.

At Chevin Forest James Lee was 5th overall in 19:44, Michael Moore 1st JM11-14 in 23:07 and Isobel Moore 1st JW10 in 27:12.

Among the seniors, Rachel Carter ran 21:03 at Fountains, Jaysson Sawyer 20:38 at Belvoir Castle and Rob Cunningham 19:45 at Ferry Meadows.

Ilkley Gazette Report – w/c 15 September 2025

Mon 15 Sep 2025

[Diane Kitchen won her age cat at the Wetherby 10k, photo courtesy Philip Bland]

From Jill Ezard & Nicola Budding…

Harrier’s success representing England in Mountain Running

Harrier Sam Bentham had a successful weekend representing England in the British and Irish Mountain Running Championships in Wales. Sam had been named in the squad in July having had a fantastic season so far. As part of the England U20 team, Sam took on the 6.9km with an impressive 303m ascent/descent over three climbs on the hills behind Canolfan y Fron in Snowdonia. The terrain is good for racing, climbing through a slate quarry and descending on some very fast tracks. And it was clearly a good race for Sam who came third in 27:01, just seconds behind the second place finisher, also taking the team prize with his teammates. Well done to Sam for a fantastic outing for the England team.

And it’s a performance that no doubt Jack Cummings will want to repeat as he received his first England call up this week for the Trofeo Vanoni in October, a relay-format mountain running race. It is a dream come true for Jack as it is an aim he has been working towards for years. It clearly gave him a spring in his step when he took part in the Wetherby 10k at the weekend. It was a great turnout of Harriers with eight taking part in this popular, fast, flat (apart from the hill at the end), and scenic route, ending with some excellent results: Jack took second place in the race flying over the line in 32:55; Sally Armitage was the second Harrier to finish in 39:08, fourth female and first in her age category; Ash Winter slipped into the top 50 finishing in 41:50; and Diane Kitchen took first place in her age category in 53:56. Well done to everyone that took part.

Back on the fells there was a fantastic turnout of juniors and seniors for the close-to-home Bradley Fell race. For the seniors the race is 3.5 miles with 900ft of ascent, starting with a steady climb up the fields and tracks to High Bradley, followed by a steep ascent to the top of Bradley moor. A steep climb can mean only one thing – a fast descent! Continuing his success on the fells, Gawain Moore was the first Harrier home in 25:06 taking 11th place overall and first place in his age group. George Whittlestone was 14th in 25:43, with Iain Gibbons and Nick Helliwell neck and neck in 27:27 and 27:46 respectively. Katie Poulter was fifth in the women’s race in 32.04, taking first place in her age category. Colm McCann had a great race finishing in 34:01.

And the impressive performances continued for the juniors: In the U17 Boys race, Oscar Shinn finished in third place; Robert Brooks took fourth place in the U14 Boys race; in the under 12 Boys there were two top ten placings with Michael Moore finishing in a fantastic first place and Thomas Bailey in tenth; for the U10 Girls Isobel Moore placed seventh; and in the U9 Girls race Georgia Poulter finished sixth. Well done to all our juniors for some determined running!

Continuing on the fells one Harrier travelled to Patterdale to compete in the La Sportiva Lake District Mountain Trial. Tim Ashelford joined forces with a friend from Durham Fell Runners to compete in the event which is a test of route choice, navigational skill and stamina in difficult mountain country. They competed in the Short Course pairs event which, depending on route choice will typically cover about 12 miles, and came over the finish line in 9:34:59.

Requiring less challenging navigational skills, two Harriers ventured to York to take part in the EvenSplits York 5K race, one of a series that are held monthly from February to November at the University of York Sport Village Cycle Circuit, giving participants the opportunity to track their 5k progress. Alex Wolfenden finished in a phenomenal 15:44 with an age grade of 82.3% and Harry Sime took second place in his age category in 19:41 and another impressive age grade of 81.6%.

Finally, 42 parkrunners took to the parks and trails across the UK to take part in the weekly timed events. Suitable for all capabilities the events are a great opportunity to build up your running. It was a bumper home event at East Holmes Field with 339 runners and walkers taking on the four lap course. Samesh Chotai romped home as first finisher with Kyle Bethell, John Hayes and Caroline Howe also finishing in the first ten for their gender. There was definitely something in the air though as nine Harriers achieved Personal Bests in the event. It was also a great turnout of Harriers at the Chevin Forest event where Junior Harrier James Lee was the third finisher and Paul Carman, Adam Gerrish, Jann Smith, Junior Isobel Moore, and Heidi Hoad all finished in the first ten for their gender. And there were PBs for Jann and Geoffrey White. Further afield Peter Roll took part in the Mallards Pike event and was fifth finisher. Well done to all that took part.

Ilkley Gazette Report – w/c 8 September 2025

Mon 8 Sep 2025

[The start of the Ilkley Incline, photo courtesy Woodentops]

From Nigel Illingworth & Nicola Budding…

Ilkley Incline, plus strong Harriers’ performances across fells, trails and roads

We had a packed race calendar for the Harriers this week, featuring our own Ilkley Incline, fell races, the Great North Run, Sunday’s exciting relays, and our new local parkrun.

Sunday saw two outstanding half marathon performances by Harriers. In the 11th running of the Vale of York Half Marathon, Matthew Thackwray was second overall male and first in the M35 category, setting a personal best of 1:08:49. Derek Oliver finished sixth in the M60 category with a time of 1:38:23. Other Harriers included Samesh Chotai (1:23:15), Ash Winter, who achieved a personal best “tuning up” for next month’s Yorkshire Marathon (1:32:33), Mark Gill (1:33:50) and Sarah Marsden (1:44:57).

Six Harriers also ran the Great North Run, battling a headwind from Newcastle to South Shields. Elite Nathan Edmondson impressively finished 21st with a time of 1:07:24, followed by Michael Ho (1:52:56), Lucy Lowe (2:14:17), Charlotte Smithson (2:16:10), Jonathan Nelson (2:40:03) and Scott Pinfield (3:00:12).

Geoffrey White delivered a winning performance in the scenic Derwentwater Trail Run 10K in Keswick, finishing first in the MV40 category with a time of 55:13 and placing 26th overall.

Sunday also marked the 29th running of the Tholthorpe 10K. Harriers’ ever-inspiring Jaysson Sawyer secured 11th place overall and fourth in the M40 category with a time of 37:54.

Earlier in the week, the Harriers hosted the Ilkley Incline in its 23rd year. This unique, one-mile, point-to-point race rises steeply by 170m onto Ilkley Moor. On a bright, dry, and breezy evening, 33 Harriers ran, with 95 participants in total. Harriers’ Ruaridh Mon-Williams finished third in 7:32, and Daniel Ellis was ninth in 8:42. The club also excelled in the age categories, with Gawain Moore, Ritchie Williamson, Peter Shelley, Matilda Irvine, Jann Smith, and Fiona Schneider each leading their respective categories. Second places were secured by Alex Wolfenden, Nick Kealey, John Hayes, Simon Jenkins, and Elaine Cossins, while third places went to Oscar Shinn, Paul Sullivan, Matthew Kennedy, and Marie Watson. Thanks to everyone who organised, volunteered, or supported the race.

Ahead of the Ilkley Incline, Harriers Juniors hosted the ever-popular Sprint Fell Relays on Ilkley Moor. Teams of four took on the short but challenging course, showcasing speed, stamina and teamwork across the hills, with every finisher enjoying a well-earned ice pop!

On the fells, Harriers were running at Burnsall and Muker. The historic Burnsall Fell Race covers 2.4 km with a 274m ascent up Burnsall Fell. Harriers had a strong showing in the senior race, with Gawain Moore claiming seventh overall and second in the MV45 category (16:46), Iain Gibbons finishing third MV50 (17:57), and George Whittlestone placing fourth MU23 (18:08). In the junior races, Oscar Shinn was fourth in the U17 Race. In the U14 category, Robert Brooks was third boy and Heidi Frank came home as tenth girl. Michael Moore had a great race finishing second in the U12 race followed by Thomas Bailey in 15th. Isobel Moore was ninth girl in 07:10 followed by Cecilia Hallworth in 09:35. Archie Hallworth third in the U9s. The Muker Show Fell Race took place in Swaledale. Harrier Iain Gibbons finished 19th overall and third in his MV50 age category with an impressive time of 14:52.

In the Leeds Country Way Relay, Harriers had three teams each comprising six pairs of runners, with each pair running a leg of the 64-mile route. Our open team came eighth in the Open category, with Kate Archer and Peter Shelley fastest on Leg 1 in the Mixed category. Our MV team came fourth in the Vets category. Our FV team came fifth in both the Ladies category, as well as the Vets category. Well done to all 36 Harriers who ran!

In Sunday’s West Yorkshire Track & Field Championships, Heather Crolla secured the title of West Yorkshire U15 Girls Discus Champion, and Rosa Crolla was fourth in the U13 Girls Discus.

In other events, Liane Cheetham completed the Yorkshire Trail Runs 10k at Harewood House, and Dan McKeown, Paul Carman and Dave Robson all ran the inaugural Ingleton Three Counties.

On Saturday morning, 46 Harriers took part in the weekly parkrun events. Ilkley’s own new East Holmes Field parkrun continued its enormous success with 398 participants, including Junior Harrier Joseph Bentham in third, Jann Smith, who was 8th female and achieved a personal best, Rafe Garner first JM10 and Bob Hamilton marking his 25th milestone run. Down the road at Chevin Forest, Harriers Junior James Lee secured a superb first place. There were six additional top ten male/female finishers: Dominic Coy, Stephen Coy, Nathan Coy, Dylan Shinn, Alison Weston, and Nicola Budding. Congratulations to Will Worboys who returned to the event he started, Centre Vale, for his 300th milestone run.

Berlin Marathon – Sun 21 Sept 2025

Mon 1 Sep 2025

From Rumana Chowdhury…

Sometimes you turn up to a race and stand on the start line feeling strong. You start running, your legs feel good and you just know it’s your day. This was me 4 months ago at Edinburgh. Sometimes you turn up and you’ve already lined up a small trail of disasters, your legs instantly feel heavy and you just know this is going to be hard. This was me at the Berlin Marathon. Fast, flat PB course they said. Not for me!

Granted, my training over the summer hadn’t been great, but thankfully I like my job and my kids so I can’t be too grumpy about that. But whilst Ilkley Chat was telling me there were floods back home, arriving in Berlin there was clearly a heatwave in full swing. Various other issues were building up – checking in to the wrong hotel, hormones, coming down with a cold – and I was starting to get more worried than usual. But I’ve done enough races now to know you have to be positive and try to enjoy it.

So on I went to the start line, ready to try my best. But oh my word did all that positive thinking rapidly disintegrate. Starting at 11am after much standing around, I was hot from the get go, parched and desperate for the 1st water station. 2km in and disaster struck as I got a stitch that went on to plague me for most of the marathon. Not the kind you can do some stamping and stretching to get rid of, but one of those sharp stabby ones that made it impossible to move. It became a real fight to keep going with gritted teeth and a salty sweaty forehead. By halfway, most people around me were walking, the heat proving too much. I somehow lost my headphones so had no music to shift my attention away from the fact that a marathon is a really long way. At one point I tripped on the wet sticky ground laden with crushed plastic water cups and pulled my calf in the process, the crowd actually gasped as I went flying. Thankfully no major harm done. There were some high points, my husband joining me along the way was a treat, random people in crowd with speakers blaring loud techno music was funny, voice note of support from fellow Harrier Marie to lift the spirits and some beautiful sights of the city with a DIY party vibe much of the way. But having stood on the start line chatting to a runner, laughing about how we might not pb but at least we shouldn’t get swept up by the ‘loser bus’, as the race dragged on I really started to wonder if I’d even make the cut off. It felt like an epic, slow fight to reach the finish.

The sight of the Brandenburg Gate at the end was such a relief I actually cried, then after realising I still had another 400m to go I started swearing again, but the crowd at this point were massive and I high fived and air punched my way to the end. I ran, but no sprint finish this time!

When you’re not on for a PB, or a run that feels good, you do start to question why on earth you’re doing this. Strangely though, I’ve never felt so deserving of a medal, even though it was almost my slowest time, I felt pretty awful and had to walk and stop so much. I think having all the bad things that can happen on a training run (if you follow me on strava, you will know all about this!) actually happen on race day was like a nightmare, but pushing through it was rewarding in a way I couldn’t have imagined. I did it ???? 2nd star in the bag. Never again! (For now, anyway).

Results

Harry Styles 2:59:13 (Kudos. No I didn’t see him)

Dick Waddington 4:02:38

Rumana Chowdhury 5:15:09

Thursday night coaching session

Mon 1 Sep 2025

From Sally Malir…

Places are available at my grass speed work session on a Thursday evening, with the option of me helping out with more coaching.

I have stuck to keeping it a girl’s group – ages 13-20.

It’s from 6pm-7pm at Ben Rhydding sports club.

My email is sallymalir@gmail.com if anybody is interested or would like more info.

Kirkstall Abbey 7 – Sun 21 Sept 2025

Mon 1 Sep 2025

From Matthew Snow…

Four Ilkley Harriers took on the Kirkstall 7 mile trail race, starting at Kirkstall Abbey and following a roughly out-and-back route to Rodley and back.

The race was treated as Ilkley Harrier Steve Gott’s latest stag event before drinks in Leeds, in honour of which we all ran in T-shirts demonstrating Steve’s ongoing youthfulness. His wife-to-be, Heather, after almost 30 years of courting, has finally succumbed to Steve’s charms and they marry on Thursday.

Incredibly, Steve finished in 14th position overall and second in his MV45 category in a time of 46.19, despite being on another stag do the day before.

Dave Singleton (46th 51:53), Matthew Snow (73rd 54:49) and Roar Leijssen (148th 1:06:53) got round in a field of 214 runners.

A multi terrain race run in lovely sunny conditions with a friendly team from Kirkstall Harriers.

Results

The Tilbury Douglas Yorkshire Run for WaterAid – Sun 21 Sept 2025

Mon 1 Sep 2025

From Colm McCann…

The Tilbury Douglas Yorkshire Run for WaterAid isn’t exactly a catchy name for race. It is essentially an annual 5/10k race to raise money for WaterAid which is a charity that aims to provide water and sanitation services in developing countries. The race is organised by Yorkshire Water, their partners and local supporters. Tilbury Douglas is the current organising partner hence referred to in the name of the race.

Back in 2017, when I worked for Yorkshire Water, the WaterAid 10k was the first organised race I took part in making a long trek over to Scammonden reservoir just off the M62. The following year the race moved to the much prettier surroundings of Swinsty reservoir, which was also much handier for me. I’ve done the race most years since then but it is still a relatively unknown race, which this year may have worked in my favour-more on that later. This year the race has been run under a UK athletics licence which means the results will also be published on the Powerof10 website.

On Sunday morning as I made the short trip to Swinsty I was pleased to see the torrential rain of Saturday evening had cleared to become a very nice morning. On arrival I was greeted by a car parking marshal doubling up as a WaterAid mascot, hence dressed as a giant tap.

After registration and a short warmup we made our way down to the start position for a mass start with the 10k runners going first and the smaller field of 5K runners behind. The 10k route is twice round the shores of Swinsty reservoir mostly on good gravel paths, although there are some killer puddles in the first few hundred metres, with short sections of road running and two short climbs at the end of each lap.

Wendy Lockwood and I were the only representatives from Ilkley Harriers with similarly low numbers from other local clubs. The field of 92 runners had a large contingent from Rothwell Harriers and Vegan Runners as one of the organisers is associated with both these clubs. A bit of luck and the make-up of competitors worked in my favour as I was placed 13th overall and third in the M50 category coming in at 47 minutes 24 seconds, a whole 4 seconds faster than my 2019 time in this race. Wendy did a fabulous time in 55 minutes 25 seconds which was also third in her category.

After the race Wendy spotted my red vest and came over for a chat, reflecting on the beautiful location for race, low numbers from local clubs and how we were lucky with the weather. We both really enjoyed this well-organised race raising money for a good cause. While enjoying a cup of a tea and some of the fine selection of cakes available I had a chat with runners from Skipton and Nidderdale who also reflected on low numbers of runners from local clubs which they attributed to a gap in the race marketing strategy. I said I would provide their feedback to the organisers but I am also aware I don’t want too much promotion as this may jeopardise my chances of repeating my lucky 13th place!

If you felt like you have missed out the race is usually held on the 3rd Sunday in September so put in your race planner for next year.

Results

Redcar Half Marathon – Sun 21 Sept 2025

Mon 1 Sep 2025

From Hilda Coulsey…

Jane and I travelled to Redcar looking forward to some sunshine after the torrential rain in the previous few days. As expected, I suppose being on the coast, the wind was quite strong. It was chilly and I haven’t yet acclimatised to autumn taking only shorts and my Ilkley vest to run in. I was glad therefore of the tee-shirt I was wearing to travel in that I could wear under my vest as whilst we had sun it was quite weak.

The route is two and bit laps of the road along the seashore, hence fairly flat. Our issue was that whilst there were toilets there was nowhere to shelter, keep warm and out of the rain (which we were so glad stopped overnight) and changing was in the toilets. Nevertheless the race had a local feel, preceded by a kids 3k and a 10k, with lots of local running clubs and unattached.

As expected, the wind was fairly strong and its not very noticeable when its behind you but heading into it tucking in behind some taller runners is usually helpful. I didn’t have that opportunity at all in the last couple of miles heading directly into it – I struggled and hopes of sneaking in under 2 hours were dashed but it didn’t matter. We were there aiming to qualify for England masters vests to run in a home international next year in Swansea. We succeeded.

Prize allocation was novel. Rather than the usual, firsts or more in each M and F age categories, they calculated age grade %ages for us all and awarded prizes to the top 30. Jane easily met this criteria with 86.93%, 8th in the table, whilst I scraped in at 27th with 82.91%.

Results

1. 1:08:45 Rob Scott, Richmond and Zetland

38. 1:21:31 Jennifer Berry, Wallsend Harriers

78. 1:27:23 Jane McCarthy 5th Lady and 1st F50

338. 2:01:18 Hilda Coulsey 1st F70

567 ran

UTMB Julian Alps, Slovenia – Sun 21 Sept 2025

Mon 1 Sep 2025

From Rebecca Mon-Williams…

The Julian Alps UTMB race offers a smorgasbord of race options, ranging from 120km to 5km. We opted for the 25km route which starts and finishes in the Alpine village of Kranskja Gora. Our route took in 3 main climbs (1000m total), and followed tracks along rivers, up wooded hillsides, along tops with glorious views of the stunning Julian Alps, and down grassy ski slopes. Underfoot was a mixture of tarmac (short sections), easy and technical trails, grassy slopes.

It’s a five star Trip review for the Julian Alps and Slovenia from us. The race gets four stars with one star lost due to the “wave” system (two staggered starts), which means if you want to race for a podium position (done on gun time), you’ve got 15 min to make up and a lot of people to overtake on some of the bottlenecks. We managed to argue for Ruaridh to be moved, but it took some persuasion. However, for those of us without those heady aspirations and in holiday mood, it’s actually quite nice to have a little breather, look up, and enjoy the views.

Results

1st Wendelin Mortendorfer 1hr 45

5th Ruaridh Mon-Williams 1hr 55

63rd Mark Mon-Williams 2 hr 25 (2nd MV 60)

206 Rebecca Mon-Williams 2hr 58 (1st FV 55)

Hardmoors 60 – Sat 20 Sept 2025

Mon 1 Sep 2025

From Kate Archer…

The route follows the coastal section of the Cleveland Way, starting at Guisborough and passing through Saltburn, Runswick Bay, Staithes, Whitby, Robin Hoods Bay, Ravenscar and Scarborough before finishing at Filey. Having run the Hardmoors 55 earlier in the year which follows the inland section of the Cleveland Way, I was keen to finish the trail (there is also the option of the Hardmoors 110 which Petra completed earlier this year and is the full Cleveland Way – perhaps one for another year).

The weather forecast was for rain, and it proved accurate. We started in heavy rain which continued all day, turning quite stormy on the cliff tops in the evening. After the event, I saw a Facebook post that said the wettest place in North Yorkshire had been Ravenscar with over a month’s rainfall in a day!

Of all the ultras I have run, this was probably one of the least enjoyable. The Hardmoors races are fantastic, and the route is probably beautiful on another day. But the constant battering from the weather, slipping around in mud and feeling a little bit cold most of the day was tough. The drop out rate was almost 50%, and I’m not surprised.

I was pleased to finish in 12 hours 8 mins, in 6th place overall (of 89 finishers) and 2nd F.

Results

Three Shires Fell Race – Sat 20 Sept 2025

Mon 1 Sep 2025

From Alison Weston…

Charles Wain and I ran the new route for the Three Shires fell race this weekend. Starting and finishing at Tilberthwaite farm, instead of Little Langdale, and in an anti-clockwise direction with Wetherlam as the last climb. A bit more distance and climbing (22km and 1535m) but I like the new route!

The race was won by Tom Simpson from Ambleside in 2:07 and Sharon Taylor from Helm Hill in 2:55.

Results:

1 – Tom Simpson (Ambleside) 2:07:27

46 – Sharon Taylor (Helm Hill) 2:55:21 – 1st woman

94 – Charles Wain 3:23:56

110 – Alison Weston 3:38:25 – 1st FV60

Another England vest for Hilda!

Mon 1 Sep 2025

Congratulations to Hilda Coulsey who has qualified for the Masters Representative Marathon in Abingdon on 19 October and earns another England Age Group Masters vest.

Full details here.

Wetherby 10k – Sun 14 Sept 2025

Mon 1 Sep 2025

[Photo above is Ash Winter, Martin O’Halloran, Diane Kitchen and Sally Armitage]

From Ash Winter…

A wet and wild day was promised at the 20th running of the Wetherby 10km, with the weather getting worse the longer you took, providing extra motivation for the 600 or so who took part to get on with it.

I had a new road trip buddy for this one, with Martin O’Halloran helping the journey to Wetherby Racecourse pass in a flash. We set off from Ilkley at 1200 for a 1300 arrival, giving us plenty of time for number collection, stretches and the now 3 km warm-up I appear to need for any sort of race pace.

The Wetherby course is a real mixed bag, mostly road, some trail, more mud than I’ve seen for months, plus a couple of short, sharp hills over the motorway to keep you honest. A headwind started up too, making the 7th km pain cave seem deeper and darker than usual. Also, always a personal favourite, an extremely short out-and-back in the 8th km with a turn I managed to negotiate with the grace of a badly stacked container ship fighting off an attempted boarding by modern-day pirates.

Despite all this complaining, I managed to shave a full minute off my last attempt at this race, bringing it home (without the need of a knee slide) in 41:50. Very pleased indeed.

I wasn’t the only Harrier involved though. Kudos to Martin for predicting a 57-minute effort and coming in 2 minutes under that. Notable performances from Diane Kitchen being 1st FV65 and Sally Armitage being 1st FV45 and 4th lady overall. Of course, Jack Cummings was on the podium, 2nd only to a huge course record by Ed Bovingdon of Leeds City AC.

Josie Slack, Karl Hutchinson and Chris Cunningham also completed excellent races, with every Harrier sub 1 hour. Allowing us to scuttle off home before the storm began in earnest.

From Sally Armitage…

My favourite race of the year! A mixed bag of terrain, rutted farm tracks around fields, bridges, gravel footpaths and roads. Sold as flat there are a couple of undulations, one being the seemingly never ending dead straight kilometre long footpath near the end, this stretch generally sorts out the finish order. Knowing the course well now, this was my 8th year of running it, I used this 9th kilometre to try and edge past the 3rd lady, but I failed and had to resign myself to 4th place.

Jack Cummings had his first run around Wetherby and had already accepted the win wasn’t his before the starting gun sounded, recognising an exceptionally fast Leeds City AC runner was also there. He was right but put in a strong performance for 2nd place. Diane Kitchen also had a stonking run to finish first in her age category. Ilkley had a good field of 8 representing the club, great to see so many out there fighting the good fight.

Results

1st male Ed Bovingdon Leeds City AC 30:19

1st female Jemima Elgood Nidd Valley 35:02

2nd Jack Cumming 32:55

22nd Sally Armitage 39:08 (1st F45)

49th Ashley Winter 41:50

160th Josie Slack 49:00

196th Karl Hutchinson 50:04

275th Diane Kitchen 53:56 (1st F65)

305th Martin O’Halloran 55:05

377th Chris Cunningham 57:37

613 finished

Vale of York Half Marathon – Sun 7 Sept 2025

Mon 1 Sep 2025

From Ash Winter…

With the Yorkshire Marathon fast approaching, the Vale of York Half Marathon is the classic tune up race. Always useful to see if those long runs are making a difference while there’s still a few weeks to tweak the training. Over a thousand runners too, so you get that big race vibe on the flat lanes around Wistow.

Last time I did the race, I got parked about 90 seconds before the race started, clomped over the ploughed parking field and over the start line with no warm up. Not my finest half marathon, not worth the extra half hour of sleep. However, my partner for this road trip, Mark Gill, is a self-confessed morning person and he was waiting for me at our Ilkley pick up point at 0710 to start the journey, ready for the 0930 start. We arrived with an hour to spare, allowing plenty of time to pick up numbers, warm up, discuss strategies and shed all excuses for a poor performance.

Thankfully, Mark and I were rewarded for our ability to wake up early and marathon training so far with half marathon personal bests! I even managed a negligible negative split as well, which I will be claiming was all part of the plan, thank you very much.

We were not the only Harriers present however, Matthew Thackwray came 2nd with an astronomical time of 1:08:49, which I think was also a personal best. Congratulations too to Samesh Chotai, Derek Oliver, and Sarah Marsden on great performances.

With all this confidence flying around, I’ll try not get too carried away at the start of the Yorkshire Marathon…

Results

Ingleton Three Counties – Sat 6 Sept 2025

Mon 1 Sep 2025

From Dan McKeown…

Having injured my knee prior to this year’s Yorkshire Three Peaks race, I had set myself a recovery target of a ‘Calendar Three Peaks’: to do Pen-y-ghent on Y3P race day, retire from the race at Ribblehead, and pick up the other two peaks in other races during the year.

I accomplished the first part – my first-ever DNF – then sat on my hands and didn’t bother entering the Whernside or Ingleborough races that Settle Harriers organise, so it rather looked like I’d missed my opportunity. However, my C3P was granted a reprieve when a new event appeared in the running calendar: the Ingleton Three Counties, which would enable me to visit both remaining peaks in one fell swoop (dum-tish).

The downside: it’s a 19-mile 5,500ft race (plus one of the eponymous counties is Lancashire).

I sounded out a couple of other Harriers to see if we could get the required three runners to make up a scoring team, and managed to get Dave Robson and Paul Carman involved. What a result! On arrival in Ingleton, it turned out that Settle Harriers had brought half their club, and a lot of them looked disturbingly young and fit, but at least our presence meant they would actually have to beat someone to win the team prize instead of just getting it by default so hurray for that, I suppose.

It’s probably worth explaining the course at this point: departing from the Ingleton scout hall, runners head northwest to climb Gragareth on the Lancashire / Yorkshire border, then follow the watershed north to the imaginatively named Green Hill, which takes us into Cumbria. Descending to the east, runners then climb the west flank of Whernside (technically still Cumbria until you reach the wall at the summit), then go barrelling joyously down the east side into Yorkshire. It’s then all the way up to Ingleborough via Park Fell, and back down to Ingleton for tea and cakes.

As it turned out, both the Whernside and Ingleborough ascents were considerably more forgiving than on the Y3P race route, and the madcap descent of Whernside made an interesting reversal of the Y3P – plenty of Harriers will have grim memories of trudging up that way on the shortest (but steepest) line to the summit.

As Settle Harriers had shown up mob handed, inter-club rivalry looked a bit of a stretch, but we could still enjoy a good spot of intra-club rivalry between the three of us. As we came over the top of Whernside, you could have thrown a foil emergency blanket over the entire Harriers team, so close together were we. Dave took off on the descent of Whernside and opened up a sizable gap while I tried to hang onto Paul. It had all changed by the time we reached Ingleborough summit and I was first over the top, but then had Paul snapping at my heels all the way down the descent, with Dave feeling a bit gassed after his Whernside heroics.

While Dave hasn’t raced much lately, Paul’s done about 60 races in the last fortnight, so I was able to drag myself clear in the last couple of miles on the track down to Ingleton to complete my C3P in style – 11th out of a field of about 50 and probably behind all of Settle’s team scorers (although results aren’t published, at the time of writing).

We then went and sat in the scout hall and looked at the enormous pile of cakes on the table, and decided we couldn’t eat any of them. Paul commented that it was the sign of a good race when everyone’s just sitting around dead-eyed afterwards and can’t talk or eat.

As for the whole Whernside / Cumbria malarkey, the Whernside trig point is just the wrong side of the wall that marks the county boundary between North Yorkshire and Cumbria. So while Yorkshire’s highest point *is* on Whernside, it’s not quite at Whernside summit. Or not the trig point, at any rate. If you can cope with this revelation, good for you. I’m not sure I can.

Territorial controversies aside, the inaugural Ingleton Three Counties race, while gruelling, was great fun to be part of, and I hope it will establish itself as a fixture in the fell running calendar for years to come.

Results

11 Dan McKeown 3:48:12

12 Paul Carman 3:49:05

15 Dave Robson 4:00:29

One Foot in the Gargrave – Sat 6 Sept 2025

Mon 1 Sep 2025

From Jane McCarthy…

LDWA-organised ‘One Foot in the Gargrave’ offers runners and walkers a Challenge event (as opposed to a race – think Rombald’s Stride) with pre-event tea/coffee/toast, 4 well-stocked checkpoints, post-event meal and a super friendly team.

The 22-something mile route starts along quiet lanes out of Gargrave towards Otterburn, climbing gently before dropping down to the Grade 1 listed, millstone grit Church at Kirkby Malham – thought to have originated no later than the 9th century, it was completely rebuilt in the 15th century and is absolutely beautiful. Climbing again, up green lanes the route approaches Malham before turning towards Janet’s Foss and then a near 500ft slog up to the top corner of Mastiles Lane, where a bounty of sandwiches, cakes and tea, coffee and juice awaited. From this roughly halfway point the rest is fairly easy running, undulating but generally downhill with 360 degree glorious views. Finishing with a short stint along the Canal and back to HQ – a grand morning out with Nuno / Becca Cesar de Sa and lovely to see Adela Reperecki also enjoying the sunshine and scenery.

I haven’t seen any results but they don’t seem very important. For more events see https://ldwa.org.uk/WestYorkshire

Ilkley Incline – Wed 3 Sept 2025

Mon 1 Sep 2025

[Ruaridh Mon-Williams, first Ilkley Harrier home, photo courtesy of Will Worboys]

From Jean Sullivan…

Wednesday evening saw the staging of the 23rd Ilkley Incline race. This unique one-mile uphill only race, with 560ft of ascent, starts at the bottom of the Keighley Gate Road in Ilkley. The route starts on tarmac road, before runners have a stony track to contend with.

Conditions on the night were mild, with a little bit of sunshine at times, a pleasant treat after a rainy start to the day. The sunshine must have lured the runners out, with over 40 signing up on the night itself. A total of 95 runners battled it out on this tough course, with 33 of those racing being Ilkley Harriers.

Ruaridh Mon Williams was the first Harrier over the line, finishing in a superb third place in a time of 07:32, and just 13 seconds behind the winner Tom Bell of North Leeds Fell Runners (with Tom was celebrating his second win of the day, having come first at the Muker Show fell race earlier that afternoon!).

Alex Wolfenden was the second Harrier home in a great time of 7:47, with Oscar Shinn hot on his heels, finishing in 8:29. These great results meant that Ilkley men took the team prize.

Great results also for Ilkley ladies. Matilda Irvine was the first over the line, as she was last year, completing the course in a great time of 10:44, seven seconds quicker than her time the previous year. This great result meant that Matilda took first prize in her age category.

Claire McLoughlin was the second Ilkley lady to finish and Jann Smith the third, with Jann taking first prize in her age category.

There were lots of other age category prizes also for Ilkley Harriers, including Gawain Moore, Ritchie Williamson, Peter Shelley and Fiona Schneider, all of whom finished first in their respective categories. Well done all!

The evening was rounded off by the race founder Andy Wolfenden presenting the prizes to the winners.

Huge thanks to all those who kindly gave up their time to volunteer at the race, as well as to the Yorkshire Runner in Otley and Bini Brewery (who will be opening their new Taproom on Little Lane in Ilkley very soon!) who generously sponsored the event.

Results

Golden Ball 20 – Sun 31 Aug 2025

Sun 31 Aug 2025

From Sally Armitage…

This weekend I was back over in Lancashire for the Golden Ball 20 ‘marathon prep’ race. Starting and finishing on a cycle track in Morecambe and following the River Lune, this race is fast and flat. Which was a good test for my dodgy knees ahead of entering an autumn marathon.

Having made the mistake at Trimpell 20, which follows the same course, of starting too far back, this time I started near the front. Which would have been great had I not dropped a gel twice in the first kilometre and had to battle back through the stampede to retrieve them! This also threw my carefully calculated pacing strategy out of the window, around the half way point I gave up on trying to follow a specific pace and just ran to feel, which turned out quite a bit faster than I’d planned anyway!

I had a great run, felt strong and comfortable throughout, and my knees only had a few complaints, so I guess I’ll be deciding which marathon to enter this autumn!

Results:

1st male Tom Charles Corlton Runners 1:50:31

1st female Rachael Rozhdestven Sale Harriers 2:14:35

35th (2nd female) Sally Armitage Ilkley Harriers 2:20:03

115 ran

Whittle Pike Fell Race – Sat 30 Aug 2025

Sat 30 Aug 2025

From Alison Weston…

Whittle Pike was the last English Championship race – 9.8K and 550m ascent.

Ben was already unbeatable in the championships after his performance at Borrowdale but Finlay Grant had a great race to come just ahead at Whittle Pike to share the 1st position in the championships.

Sam has had a fantastic championships – his 13th position at Whittle Pike securing him a top 10 championship position and 2nd under 23 years.

Oli has also had a great year coming 9th overall in the championships, making it three Harriers in the top 10. Maybe a first for Ilkley?

Jane was first female Harrier home at Whittle in 11th position making her 2nd FV50 in the championships despite only running 3 races (when up to 4 can count).

Ilkley ladies put in a great team at Whittle as we were in 4th V40 team position after Borrowdale. We came joint 1st FV40 team and 2nd FV50 team at Whittle Pike thanks to great performances from everyone. Unfortunately in a very competitive field Helm Hill appear to have pipped us to 3rd place in FV40 team category. Despite only having a FV50 team in 3 races, we have come 2nd position in the overall FV50 championships. So a good year for Ilkley Harriers.

Results

Men:

Ben Rothery 2nd position in 37.25

Sam Bentham 13th in 37.25

Oli Murphy 22nd in 41.12

Gawain Moore 53rd in 46.51

Women:

Jane McCarthy 11th in 51.43 1st V50

Kate Archer 17th in 52.37

Rachel Carter 35th in 56.50

Sacha Jones 46th in 59.14

Alison Weston 49th in 1.00:26 3rd V60

Kelly Wilby 52nd in 1.00:57

Jann Smith 53rd in 1:01:12

Ilkley Gazette Report – w/c 25 August 2025

Mon 25 Aug 2025

[Katie Poulter finishes in third place at the Burnsall Feast Fell Race, photo courtesy of Woodentops]

From Caroline Howe & Nicola Budding…

Historic fell races and prominent parkrun performances

As peak summer holiday season continues, it was a quiet week for racing, but still with some standout performances.

At the Burnsall Feast, Katie Poulter took on the classic Fell Race. This 1.5 mile race is one of the oldest fell races around, with a history stretching back over a century. Katie put in a fantastic performance to finish as third lady in a time of 22:34. Daniel Fazackerley was also in action, finishing in ninth place in 17:58.

Malham Show has been taking place for nearly 100 years, and Gawain Moore took on the rugged terrain of the Malham Fell Race. The 2.5 mile course is known for its steep climbs and technical descents. Moore finished seventh overall and second in his age category, in a time of 20:30. Three Junior Harriers also took part in the junior races, with fabulous running by all. In the U14 race Robert Brooks was second U14 boy. Both Michael Moore and Isobel Moore were competing in the U12 race with Michael finishing as second U12 boy and Isobel finishing as second U12 girl.

Many Harriers took part in parkruns up and down the country, with no less than three first place finishes. These were: Nathan Edmondson at Whitby’s Cinder Track in 15:47; Oli Murphy at Finsbury Park in 16:31; and Alex Foyn at the interestingly-named Tetbury Goods Shed in 18:34. There was also a second place finish for Michael Odell at Penrose in 18:03.

The new East Holmes Field parkrun once again had a fantastic turnout, and several Harriers finished in the top ten in their gender categories – Nick Kealey (fifth in 18:33); Steve Coy (sixth in 18:44); Martin Hartley (eighth in 19:13) and Jann Smith (ninth in 24:00). There were also top ten finishes for Steve Gott at Otley Chevin (eighth – 20:29) and Sally Malir at Lister Park (seventh in 25:06).

With summer drawing to a close and attention turning to the autumn race calendar, why not kick it off with the Ilkley Incline on 3 September? Entry here: Ilkley Incline 2025 – RaceBest

Ilkley Gazette Report – w/c 18 August 2025

Mon 18 Aug 2025

[Jack Wood and Katie Poulter in action at the Gargrave Show, photo courtesy of Woodentops]

From Peter Shelley & Nicola Budding…

Harriers’ mountain expertise crosses borders

The 119th running of the Gargrave Show fell races took place on Sat 16th August with events for seniors and juniors. The routes took runners on a variety of terrains including a splash through Eshton Beck and a climb through the rhododendron tunnels of Lord’s Wood en route to the moorland of Sharp Haw. Jack Wood took victory in the senior race with Gawain Moore putting in a competitive run in the V40 category. Katie Poulter was 3rd lady.

On Thurs, 14th August, Wharfedale Harriers staged the King’s Challenge, which climbs 350m up Rombalds Moor from Silsden on a 9.8km out-and-back off-road route. Official results are yet to be confirmed but Oscar Shinn, Gawain Moore and Steve Gott are placed within the provisional top 12.

The Punk Panther Six Dales race saw Ritchie Williamson back in action just two weeks after his Bob Graham Round. Competitors choose from a variety of distances along the Six Dales hiking route which starts in Otley and heads north. Ritchie opted characteristically for the longest distance which covered 83 km and 1,620m of elevation on its way to the remote Nidderdale village of Lofthouse. Finishing in 8 hrs 22 mins, Ritchie was not only the fastest V50 but took the win outright, underlining his tremendous ongoing form.

Jack Cummings was pleased to secure 11th in exalted company in the GB Mountain Trials held at Whinlatter near Keswick on Sunday. He finished in spite of a tumble that required some medical intervention post-race but failed to remove the smile from his face.

Taking place further east in the Howgills was the Sedbergh Hills Fell Race. At 22.5 km long and with 1,830m of climb, the event is categorized AL by the Fell Running Association, meaning both steep and long. The route takes runners on a clockwise circuit from Sedbergh over several of the Howgills’ distinctive bare summits including Arant Haw at 605m and the Calf at 676m before the long fast descent back to town.

Evidently not tired of mountains despite spending most of his time in Switzerland, Jack Wood was back in action the day after his Gargrave success to secure a creditable 11th place. Paul Carman was 45th and Dan McKeown 59th. The race was won by Sam Stead of Keswick AC. 90 finished.

Trading nations with Jack, mother and daughter team Alison and Nea Weston headed to Switzerland for the International Mountain Marathon taking place in the Alps above Klosters. Combining running with orienteering and mountain craft, competitors must find the fastest route between controls placed in different locations across a wide expanse of alpine terrain. Controls can be visited in any order, but time is limited. The event takes place over two days with an overnight self-supported camp in alpine pasture over 2,000m which featured wandering cattle and a Swiss Alphorn welcome. Running five hours each day, Alison and Nea navigated the controls to great effect finishing without penalties and just within the time limits to claim third female team in their class.

Back in the UK, the Birchwood 10k saw Sally Armitage notch up another podium. A fast flat road route played to Sally’s strengths, and she ran 39:28 to finish 2nd lady.

The Settle Loop Challenge pits mountain bikers against fell runners (with further categories for e bikers and walkers) on a hilly and technical route through the Dales east of Settle. Nathan Coy was first runner home in 1:13:56 with his Dad Steve third in 1:18:11. Fastest time was set by mountain biker Marc Sennett in 1:04:56.

Roberts Park Parkrun saw Nick Kealey post 17:59 and David Ibbotson a personal best of 27:07 respectively. Rachel Carter also ran a personal best 22:29 at the Chevin parkrun and Daniel Paterson a 21:19 at Vermuyden Way. Junior Milena Morgan travelled the furthest this week taking part in the Reeuwijkse Hout Parkrun (NL). Milena finished first in the 11-14 category in a fantastic time of 22:50.

Punk Panther 6 Dales Trail Ultra – Sat/Sun 16-17 Aug 2025

Sun 17 Aug 2025

From Ritchie Williamson…

Very much a last-minute decision, last Wednesday I signed up for the Punk Panther 6 Dales Trail Ultra, an out and back from Otley to Lofthouse taking in the Swinsty, Fewston, Thruscross and Gouthwaite reservoirs. Punk Panther offers a number of distances in their race format (half marathon, 20 miles, 32 mile and 50 mile). I opted for the 50-mile course (which ended up being 51.6 miles) reasoning that I could do with getting some volume on the legs with the 13 Valleys ultra approaching at the end of September. Both the 50 mile and 32-mile race started together at Garnets Field at 07:30 am. Three runners made a fast start, and I knew one of them was in the 50-mile race and they were out of sight before we left Garnets Field. As we moved up and through Otley, I quickly fell into pace with a MV50 on the 50-mile race, this I thought, would be the person I would be racing for the MV50 cat. We ran together through the outskirt of Otley and then through the fields to Clifton, after a steep down-hill track (noting I’d be coming back up this) we reached the Dob Park Packhorse Bridge and a mile later through a wood to Timble Beck Gill. We had picked up another runner (who would go onto finish 3rd in the 32-mile course) and we checked routes with each other as it was easy to go off route through the woods.

As we climbed up from the beck, I put some distance between myself and the other 2 runners and made a small break. Down through the woods to Swinsty Hall and along the track to Swinsty car park. After a quick toilet stop it was back onto the track alongside Fewston reservoir, I had dropped behind the MV50 and 32-mile runner. While I had them in my sights, I didn’t catch them again until CP1 (11 miles, St Andrews church at Blubberhouses). Petra was on support at the checkpoint, so it was good to have a brief hello, refill flasks and head out. All 3 of us left together and started the next section, past what must be one of the most idyllic cricket clubs (Blubberhouses CC) and keeping the Washburn River to our left, we then crossed Thruscross Dam and took the road up Thruscross. As it was a hill, I again decided to try and make a break for it and leave the 2 runners behind. Once at the top of the hill there was more crossing of fields and moors, I was a bit ahead but also struggling to keep on route as the trace was difficult to follow as times. I met the 2 leaders of the 32-mile race as they were heading back from their turning point (CP2) so I reasoned that the next CP could not be that far away. Once out the fields it was another uphill effort to CP2 (Heyshaw, 16 miles). Again, it was a very quick refill of flasks and onto the next section, Heyshaw to Lofthouse. As I left CP2 I could see the MV50 runner coming into the CP.

The next section takes you from Heyshaw to Lofthouse vis Pateley Bridge (about 10/11 miles). The distance I put between myself and the runner behind was lost as soon as I made a nav error had had to retrace my steps for about 100 meters. We then ran together, crossing more fields and farmland and hitting the 600 m trail down through Guisecliff Wood. This was a bit of a gnarly path which eventually bought me onto a track and down to Glasshouses bridge. From here it was flattish all the way to Pateley Bridge following the path alongside the river Nidd. While at Pateley Bridge, there was a brief thought of stopping at the Pancake House for lunch, but instead pressed on to Gouthwaite reservoir over undulating paths. I had been running with the other MV50 runner since the nav error shortly after CP2, we alternated the lead and kept close for many miles. About 2 miles past Pateley Bridge the MV50 runner stopped for a toilet break. I kept moving and tried to put some distance between us by upping the pace a notch. But to no avail, I could usually see him behind me when the terrain allowed. Just shy of the CP3 Lofthouse, I met the lead runner on his return leg. He was about half a mile from CP3 and so we exchanged a few words, and I covered the remaining distance into CP3, arriving after 4hrs and 5 mins. I had up to this point been fuelling with High 5 gels every 30 mins. I picked up my drop bag, replaced the gels I had consumed on the way out, drank a bottle of Lucozade and munched a bag of salt and vinegar squares. As I left the checkpoint the MV50 runner behind came in.

The return route is the route out but obviously in reverse, knowing what was coming made it more manageable to break down into chunks, I had also got a few lines wrong on the way out, so it was an opportunity to get these correct on the way back and hopefully shave a bit of time off. Again, I wanted to put more distance and reasoned that the MV50 runner would also be accessing his drop bag and replenishing, so I put an effort into running the flattish section back to Guisecliffe Wood. It was then the 600m climb back up through the woods and back on to open moor and track. As I climbed out of the wood and reached the high ground I spied the silhouette of the lead runner, but my focus was on putting distance between myself and the MV50 runner. A quick refill at CP4 (Heyshaw return) and a quicker look over my shoulder saw that the MV50 was not far behind. The return to CP5 (Blubberhouses) was a mix of road and trail with most of the road sections being downhill so it was a good opportunity to stretch the legs and hopefully maintain the distance between myself and the MV50. As I came off the moor and started the road section down to Thruscross Dam, I could see the lead runner on the road. By the time I had reached the dam he was at the other end of the dam and starting his descent towards Blubberhouses. I managed to pass the lead runner as we approached Blubberhouses CC and arrived at CP5 ahead for the first time in the race.

It was now a flat-out race for the last 11 miles, I left CP5 ahead of the second place runner (after exchanging a fist bump and a few words) and hoping it would be the last I saw of him. The first section was along Fewston and Swinsty reservoirs, followed by the trail to Timble Gill. Just prior to Timble Gill I saw the 2nd place runner was catching me. I made a quick descent towards the Gill, taking the wrong line and having to cut back across at the bottom to get back on course. I then arrived at Dob Park Packhorse bridge and started the long climb up to the final checkpoint of the race (CP 6, Dob Park Road). I made good time on the ascent and by the time I was leaving CP6, I could see no one behind. It was now just 4 and half miles downhill back into Otley. Never knowing how close the chasing runners were, I pushed onto the finish at Bridge Street Church in Otley moving as fast as I could at that stage of the race. My official finish time was 8hr 21m 40s, a new course record by over 20 minutes and in first place. I was only 90 seconds ahead of the second-place finisher. Close enough to make this feel like a race from start to finish. After that, it was a short hop to the Otley Tap House for a pint and a bite to eat.

Sedbergh Hills Fell Race – Sun 17 Aug 2025

Sun 17 Aug 2025

From Dan McKeown…

We had a gleesome threesome of Harriers at the Sedbergh Hills fell race on Sunday: Paul Carman had roped me into doing it because the race was short of numbers and in danger of cancellation, and we also had some bloke called Jack Wood in the car who was last year’s champion or something.

It was the 46th edition of the race, which takes runners out into the hills north of Sedbergh on a 14(ish) mile circuit with 6000ft of climbing and just about every kind of surface underfoot you can think of.

We’d had a few emails from the organiser in the lead-up to the race: variations on the subject line of “You’re Going to Be Very Warm and Thirsty” and advising us that we make our peace with drinking out of streams if we hoped to stay the course, but we were undaunted. Jack thought he had to go in any case, in order to return the trophy from last year. Upon arrival, it turned out they give out a new trophy each year.

To ensure his trip was not wasted, Jack then splashed quite a bit of money on some new waterproof trousers from the Pete Bland van in order to meet kit regs. Shortly afterwards, he found out that waterproof trousers were not required for the race.

Not a great start for the big man: he was probably going to have to win and set a new course record in order to break even.

We set off on steep but fairly runnable paths up to Arant Haw and Jack was to the fore, dibbing first at checkpoint one. The course then breaks northwest, descending to a stream crossing and up to CP2 on a smaller hill, before contouring northward along the fells, with runnable vehicle track giving way to ankle-twisting cambered tightrope trod. CP3 is a nondescript stream crossing, after which you pick your way east through three cols to another stream checkpoint before heading south to the finish via The Calf and Winder tops.

Sadly for Jack’s finances, he hit difficulties after The Calf and fell out of podium contention, still managing to amble home in a very respectable 11th place out of 90 finishers on the day. Paul strolled past me on the ascent after the first stream checkpoint and disappeared over the cols to finish 45th.

After blowing my knee out at the Stanbury Splash and a consequent DNF at the Three Peaks, I was expecting a tough day and, in that respect at least, I wasn’t disappointed: I blundered home almost an hour after Jack in 59th place. I did have the marginal satisfaction of having bested him on the section from the final checkpoint to the finish, but it came at a cost: in sliding down the hill on my bum, I’d burnt a hole in my best shorts.

(Happy to report that Jack didn’t go home empty-handed: in the most pyrrhic of victories, he won a bottle of air fryer cleaner in the spot prizes.)

I shall end this report with an earnest plea to everyone who’s read this far to get out and support races like this. It was within a hair’s breadth of cancellation at one point for want of entrants, and it would be a crying shame to lose established races out in the beautiful fells. Plus, stream water doesn’t taste that bad.

Sedbergh Hills Fell Race results (90 finishers)

11 Jack Wood 2:38:34 (* will now be able to clean his parents’ air fryer)

45 Paul Carman 3:21:25

59 Dan McKeown 3:37:37

Birchwood 10k – Sun 17 Aug 2025

Sun 17 Aug 2025

From Sally Armitage…

I found this race on my hunt for a fast flat mid-August 10k to give my race legs a warm up before Golden Ball 20 at the end of the month. I’d never heard of it before, but a quick look at previous year’s results showed me that it’s popular with fast runners and a look at the elevation profile confirmed it was a fast course. Chip timed, single lap, 100% road with the only hills being over motorway bridges. I didn’t go with any expectations, previous year’s female winners had finished in around 35 minutes, and last year an F45 finished in 37 minutes so I went just aiming for a sub 40 finish time. However, the faster runners didn’t come this year and after passing a Bury Harrier just after the half way point I went into 2nd place, I never look over my shoulder when I’m racing as I’d rather not know if there’s someone right on my tail, and it’s a good job I didn’t because afterwards I realised she’d stayed only seconds behind me right until the finish! The prize was a generous £50 cash, which is fairly rare and will go straight towards fixing my washing machine!

Results:

1st male John Joe Doherty Liverpool Harriers & AC 31:54

1st female Alyssa Davey Sale Harriers 37:28

2nd female Sally Armitage 39:28

Swiss international mountain marathon – Sat/Sun 16/17 Aug 2025

Sat 16 Aug 2025

From Alison Weston…

Nea and I took part in the Swiss version of the OMM this weekend, starting from Klosters. We entered the score class with 5 hours running each day.

It was a nice idea for all runners to get a cable car to the start but a storm came before everyone was up, and the cable car stopped running. We took shelter under a ski lift to wait, adding increasing number of layers, until the cable car re-started and the remainder of runners arrived.

Most of day one was above 2,200m on mainly rocky terrain with the controls in easy to spot places. We dithered a bit with route choice, as is usual with Nea and I, but overall were pretty happy with our day one score. Overnight camp was at the top of the cable car, shared with lots of cows (and lots of bells) and we were treated to some Alphorn music!

Day two started misty but soon cleared and the terrain was a mix of small paths, rough trods, no trods, dense forests (with very well hidden controls) and gorgeous alpine meadows. We stuck to our initial route plan and tried hard to navigate on the go – less dithering! Both days we had less than 15 minutes to spare but no penalty points.

We didn’t understand a word of the prize giving (in German) but heard our names called out which was a nice surprise – 3rd female team in our class!

Definitely recommend this event to runners, orienteers and walkers of any age, families with young children included.

Ilkley Gazette Report – w/c 11 August 2025

Mon 11 Aug 2025

[Jack Wood and Jack Cummings leading the pack at the Littondale Fete Four Mile road race, photo courtesy of Woodentops]

From Jill Ezard & Nicola Budding…

Podium finishes, club records and age category successes galore!

Successes started early this week with one Harrier heading to Gateshead to take part in the Quayside 5k on Wednesday. The course takes in the famous landmarks of the Newcastle Quayside passing the Swing Bridge and going under High Level Bridge, Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, King Edward VII Bridge & Redheugh Bridge, before returning the same way. This is a flat, fast course boasting real PB potential and it certainly worked for Matthew Thackwray who ran a fantastic race finishing in a stunning 14:55 taking 11th place overall and the club record for his age category over this distance. A superb result!

And the successes continued with two races in Littondale on Saturday with some Harriers taking on both. First was the Littondale Fete four mile road race, a beautiful run around the quiet lanes of the Yorkshire Dales. It was a popular outing for the Harriers, it being one of the 24 races in the Harriers Race League 2025, with 16 lining up for the start. And it was a battle for first and second place from the start for two Ilkley Jacks, with Jack Wood just taking the win in 19:51 only 15 seconds ahead of Jack Cummings in second. There were numerous age category successes in the race too: George Whittlestone took first place in his category; Jaysson Sawyer, Rachel Carter, Derek Oliver and Mike Williams all took second place in their categories; and Peter Roll, Jann Smith and Sally Malir all took third place in their age brackets. Well done to all that took part.

Not content with one race some of the club also took on the second event of the day, the Arncliffe Gala Fell race, a popular race in the BOFRA calendar. With races for all ages the seemingly innocuous Senior race is just 1.6 miles long. But with 120 metres of climb this is not an easy run! Again, it was Jack Cummings and Jack Wood at the front for the Harriers again. This time it was Jack Cummings who was the first Harrier to finish taking second place in 11:04. Jack Wood finished in fourth place in 11:10. Gawain Moore was second in his age category finishing the race in 12:48, followed by Iain Gibbons in 13:36 and third in his age category. Rachel Carter was the first female Harrier to finish taking third place in her age category in 17:01.

There was a good turnout for the Junior Arncliffe Gala races too: Michael Moore was third in the U12s race with Isobel Moore placing sixth; Robert Brooks was fourth in the U14 race; and Oscar Shinn was fourth in the U17 race. Well done to our Juniors!

Sticking with the Juniors and Round Six of the West Yorkshire Track and Field League took place in Wakefield on Wednesday evening. Ethan Pickwoad was our only Junior competing at the meet this week finishing the U13B 200 m in 32:76 and jumping 3:93 m in the U13B Long Jump.

Thursday evening saw the annual Eshton Moor Fell Race take place near Gargrave. Archie Hallworth had a great race finishing in 2nd Place in the U9 race. Likewise, George Whittlestone also had a good race finishing as 2nd U21 in the Senior Race.

In contrast to the short but steep fell races, Petra Bijsterveld tackled the North Downs Way 100 mile race over the weekend. The race begins in Farnham at the western end of the North Downs. The course works its way through some of the best of the English countryside towards Ashford in Kent and the finish at the Julie Rose Stadium.

With over 3,300 metres of climb, this is a deceptively hilly race which saw 30% of those starting the race dropping out. An accomplished ultra runner, Petra had a successful race and came over the line in 28:44:44, the 20th female finisher and first in her age category. A fantastic result from Petra!

Finally, 38 parkrunners took to the parks and trails to take part in the weekly timed events. Suitable for all capabilities the events are a great opportunity to build up your running and with a new event now taking place at East Holmes Field (EHF) in Ilkley, you don’t even have to leave town. Across the UK there were several top ten finishers this week: Michael Odell, Jaysson Sawyer, Jane McCarthy and Diane Kitchen. And a long list of personal bests, with many happening at the second official EHF event: Rachel Corrigan, Jane McCarthy, Jaysson Sawyer, Junior Harrier Megan Snow, Tim Ashelford, Kyle Bethell, Geoff Howard and Vince Gibbons. And four Harriers had impressive age grading statistics this week: Tim Ashelford 80.85%, Jaysson Sawyer 81.55%, Alison Bennett 84.15% and a whopping 86.84% for Geoff Howard. Well done to all that took part.

North Downs Way 100 – Sat 9 Aug 2025

Sat 9 Aug 2025

From Petra Bijsterveld…

A change is as good as a rest they say, even when it comes to ultra running. Having spent a lot of time in the last two years on the Pennine Way, the Coast to Coast, and the Cleveland Way, I decided to try my hand at some more runnable races in the south of England to see how I get on. Centurion Running led by James Elson has a reputation for excellence when it comes to race organizing, their objective as stated on the website is ‘to put on the best supported, most professionally and safely organised, runner orientated ultra distance trail races – anywhere’. Having done two of their races now (I ran their Hundred Hills 50k in March) I dare say that they are more than succeeding at this. From the website, the pre-race information and live webinar briefing, registration, course marking, checkpoints (10 of them) and finish line, everything runs like clockwork. Moreover, the checkpoint volunteers are the best, looking after your every need with a huge smile, and there are plenty of them, so you are almost provided with personal waiter service.

Anyway, enough gushing for now. I opted to enter the North Downs Way 100 (which actually is 103 miles) mainly because the date suited me. The race route is the North Downs Way National Trail from Farnham (Surrey) to Ashford (Kent). The National Trail actually continues to Dover. At the time I didn’t grasp that this is the hardest out of Centurion’s four 100 milers (Thames Path, South Downs Way and Autumn 100 are the others) as borne out by the finishing times, which are slower across the board from elite to back-of-the pack. With 11,000 feet of elevation it is by no means flat, though pretty sedate when you are used to the hills here in the North. However, the hills are steep and punchy, often with energy sapping steps either up or down. They are short, but there are a lot of them. The race is fully marked with both the permanent North Downs Way finger posts and Centurion race arrows and flags, making navigation super easy.

Runners are allowed to be crewed on this race, and many do so. There are designated crew points (away from the checkpoints) where crew can park up and await their runner. Runners are also allowed to have a pacer from the halfway point onwards. I opted to have neither, as I quite enjoy being self-reliant, but it was nice to receive cheering and encouragement from crew teams as I ran past.

I had recced the entire route in June, fast-packing it over three and a half days, in temperatures of around 28 degrees. So I was grateful that the weather this weekend was marginally cooler, around 25, still warm for running, but to me it felt manageable, especially as there was the occasional light breeze. The night remained warm and humid however, which I found harder in a way, until the temperature suddenly dropped a little bit just before sunrise. But by 9 am on Sunday it was already very warm again. Many of the checkpoints had ice, which I didn’t feel I needed, but some runners were using ice-bandanas. They also had buckets of water to dunk your cap in.

You may feel relieved that I will save the step-by-step account of the race for my blog, which will appear in the fullness of time for those who love to read my ramblings. So here is the ‘short’ version for now. Not having tackled this type of more runnable 100 miler before I was unsure what time I could realistically aim for, unhampered by mountains, big hills, technical terrain, or man-eating bogs. The cut-off is a strictly enforced 30 hours (with intermediate cut-offs at the checkpoints) and I was hoping for somewhere around 26. I had written a rough schedule and had that and the cut-offs on my laminated card, but I mainly ran by feel, keeping level of exertion and heart rate low. This involved quite a bit of jeffing, where I run to a count of 45 and walk to a count of 30, with variations depending on ascent and descent. My intention was to only have two proper sit-down stops, at the half-way checkpoint at Knockholt Pound and at 82 miles at Detling. At both these checkpoints you could have a drop bag. I reached 50 miles in exactly 12 hours feeling very good and ate some pasta at the checkpoint, brushed my teeth, changed my top as well as socks and shoes, restocked my race vest with some nutrition from my drop bag, and did my back exercises. I had to put my headtorch on at mile 55, and we were treated to a beautiful clear night with a full moon, initially orange and huge as it rose in the sky, later turning whitish yellow high in the sky, at times it just felt like I had a ceiling light overhead, so it never felt properly dark. I seem to have lots of full moons on my ultras, or maybe I just remember them more. Despite the night being relatively light I did slow down more than I had anticipated. Whilst the trails are quite runnable during the day I found the combination of increasing fatigue and endless tree roots and bits of flint sticking up on many of the paths slowed me down a lot. But whilst I was falling behind schedule I did not trip or stumble once which is a win. As the night wore on I started to feel somewhat nauseous. My stomach had perhaps seen plenty of gels and chews by now. I tried to mix it up with some real food from the checkpoints like banana and salted potatoes and started to already look forward to the chocolate milk in my Detling checkpoint dropbag at mile 82. At the 71 mile checkpoint I sat down, contrary to my earlier plans, as I felt dizzy. I had some coke and sadly I vomited almost immediately. I tried half a cup of tea and some cherry tomatoes which looked appealing, but sadly only 5 minutes later I was looking at those again lying in the grass at my feet. Anyway, ‘puke and rally’ as they say in the ultra world. I took away half a banana and some salted potatoes and hoped for the best. I actually enjoyed the crossing over the river Medway at Rochester which followed immediately after that checkpoint, much as I had on my recce (and I also crossed it by train two weeks ago!). You are on a footpath and cycle way next to the M2 motorway and the Eurostar tracks. It’s almost a mile and I ran all of it without even any jeffing. Not much of a breeze though, which I had been hoping for. The night was very humid. I was probably low on fluids, salt and carbs by now after not taking enough in over the last few hours. That combination caused me a challenge on nasty steep hill (steps again) at mile 78. I started to feel hot and dizzy, sat down briefly, tried to carry on but the whole world started to spin around me and I only just managed to avoid fainting by lying down beside the trail. I really didn’t feel good. After a while some other runners came past and I asked them to just phone race HQ to tell them I was OK and just resting a while here (as my tracker would have shown me as stopped). I could have got my own phone out to do so but these guys were so helpful I thought I might as well make use of their kindness. (I made sure to thank them again profusely later as I overtook them all in the final miles!) I was there for maybe quarter of an hour, vomited some more, but eventually got up and slowly got going again. It was getting light now, and suddenly it was a little cooler, both those things made me feel better.

When I reached the Detling checkpoint at mile 82 I asked if there was a medic there who might be able to give me ondansetron (an anti-sickness drug) as I was struggling to keep things down. The medic was lovely but said they only give it intravenously and would need to do an ECG before and then monitor me for a bit afterwards, which basically means they only do it if you end your race there. No way I said, I have to get to the finish! I just had to crack on steadily, more stepped hills coming up. I took my chocolate milk with me as I reckoned I could just sip it intermittently.

There were only two of us in my age category and I was very much hoping to win, but I had not looked at the tracker at all during the race, as I can only run my own race anyway. But with 21 miles to go I could not resist having a look. If my competitor were just behind or in front of me that might be useful to know. Instead it turned out she had dropped out in the first half. Sad for her, but now I knew I only needed to make it to the finish to get my hands on that trophy.

Onwards towards the Detling hills, which were steep and tedious, I took it slowly, and managed to drink my chocolate milk. At the Lenham checkpoint at mile 90 I asked for milk in my cup which was a good idea (I am not normally a milk drinker but it was exactly what my stomach needed) and managed some more banana, and repeated that combo at the final checkpoint, Dunn Street, just 4.5 miles from the finish. It was only here that I started to dare to believe that I would make it to the finish. I was feeling a lot better by now. After Dunn Street you cross a couple of big fields and then it is road all the way to the finish on the track in Ashford. I managed to run most of that, with just a few walk breaks in between, overtaking quite a few runners on the way. Arriving at the stadium you have to run three quarters of a lap of the track, there was lots of cheering from spectators and Centurion staff and volunteers. I felt super emotional, more so than at most of my other big races, and I actually cried as I went round. I had been to this track at the end of my recce, to return there now for the real thing, with the bonus of an age category trophy, meant a lot. I tried to sprint though it undoubtedly looked like an ultra-shuffle, but I believe I reached a lightning fast 10 minute/mile pace before crossing under the finish arch. My time of 28:44:44 was perhaps not quite what I had hoped for when composing my schedule, but in the later stages I had amended my aim to be ahead of the ‘golden hour’ (29 to 30 hours) and I managed that. As I sat down cherishing my buckle and trophy I was totally happy with life.

The finish line volunteers were absolutely amazing, personal service again. I was brought water and then food (and yes, I could eat again, it tasted good and stayed down), my drop bags were gathered for me and put at my feet, an absolutely sterling service. Everyone is treated like a winner. I had a shower at the track before travelling back north on the train later in the day. I managed to get a cheap first-class upgrade on the London to Leeds leg which really rounded off the weekend pretty well.

Results are here. The women’s course record was broken by Alice Robinson in 18:13:58 and the men’s race was won by Ryan Whelan in 16:25:06. 208 runners started and 140 finished, I was the 108^th finisher.

Edit: since writing the above I have discovered that my time, even though I was a little disappointed with it, lowered the F60 course record by 13 minutes. Moreover, it turns out I am only the third F60 to complete the NDW100 in 15 editions of the event. Proud to fly the flag for older women!

Ilkley Gazette Report – w/c 04 August 2025

Mon 4 Aug 2025

[Photo courtesy of Philip Bland]

From Jonathan Turner & Nicola Budding…

Harriers success on road and trail – and a new Ilkley parkrun

It’s been an incredible week for Ilkley Harriers – and the town itself – with the first edition of the East Holmes Field parkrun.

The parkrun ethos is to encourage everyone to get outdoors and run, jog, walk – or volunteer – in the weekly 5km event.

The benefits are huge and there’s much more about that elsewhere in this week’s Gazette.

But kudos to Hattie, Paul and Emma O’Looney – and their core team – for making it all a reality last weekend.

And all the hard work to get an Ilkley parkrun up and running was rewarded on Saturday when 181 people took part in ideal conditions – running or walking their way round four flat laps next to the picturesque River Wharfe.

A big team of volunteers, many of them Harriers, helped it all go incredibly smoothly and Hattie – in her first welcome message as race director – encouraged anyone else who would like adding to the volunteer team to get in touch.

Back to racing and Jack Cummings had a starring role on ‘Look North’ on Sunday evening as he added another big-race victory to his CV in the York 10k.

More than 5,000 people took part and Jack crossed the line first in a super-impressive 31:18, nearly a full minute ahead of the second-placed finisher.

Sam Angus was the next Harrier home, in not much more than 40 minutes. And also running, no doubt celebrating the Ilkley parkrun getting going, was Hattie O’Looney (48:30).

Switching from road to the fells and fifth English Championships race was Borrowdale – an epic 17-mile 6,500-feet from Rosthwaite in Borrowdale making its way to Esk Hause contouring around Glaramara and Allen Crags, then on to Scafell Pike, down the wicked scree to the corridor route then up Great Gable and along to Honister Pass for the final pull up Dalehead before the final descent back to the valley.

The weather was a tad warm but there was a breeze on the tops and no problem this year with visibility.

The race was won by Finlay Wild in 2:49:26 with Ilkley’s reigning English champion Ben Rothery second in 2:55:03 and Finlay Grant close on his heels in 2:55:16.

Ben’s fellow Harrier Oli Murphy had a great race to finish 11th in 3:15:36 and Jack Gribbin was 99th in 04:11:03.

Jane McCarthy had a fabulous race and was 1st FV50 in 04:26:04, followed by Paul Carman in 04:46:44. Alison Weston was just over five hours in 5:02:12 (2nd FV60), and Jann Smith was 05:30:56 (3rd FV55).

Given those results the ladies managed to get a team result of 3rd FV40 and 1st FV50.

Closer to home and the Round Hill Fell Race took place on Sunday, just under 14km in distance and around 350m in ascent.

Five intrepid Harriers took part this year – Rachel Carter, Fraser Arnott, Geoffrey White, Colm McCann and Peter Roll.

Fraser was a superb fourth overall while Rachel was the first lady home – in the race as a whole, not just for the Harriers – in 1:14:23. And she also collected the V45 prize.

On the juniors front there were two races to choose from in the BOFRA Championships this week – and two Harriers took part in both!

The Annual Ambleside Sports Fell Races took place on Thursday. Described as “a deceptively unrelenting climb”, the fell races start from the showground before climbing to the rocky outcrop followed by a rapid descent. The Senior, U23 and U17 races all covered the same distance with the U14 race a slightly shorter route. Robert Brooks had a good run finishing 4th in the BU14 race, Oscar Shinn also finished 4th in the BU17 race and George Whittlestone finished 7th MU23.

The second BOFRA race counter this week was held on Sunday at Farleton Knott. Both George Whittlestone and Robert Brooks were once again running with George finishing in 4th place in the MU23 race and Robert finishing in 5th place in the BU14 race. Michael and Isobel Moore were both competing in the U12 race with Michael finishing in a fabulous 2nd place and Isobel as 7th GU12.

Lily and Pippa Singleton travelled the furthest for a parkrun this week with Minehead in Cornwall their destination! Lily finished 24th female with a time of 28:27 followed by Pippa as 42nd female in 30:29. Closer to home, Oscar Shinn had a good run at Chevin Forest parkrun finishing in 5th place with a time of 20:21. Finally, it was the inaugural East Holmes Field Parkrun on Saturday. Ethan Pickwoad finished in 25th position with a time of 23:36 and two of our older Juniors Helena Coy and Lucy Hayes had good runs finishing as 5th and 6th females respectively in 25:10 and 25:12.

On the seniors front at parkruns, at least three stand out.

Matthew Thackwray will always be the first finisher at that inaugural East Holmes Field parkrun – and his time of 17:19 was seriously impressive on what is mixed terrain.

Meanwhile Petra Bijsterveld was the first lady at Horton Park near Bradford and Luke Watkeys has the aim of going under 20 minutes for the 5k and moved a significant step closer with 20:09 at the Cinder Track parkrun, Whitby.

Round Hill Fell Race – Sun 3 Aug 2025

Sun 3 Aug 2025

From Peter Roll…

You’ll no doubt read lots of reports about Harriers doing bonkers things in the Lake District this past weekend, like self-supported Bob Graham’s & 17-mile 6500-feet English Championship Borrowdale Fell Races that take in Scafell Pike.

Well not all Fell racing is like that. Take the Round Hill Fell Race for instance, only a 20 min drive from home, less than 14km in distance & no more than 350m in ascent. It starts at 11:00 so enough time for a well-earned Sunday lie-in, then decide if you want to enter on the day & can be back home for Sunday lunch.

Five intrepid Harriers took part this year – Rachel Carter, Fraser Arnott, Geoffrey White, Colm McCann and Peter Roll.

Rachel was the first lady home, though we suspect this was driven by anxiety of thoughts of mislaying car keys – that were soon found.

Fraser banished his demons from previous races with a fantastic fourth place.

The whole event is very low key, an ideal entry level fell race, with only 55 competitors this year & good bunnage afterwards. So as a counter to the Harriers league what’s not to like?

Results

Ritchie & Michael’s Bob Graham Round – Sat 2 Aug 2025

Sat 2 Aug 2025

Ritchie’s version

The Bob Graham Round is an iconic fell running route through the Lake District, taking in 42 of the highest peaks, 27,000ft of climb and covering 66 miles, starting and finishing at the Moot Hall in Keswick. To join the Bob Graham 24 hour club you need to successfully complete the round in 24 hrs as the name suggests.

According to the BGR website, each summer around 100 people attempt the round with one in three completing within the 24-hr time. The round is divided into 5 legs with each leg starting and finishing at a road crossing which allows for changeover of support runners and to refresh supplies (2 support runners are suggested for each leg).

Attempting the BGR has long been on the radar and I had my first exposure to the round in July 2022 when Andrew Merrick allowed me to tag along with him and his support runner (Ben Sheppard) on Legs 1 and 2 of his successful attempt. This was an eye opener and a very quick lesson that general fitness was not the same as hill strength. The following year I recced all five legs with fellow harriers with the intention of having a go myself in 2023. The logistics of arranging support runners in advance, more recce’s, and an overall lack of hill strength meant that I could not fit in an attempt in 2023 but was able to support fellow Harrier Peter Shelley on his successful 2023 round (Michael Odell was also a support runner for Peter’s round). Race commitments in 2024 left little room for a BG attempt and so I made do with supporting 2 other runners on their attempts (one successful and one not successful). Roll on 2025 and my race calendar already had large events booked for April and September, leaving little room for a BG attempt. That is, until I received a message from Michael Odell, on Monday morning. Morning, do you have any appetite or availability for a BG attempt this weekend? I confirmed that I had both and enquired if he had a plan. No, not much of a plan was the answer. As we know from Mike Tyson, everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face. Michael was clearly mitigating against any potential punch. This came as somewhat of a relief as previous races planned by Michael had involved dressing as a horse. After a brief discussion on Wednesday morning, we decided we would attempt a self-supported round, starting at 03:00 am on Saturday morning.

We based our schedule on a 23 hr round, and would need to carry all our fuel, hydration and kit as there were no options on route for us to purchase additional supplies and water on route would be limited as it had been very dry. We dropped a resupply bag with water and additional food/gels at Dunmail (end of Leg 2) on our drive through to Keswick.

At 02:40 am on Saturday we left our overnight accommodation and made the short walk to the Moot Hall in Keswick to start the round at exactly 03:00 am. Leg 1 Keswick to Threlkeld takes you out of Keswick and straight up Skiddaw, followed by descents and climbs to Great Calva and Blencathra. The weather was perfect and we were treated to a wonderful sunrise as we came up Mungrisdale Common just prior to summiting Blencathra. Taking the Hall’s fell path off Blencathra we arrived at Threlkeld at 06:42 am, 14 minutes ahead of our 23 hr schedule. Leg two Threlkeld to Dunmail takes in an additional 12 peaks and starts things off with a rather steep pull up to Clough Head, once up on the ridge its good running terrain and easy paths to follow all the way along to Helvellyn and Dollywaggon Pike, a steep grassy descent off Dollywagon brings you to Grisdale Tarn. It’s then an out and back climb to Fairfield before climbing Seat Sandal and descending to Dunmail arriving about 50 mins ahead of our schedule. We refilled out water from our drop bag. We were moving well, but it was already apparent what an effort this would be, we had covered 27 miles in with 3 more legs to go. Leg 3 Dunmail to Wasdale is a beast and the leg I was least looking forward to, taking in a further 15 peaks including Scafell Pike. The leg starts with another steep climb out of Dunmail up to Steal Fell, from there it’s good paths to the next tops, some boggy sections but overall easy to navigate and pick off some of the Langdale Pikes through to Rossett Pike. After Rossett Pike, there is a small descent and the climbing begins again with a tough pull up to Bowfell. Once up Bowfell it’s a case of picking off more of the tops, Esk pike, Great End, Ill Crag, and Broad Crag, always with Scafell Pike in view and seemingly towering above you. This is by far my least favourite section of the round, the terrain is difficult to move quickly across (at least for me), rocky boulder fields and endless coming off paths to summit rocky outcrops. In my head Scafell Pike is Mount Doom and I usually have a sense of impending dread when I get to this section, think Bilbo Goggins, with me making up the Bilbo part of our challenge. This section proved no such challenge for Michael as he moved well and kept the pace. Once we topped Scafell Pike, we descended to Mickledore and took the hands on climb up Lords Rake to get to Scafell. This was followed by a long scree covered descent to Wasdale Head. We arrived in Wasdale 20 minutes behind schedule. We topped up our water from Lingmell Gill and headed straight into Leg 4 Wasdale to Honister. Leg 4 takes in 9 peaks starting with what can only be described as a horrendous climb up Yewbarrow, this went on for ever and we had made up some time on the climb and much like the elevation our mood also lifted. More than any other leg, this feels to have more dramatic descents and climbs, large parts runnable with a few rocky sections (mostly on the climbs), after summiting Red Pike, Steeple, Pillar, and Kirk Fell we made our ascent on Great Gable as the sun set and darkness descended. This was an effort of a climb, over large rocks which again seemed to be endless. Once we summited Great Gable there was a sense that the hard work has been done. A short scramble off Great Gable and three tops in succession took us down to Honister, the paths were tricky in the dark and slowed progress, but we arrived at Honister and the start of Leg 5 after 20hrs and 45 min. We were 1hr 5 mins behind our 23 hr schedule, putting us 5 minutes over the 24 hr mark.

This gave us 3hrs and 15 mins to cover leg 5 (Honister to Keswick), the remaining 3 peaks (Dale Head, Hindscarth and Robinson) and 11 miles. At times during the round, we felt that we would make it in under 24hrs, at other times it seemed unlikely, this was one of those times as we took a few minutes longer than scheduled to peak Dale Head. Michael was setting a good pace, but my legs (and mind) were moving slow. I took on some remaining fuel and fluids on the climb and by the time we had arrived at Dale Head the fuel was beginning to have an effect, we ticked off the remaining 2 peaks in scheduled time. We topped the final peak at 01:18 am, giving us 1hr and 42 min to complete the last 7 miles. Belief was returning and after a few miles of rocky descent we hit the path that took us to the final road section into Keswick. We had an hour to cover 5.5 miles. It was time to strip off some of the layers, take a final gel, finish what remaining fluids I was carrying and stash my packed under a bench in order to run for the finish line.

Michael true to form kept his pack on and we set what seemed a tough 6min/km pace back to Keswick. We covered the last section in under 50 minutes and arrived back at the Moot Hall after 23hrs and 48 mins. As a challenge, it is up there with the best, there were highs and there were lows, but it definitely ranks up there with one of the hardest.

Michael’s version

As a relative newcomer to Fell Running, the Bob Graham Round hasn’t been a lifelong holy grail of mine. In fact, I recall moving to Ilkley and thinking for several months that Bob was a chap that I should meet in Ilkley that maybe I could become friend with!

I only started to appreciate what this 105km / 8500m vertical / 24hr Lakeland challenge was really all about when I joined Peter Shelley’s round summer in 2023. I supported Peter on his Leg 3, camping at Dunmail Raise with, then total stranger, Martin Hartley. We started the leg a little before dawn and enjoyed a beautiful run over to Wasdale. I was hooked and I knew that one day wanted to give BG a go.

I did a little research and discovered that Bob Graham had included 42 peaks into the Round was reflective of the fact that he was 42 years old. It seemed somewhat like fate that I would turn 42 in June 2024. My aim became to complete my Round during my 42nd year. Unfortunately, house renovations prevented sufficient preparation, recces or an attempt in 2024 and so I pinned my hopes on 2025. My first step was to get fit, which I achieved by entering and completing the Fellsman in late April. Unfortunately that was a serious undertaking in its own right which didn’t leave any time for BG recces beforehand or much motivation afterwards.

I was impressed by the organization and camaraderie of traditional BG attempts but equally by others who have completed the challenge with less or no support. I felt at ease with the prospect of completing the Round solo and without witnesses and therefore not being able to claim an official Round. I tentatively noticed that we had a family camping trip in the Lake District starting on Sunday 3rd August. The Saturday was free.

Work was busy and with Ilkley Half Marathon commitments on top it meant I had no brain capacity to think further about BG. The week before I thought about it again. The weather was forecast good for the Saturday although mixed either side. If I was to give it a go then first I’d need to lift to the Lakes. I wondered if anyone might actually be up for a giving it a crack as well?

On Monday 28th (5 days out), I text Ritchie Williamson:

“Morning, do you have any appetite or availability to give BG a try with me this weekend?”

He replied:

“Afternoon, currently I have both. Are you planning for sub-24?”

Unbelievable and amazing. A loose plan quickly unfolded. We would drive up Friday evening, leaving a bag of spare water and food at Dunmail Raise. We booked accommodation in Keswick to allow a few hours sleep on the Friday night and somewhere to return to after our attempt. We agreed to start at 3AM which seemed the only way to fit it in properly. We registered a 23-hour schedule with BG club without much thought about what was realistic.

I managed a few hours sleep on Friday night in Keswick. Ritchie wished he hadn’t taken caffeine-based flu relief before bedtime which meant he rested but slept little. Nonetheless, we stood alone in the quiet darkness outside Moot Hall as planned at 3AM. Before setting off we discovered 2 things: firstly, that Ritchie’s fully charged main head torch wasn’t working and secondly that I’d left my charging cable in the hostel. With 3 remaining headtorches between us and our electronics on low power modes we decided that we could start. So we did.

It was great to be underway. Skiddaw was shrouded in mist but the path was clear and I was soon down to T-shirt and shorts. We’d agreed to take it easy on the ascents and both knew the importance of not going too quickly too soon. It was going to be a very long day. We felt comfortable though and we started to make small advantages into our scheduled peak times with each peak that we passed. Darkness faded quickly and the sun rose as we stood on Blencathra with the Lake District and our long adventure ahead unfolded beneath us. Ritchie knew the full route well but much of it was unknown to me – Hall’s Fell Ridge in the early morning light was an awesome surprise; I loved it.

Through leg 1 and with no customary refuel or transition at Threlkeld, we felt strong and in good spirits heading up Clough Head and onto the wonderful Leg 2 ridge which took us directly south. One of the advantages of a 3AM start and an anticlockwise route was that we would never face directly into the sun during our Round. By the end of the ridge at Dollywaggon Pike we were almost 50 minutes inside our 23hr plan.

We were relying on gels for nutrition and Ritchie set an alarm forcing us to eat one per hour which we complimented with a little other food, but not much: cereal bars, nuts, sweets, and a sandwich. Overall, this worked well but we both had low points. Mine came towards the end of leg 2 and into leg 3. The out and back of Fairfield was demoralizing, the decent down into Dunmail Rise tough and with a full stomach full of food the ascent of Steel Feel was slow and tiring. At this point our advantage over our schedule started to reduce and that continued over the tricky ground of leg 3 including the ascent of Sca Fell via Lord’s Rake and the steep decent into Wasdale thereafter.

We refilled water as we approached Wasdale and looked longingly through the window of the National Trust office at their coffee machine. But it was approaching 6PM and no one was going to make us coffee. By now we had lost the time advantage that we had at the beginning of leg 3. This was demoralizing but there wasn’t much we could do about it except to continue to eat and continue to move forward. The kilometers passed but excruciatingly slowly.

The BG map describes this part of the route, the start of leg 4, very accurately: “there is no easy way out of Wasdale”. The ascent of Yewbarrow was relentless, and the view over the leg 4 peaks, including the massive Kirk Fell and Great Gable behind, was very daunting. The sun was getting lower in the sky, the light more golden and even in our ambivalent states we both appreciated the beauty all around us.

The accents of Kirk Fell and Great Gable were tricky and slow and by the time we reached Kirk Fell summit it was dark, foggy and windy. Navigation became tricky and in a couple of places we opted to stick by fences versus following GPX traces over featureless ground which were hard to stick to. By this point I’d stopped checking the summit times versus the schedule, we were already loosing time, our bodies were only getting more tired and now in the darkness I had little hope of returning to Keswick within 24 hours. But with no support, we had no option but to continue and for several hours I played through in my mind that completing the Round in more than 24 hours would be a sufficient personal accomplishment and I would NEVER attempt BG again. My body was getting broken.

Ritchie’s low point was the descent off Great Gable and then up Dalehead. We were moving slowly. But despite many hours in our legs and the darkness, the route between the Dalehead, Hindscarth and Robinson was relatively simple and at Robinson, the 42nd and final peak, we checked our watches. We had 1hour 42 mins to get to Keswick which was about 13km away including a long final road section. Normally that seems very achievable, but we’d averaged ~14min kms during the preceding hours of the Round until now. Success certainly wasn’t guaranteed but we were both determined to give it a shot.

We descended the Robinson carefully and found ourselves on the level track which becomes the road just before 2AM. We had 1 hour to cover just under 10 km. The road seemed to be filled only with up-hills but we ran side by side filling with confidence that our very loose plan was increasingly likely to be accomplished. Keswick was dark and empty, just as we had left it as we touched the Moot Hall steps at 14:48.

We completed the Round in 23hr 48mins, self-supported and with 5 days preparation. This was one of the hardest challenges that I’ve attempted and I’m proud that we pulled it off.

Thank you for saying yes Ritchie. We did it!

Stats

Distance 66.56 miles

Elevation 27,677 Ft

Time 23:48:52

East Holmes Field parkrun #1 – Sat 2 Aug 2025

Sat 2 Aug 2025

From Jonathan Turner…

A massive well done to Hattie, Paul and Emma O’Looney – and their core team – for making the East Holmes Field parkrun a reality this weekend.

All the hard work to get an Ilkley parkrun up and running was rewarded when 181 people took part in ideal conditions – running or walking their way round four flat laps next to the picturesque River Wharfe.

And thanks to Philip Bland for all the day one photos.

Borrowdale Fell Race – English champs AL – Sat 2 Aug 2025

Sat 2 Aug 2025

From Alison Weston…

The 5th English champs race was Borrowdale – an epic 17-mile 6500-feet from Rosthwaite in Borrowdale making its way to Esk Hause contouring around Glaramara and Allen Crags, then on to Scafell Pike, down the wicked scree to the corridor route then up Great Gable and along to Honister Pass for the final pull up Dalehead before the final descent back to the valley.

The weather was a tad warm but there was a breeze on the tops and no problem this year with visibility.

The race was won by Finlay Wild in 2:49:26 with Ben Rothery 2nd in 2:55:03 and Finlay Grant close on his heels in 2:55:16. Oli Murphy had a great race to finish 11th in 3:15:36 and Jack Gribbin 99th in 04:11:03.

Jane McCarthy had a fabulous race and was 1st FV50 in 04:26:04 followed by Paul Carman in 04:46:44. Alison Weston was just over 5 hours in 5:02:12 (2nd FV60) and Jann Smith 05:30:56 (3rd FV55).

The ladies managed to get a team result of 3rd FV40 and 1st FV50.

Results

Ilkley Harriers AC invites you to the annual Fell Runners Association Presentation Dinner

Fri 1 Aug 2025

Time: 7:00pm til late

Venue: The Craiglands Hotel, Cowpasture Road, Ilkley, LS29 8RQ

Presentations: FRA English Fell Running Championships, Lakeland Classic Awards and British Athletics Fell & Hill Running Championship Awards.

Band: the Dinner and Awards Presentation will be followed by live music from party band Here’s to Us and the hotel has a resident DJ for late night dancing.

Click here to book – Price: £33 per head (individual category winners will receive a complimentary ticket – you will receive an email invitation from SiEntries).

All ticket entries before 30th September will be entered into a Prize Draw (the draw will take place on 1 October) and the winner will get a free double (or twin) room at The Craiglands on the night of the Dinner. **No Ilkley Harrier members will be eligible for the Prize Draw**

Table reservations: To reserve a table for your club or group please email 2025frado@gmail.com

Accommodation: The Craiglands Hotel are offering a 20% discount to anyone attending the event. Contact reservations directly on 01943 430001 to make a booking. Rooms are also available at The Cow & Calf pub, The Black Hat pub, The Wheatley (Ben Rhydding) plus AirBnB options.

Campervans: campervans are permitted at the Cow and Calf carpark (about half a mile from The Craiglands). There is hardstanding along the Moor Road (what3words: usages.acclaim.cosmic) beyond the Cow and Calf pub at the top of Cowpasture Rd and also at Darwin Gardens car park (what3words: clubbing.scrap.engulfing). There is a big car park at The Craiglands hotel but there is no overnight camping allowed please.

Racing: the classic Tour of Pendle takes place on Saturday 15th November for those wanting a longer race before the dinner. Alternatively, the shorter and more local Harriers vs Cyclists Race is also planned for Saturday 15th in Bingley (TBC).

Ilkley Gazette report w/c 29 Jul 2025

Tue 29 Jul 2025

From Jill Ezard and Nicola Budding…

Quiet racing week as holidays start!

The start of the summer holidays saw limited racing. Wednesday saw the sixth race in the Evensplits Leeds 5k series at the University of Leeds Brownlee Centre. The races take place monthly from February to November and, with chip timing, allow participants to measure their improvement month by month. Four Harriers entered the race with some impressive results. Matthew Thackwray took second place, first in his age category, in 15:02, hitting a superb age grading of 89.4%. James Horrex was the second Harrier to finish in 18:01 followed by Kyle Bethell in 19:21. Harry Sime completed the event in 20:20 taking third place in his age category.

On the fells on Sunday Adela Reperecki was the only Harrier to take on the Denholm Doddle. The Doddle is a challenge walk and trail running event formerly known as the Harden Hard’un. It follows almost the same 27 mile route but now starts and finishes in the village of Denholme. Half of the route is on open moorland with outstanding views. It passes Top Withins (Wuthering Heights) and other well-known beauty spots in the Brontë Country. There are three distances that both walkers and runners can tackle: 27 miles, 21 miles or 17 miles with a generous time limit for all distances of 11.5 hours. Despite being injured Adela tackled the 17 mile event and completed in 5:14.

Further afield, Jaysson Sawyer took on the Northumberland Coastal Run. This c14 mile run goes through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty along the Northumberland coastal path from Beadnell Harbour to Alnmouth Estuary, keeping as close to the coast as possible. The route starts on sand, then onto road, sand, trail, road and finishes on sand at Alnmouth. A challenging race, which seemed to suit Jaysson who completed the race in 1:29:14 taking ninth place overall and first in his age category!

At least our parkrunners were still out in force and clearly taking no rest on their holidays with events as far flung as Gdansk in Poland, Hockgraben in Germany and Malmö in Sweden. And there were some notable personal achievements. Several Harriers top ten finishers including Steve Bysouth fourth at Chevin Forest, Jane McCarthy fourth at Harrogate, Mark Hall second at Lister Park, Steve Coy fifth at Nostell, Caroline Howe seventh at Skipton and Jaysson Sawyer fourth at The Pastures in Northumberland. There was clearly something in the air at Roberts park were Sam Angus, Junior Harrier Harry Leijssen, Maddie Morris and Roar Leijssen all achieved Personal Bests. And some eye watering age gradings for Jane McCarthy (80.74%) and Mark Hall (88.63%). And clearly the conditions were just right for Jack Wood in Germany where he achieved the hattrick of being the first finisher, achieving a PB and hitting an over 80% age grading! Well done to all that took part particularly our other juniors Max Hebbron, Lily and Pippa Singleton and Megan Snow who we look forward to seeing continue to grow with the club.

Ilkley Gazette report w/c 21 Jul 2025

Mon 21 Jul 2025

From Peter Shelley and Nicola Budding…

Action on the fells, trails and in triathlon

The Harrogate and District Summer Race League concluded on Wednesday evening with a handicap race organised by Wetherby Runners staged on the quiet lanes around Sicklinghall. Runners were set off at 30 second intervals based on their finishing positions in previous races in the series, in theory challenging early starters to maintain their advantage and faster late starters to gain as many places as possible.

Ilkley’s leading contender Matthew Thackwray battled his substantial handicap to overtake most of the 312-strong field to claim 11^th place and retain his title as overall series winner. Matthew’s efforts combined with those of Ilkley Harriers’ other top finishers earned them the Elite team prize.

On Saturday two Harriers ventured to Eryri for the Snowdon Mountain race. As the name suggest, this race scales the heights of Wales’ tallest peak on a 15km out-and-back route from Llanberis. The field of 406 runners included a highly competitive international contingent. Nathan Edmondson confirmed his credentials with a 1:18:22 run to 20^th place while Alison Weston took the FV60 category by 15 seconds finishing in 232^nd place. The race was won by Italian Luca Magri in 1:06:11.

Ingleborough Mountain Race follows an 11km out-and-back route from Ingleton with the 723m summit of Ingleborough as its turning point. Ilkley Harriers’ sole representative at this year’s event Kate Archer added to her recent strong performances by finishing 32^nd of 146 runners, 4^th lady and 1^st FV40.

The 8th race in the BOFRA Fell Championships took place in Cracoe on Saturday. With a trailer and wall to negotiate on the out and back route, this race has a deceptively gentle start followed by a steep ascent to the summit. After last week’s Half Marathon, Oscar Shinn was back on the fells and had a good run to finish the U17B race in 2nd place with time of 25:59; Robert Brooks finished 7th in the U14B race; and in the U13 race Michael Moore finished 2nd with a time of 08:39 followed by Isobel Moore who was 7th U14G in 10:03. Iain Gibbons finished 13^th of 56 runners in the seniors event which covered 4km and 273m of ascent.

The Kentmere Horseshoe fell race took place on Sunday. Classified as a medium distance race with high difficulty by the FRA (Fell Runners Association) the route covers 20k and 1,000m of ascent. Starting from the remote and beautiful Cumbrian village of Kentmere, the race heads north climbing steeply on grassy ridges following a clockwise circuit of Ill Bell, High Street and Kentmere Pike before a rapid descent back to the village. Ben’s Sheppard’s legs were in good working order propelling him to 27^th. Paul Carman finished 59^th and Charles Wain 115^th.202 ran.

Skipton parkrun saw Samesh Chotai finish in 2nd place with a time of 17:56 while Dom Coy ran an extremely rapid 15:28 at Cosmeston Hall in Glamorgan. Alex Foyn ran 19:58 at Chevin Forest Parkrun while junior Michael Moore finished in 23:25. Juniors Harry Leijssen and Max Hebbron ran Roberts Park in 21:26 and 27:05 respectively.

Congratulations are due to Dom’s sister Helena Coy who competed for Team GB in the European Sprint Triathlon Championships in Spain this weekend. She was 9th in the Junior Women’s individual event and, together with her fellow triathletes in the Junior Mixed Relay Team, won the Bronze Medal.

Kentmere Horseshoe Fell race – Sun 20 Jul 2025

Sun 20 Jul 2025

From Ben Sheppard…

Returning to the Kentmere Horseshoe fell race 11 years after my only other time, it was another thoroughly enjoyable day trip with fellow Harriers Paul Carman and Charles Wain. A long established classic lakeland fell race (next year will be its 50^th edition) over 12.3 miles and 3,300 feet of ascent, it is said to be the longest of the ‘medium’ category lakeland fell races. It offers panoramic views of Windermere, the Eastern Fells and further afield – provided the clag is not down (it wasn’t) and you remember to look up and around you (I occasionally did). From Kentmere village you head up Buck Crag and skirted around Yoke to the first checkpoint on Ill Bell were I was reminded just how runnable this race is with its grassy trods along the ridgeline. Uncharacteristically, I managed not to go the wrong way, as a few runners ahead of me followed the main path via the summit of Froswick whereas the racing line skips around it. You then have a fast trod up to High Street (CP2), the highest point on the race at a height of 2,718 feet, followed by a descent to Nan Bield Pass and an undulating and exhilarating the run to Kentmere Pike (CP3). A mile or so of more technical descent and then a final mile on road/tracks brings you to the finish and the lure of sandwiches, cakes and tea in the village hall. A thoroughly enjoyable fell race with all three Ilkley Harriers finishing without mishap. I was surprised to finish only one minute behind my 11 years younger self.

Results

Snowdon Mountain Race / Ras yr Wyddfa – Sat 19 Jul 2025

Sat 19 Jul 2025

From Alison Weston…

It was the Snowdon Mountain race on Saturday 19th July. 10 miles up and down Snowdon from Llanberis on the busy tourist route – needless to say the descent is made more technical with the need to avoid colliding with walkers and the other runners coming the opposite direction.

It has the feel of a busy road race all the way up with loads of marshalls, spectators, walkers and of course the train.

It is an international and an open race and was won by one of the Italian team in 1:06:11 with Nathan Edmondson finishing 20th and 4th counter for England in an amazing time of 1:18:22!

I was way back in 232nd position out of 419, but pleased to get under 2 hours (1:58:54) and 1st in my age category (60+).

Highly recommended event!

Results

HDSRL #5 – Handicap and Presentation Evening – Wed 16 Jul 2025

Wed 16 Jul 2025

From Alison Bennett…

The final race in the HDSRL was hosted by Wetherby Runners. The course started and finished in a field before heading onto the lanes around Sicklinghall.

This is the climax of the previous 4 races and run in a handicap format. The start times are calculated from the previous races with the slowest runners starting first. The rest of the field are fed into the race at 30 second intervals and if all goes to plan, everyone should reach the finish line together. Although this wasn’t quite the case, there was a definite closing of the gap as runners converged in the final stages. Of 312 runners taking part, Matthew Thackwray was the last to set off. He kept his form and overtook almost everyone to finish Ilkley’s highest place runner in 11^th position.

After the excitement of the race, the next sprint was to the food. Geoffrey White was the first to emerge from the Cricket pavilion with his supper plate, followed closely by Roar, Ritchie and Harry.

The gorgeous summer evening meant the presentation could be held outdoors. Matthew Thackwray maintained his title as the Overall Champion. A superb result in this competitive series. Ilkley also won the Elite Team trophy. This is a great achievement, especially as this is the first time Ilkley’s name has appeared on this trophy. The Elite team is calculated on the cumulative totals of the first 3 runners for each of the 4 races. The Ilkley Harriers who contributed over the 4 different races were Matthew Thackwray, Tom Adams, Matt Newall, Harry Brook-Dobson, Edwyn Oliver-Evans and James Horrex.

It’s been great to have 47 Ilkley Harriers taking part in the series, especially those who entered the League for the first time, and to have a significant number overall competing in every race. Roll on 2026 when it will all start again.

Ilkley Gazette report w/c 14 Jul 2025

Mon 14 Jul 2025

From Jill Ezard…

Photo credit Nabin Maharjan, Soul and Co.

Ilkley Harrier wins Half Marathon on home turf!

Despite soaring temperatures, Harriers were out in force this weekend battling the tough conditions with great success! The Ilkley Half Marathon and the new 5k route were clearly the focus of the weekend racing calendar for many, with 77 Harriers and Juniors taking on the half marathon and 40 taking on the 5k, with representation from our Jeffing and Adults with Learning Disabilities groups across both. The great weather brought out the crowds to provide support along the whole Half Marathon route, with many runners claiming the cheering got them through the race! And what a race it was – Jack Cummings blasted the competition out of the water with a superb run to take the win in 1:09:09, over one minute ahead of the second place finisher. Ritchie Williamson, normally found on ultra-distance trail routes, was on top form on the road as the second Harrier over the line finishing in the top 20 and second in his age category in 1:20:21. Oscar Shinn, just stepping up to the senior level, took first in his age category completing the race in 1:27:17 finishing 59^th overall. Sally Armitage was first female Harrier to complete the event putting in a finish line sprint to take fifth position and first in her age category in 1:29:25. There were other age category successes too: Derek Oliver took second in his category in 1:37:52; Rachel Carter was fifth in 1:38:04; Alison Bennett was third in 1:59:20; Jane Thomas was fourth in 1:59:56; and the fabulous Geoff Howard was first in his category with an unbelievable 1:58:27!

In the 5k Jon Denniss made the podium taking third place in the men’s race, fourth overall and second in his age category in 17:31. Dan McKeown was the second senior over the line taking tenth place and third in his age category in 18:37. The Ilkley Under 13 boys dominated the race with the three age category top spots taken by Max Brett in 19:05, Michael Moore in 19:35 and Sebastien Livesley in 19:49. And the U15 Junior Ilkley Harrier girls again swept the top three positions with Milena Morgan finishing in 21:17, Heidi Frank in 24:49 and Sophie Leijssen in 25:22. Both Harry Sime and David Millson had fantastic runs taking first place in their age categories in 20:21 and 40:29 respectively. Well done to all Harriers who took part in the event.

Mark Hall was also pounding the pavements in the Towneley Park 10k race in Burnley on Sunday. A scenic route entirely within the grounds of Towneley Park, this is a fast course and Mark certainly took advantage of it finishing in 13^th place in 38:13. This gave him first place in his age category taking an outstanding seven plus minutes lead over the next finisher in the category!

The rest of the weekend’s action was on the trails. Two Harriers headed over to Baildon on Saturday to take part in the Carnival Canter, a scenic 5k taking runners on a climb over Baildon Moor to the trig point on Hope Hill and a fast descent to the finish. Steve Gott finished the race in 12^th place, and second in his age category, in 22:19 with Daniel Paterson completing in 25:50.

Up in the Howgills our Seniors and Juniors were in action in the Tebay Fell race. Normally held midweek the 13k race moved to the weekend to enable it to be one of the English Fell Championship races this year. The race involves a daunting 914m of ascent starting and finishing at the football field and following a mainly runnable route up the Howgills taking in Rispa Pike, Uldale Head, Linghaw and finishing with a final climb up to Blease Fell. Reigning English Fell Champion Ben Rothery was in action taking second place in 1:15:25, a result that places him joint first in the 2025 championship after four races. Oli Murphy was ninth in 1:20:53, placing him seventh in the championship at this stage. Kate Archer was the first Ilkley female home in 1:52:25 taking sixth place in her age category. Kelly Wilby, Jann Smith and Alison Weston all completed the event with Alison placing fifth in her age category.

For the Juniors, Alexander Wolfenden took a superb second place in the MU19 race in 34:44 followed by George Whittlestone in 14^th place in 42:54, with Joseph Bentham finishing in sixth place in the MU17 race in 28:45.

And finally, if a hilly 13k sounds daunting spare a thought for Steve King and Luke Watkeys who both tackled the Lakeland Trails 55k Ultra Marathon on Saturday. The race is hard enough as it is, taking in over 2100m of ascent across three mountain passes, but add the extreme temperatures and it was a tremendous challenge for both the runners. Luke was running the race event finishing in 26^th place in 9:28:19, within the top ten of his age category. Steve King, running with his son, was in the challenge event, and completed it in 11:42:07, taking an impressive fourth place in his age category. Kudos to both runners for battling the elements!

It’s not all about racing though. Our parkrunners were still taking part in the weekly timed events. With a slightly reduced participation level probably due to the heat and the race calendar there were still some great results with several Harriers finishing within the first ten: Matthew Cox at the Chevin event; Jaysson Sawyer and Helen Thurston at Fountains Abbey; Alicia Horrex at Roberts Park; and Samesh Chotai at Skipton. Well done to everyone that took part in these fun and free events which are open to runners of all abilities.

Ilkley Half Marathon – Sun 13 Jul 2025

Sun 13 Jul 2025

From Sally Armitage…

I had an amazing day at Ilkley Half yesterday! What an event, meticulously planned and executed with 100% focus on competitor enjoyment and safety. With 99.9% of the town behind the event the spectator support is unreal and is a huge part of the experience.

I took a long time for me to enter, mostly because I knew I’d be way off my finish time 2 years ago and felt I would only finish disappointed with my performance. I was wrong, I had a brilliant run and finished feeling on top of the world! I set myself new goals, I’d aimed for a top 5 finish and a finish time of 1:25, which I then adjusted to 1:30 due to the conditions. My first run of the new route, I can’t say I enjoyed the lap of town, it makes for a slightly tougher start, but I was swiftly dragged around by the faster runners and the crazy support in town is a real boost.

I ran the entire race with my old rival Sarah Flaherty of Bingley Harriers which worked beautifully, we’re running at the same pace now and had a silent agreement to go steady on the hills and the long sunny stretches and I stayed comfortable throughout the race. Running shoulder to shoulder along the home straight, a final push just metres from the finish line edged me a second in front to nab 5th place in 1:29.

I hope everyone else managed to pace it well too and survived the day, it was tough in those conditions but incredibly enjoyable. Sometimes I wonder if part of me slowing down a bit now (aside from the advancing years) is because I just don’t want to push out of my comfort zone anymore, and I have to say I quite like it.

Results

1st male Jack Cummings Ilkley Harriers 1:09:09

1st female Lauren McNeil Hallamshire Harriers 1:12:15

1895 ran

Ilkley Gazette report w/c 7 Jul 2025

Mon 7 Jul 2025

From Will Worboys and Nicola Budding…

Photo credit Peter Coulsey

International Honours for Ilkley Runner, Harriers Vet Team Relay Win and Cummings Shines at Eccup

Hilda Coulsey was the only Harrier to make the journey to the northeast for the Great North 10K on Sunday morning. On this occasion the familiar club colours of red and green were nowhere to be seen, but instead the Ilkley athlete was proudly wearing an England vest. Hilda had qualified for this honour through the ‘Age Group Masters’ competition program and being in the top three in her age category and within the required time in previous qualifying races. In the race which takes place on the closed roads of Newcastle, Coulsey finished in a time of 54:33 which ensured she finished 6^th overall in her category of the International Masters competition, in which she was also up against athletes from Wales and Northern Ireland.

At the same time but much closer to home, Jack Cummings was continuing his blistering form with a PB at the Hollybank Eccup 10 mile road race. The Harrier’s time of 51:36 would have been good enough to win the race comfortably in almost any other year. However, this time there was no shame in being beaten into 2^nd by Yohanes Ghebregergis who ran at the 2020 Olympics for Eritrea and came 7^th in the 2017 World Championship Marathon. Currently running for Leeds City AC the elite athlete finished exactly one minute ahead of Cummings. The only other Ilkley runner was Forrest Hamilton, who also gave an excellent account of himself around the scenic rural roads to the north of Leeds, finishing in a time of 1:10:28 and making it into 82^nd place of the 560 total runners.

Earlier in the week was Tuesday night’s popular Danefield relays, which took place on the Chevin near Otley. There was one team from Ilkley Harriers who gave an excellent account of themselves. The relay consists of three legs of a hilly 4.5K loop starting high up on the Chevin, heading down almost to the Leeds Road before climbing back up. Amongst team names such as ‘North Leeds Fell Runners Men A’ (who were the overall winners), Ilkley were named ‘Something is rotten in the state of Danefield’; a Hamlet reference which could only mean that Dan McKeown was involved in the naming of the team. Alongside McKeown were Ritchie Williamson and Steve Gott, collectively they finished 15^th of the 128 total teams and impressively won the Male Vet category.

On the same evening a lone Harrier made the trip to Methley for the Jane Tomlinson Canal 5K. The race which was the 3^rd in a summer series attracted Amanda Newham who had a very good run amongst the 300 plus runners to finish 9^th in her age category in a time of 31:48.

Up in the Lakes at the weekend an amazing mother and daughter team of Alison and Nea Weston tackled the challenging two day ‘Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon’. With camping at the end of the first night the competitors must carry lightweight camping and safety equipment. Competitors also need to be competent in the use of map and compass in the mountains and with these Ilkley athletes’ experience in the mountain wilderness, this would not have been a problem. The Weston’s completed the Carrock Fell course in 10:58:45 and finished in 41^st place.

Meanwhile deep in the Yorkshire Dales, Dave Robson had his customary excellent run at Wednesday evening’s inaugural Whernside Fell Race. Starting under one of the arches of the Ribblehead Viaduct, the route was 6.5 miles of mixed and challenging terrain including over 1,500 of climbing before the descent to the finish at the Station Pub. Robson was Ilkley’s only representative and came in 2^nd MV50 and 20^th overall of the 99 total finishers.

Midweek racing also seems to have been a popular choice with the Juniors this week as Thursday evening saw two very different events take place.

New for this year, the second meeting of the Leeds Beckett Open Series took place at Leeds Beckett University offering younger athletes and those Juniors new to Track and Field, the opportunity to race in a competitive environment before the Senior BMC events taking place later in the evening. Three of our Juniors took part with some fantastic results. Rose Weston finished in 3rd Place in the U11 600 m in a time of 2:11 and in 1st Place in the U11 600 m Race Walk with a time of 3:56. Grace Spencer ran in the U13 100 m finishing 2nd in her age category in 14:49 and Henry Hirst finished in 3rd Place in the U11 75m “B” Final (12:21), 2nd Place in the U11 600 m (1:59) and finally in the U11 Howler Throw he threw a distance of 31.87 m to clinch 1st Place.

Over in Silsden, the annual Murder Mile took place which is just what the title suggests – a one mile uphill road race. The event always attracts a large number of runners and perhaps the good weather brought them out again this week! Oscar Shinn was the first Harrier home in 2nd Place (1st Senior) in 7:34, closely followed by George Whittlestone in 7th Place (4th Senior) in 7:55 and Samesh Chotai in 11th Place (7th Senior) in 8:05. Michael Moore finished in 20th position overall (2nd BU12) in 8:40 and finally Isobel Moore completed the run in 10:28 (8th GU12).

Michael and Isobel Moore were out racing again on Sunday Morning, this time taking part in the Hollybank Eccup Junior Trail Race. Michael finished in 2nd place completing the one mile course in 06:03 followed by Isobel who finished as 9th Female in 07:00.

Just two Juniors took part in a parkrun this weekend; Samesh Chotai in Skipton taking 1st Place in 18:10 and James Lee at Chevin Forest taking 5th Place in 20:38. Meanwhile senior Harriers James Horrex and Alicia Horrex both came 3^rd in their gender category at Roberts Park. This following last week’s climax of the inter-club parkrun competition where Alicia Horrex won her category prize. There were also wins in the competition which has lasted for several months, for Diane Kitchen and Andrew Overend. Meanwhile Harriers Alison Bennett, Hilda Coulsey, Jonathan Turner, Steven Gott, James Horrex, Paula Reynier, Hattie O’Looney and Adam Gerrish all managed runners up spots.

Great North 10k – Sun 6 Jul 2025

Sun 6 Jul 2025

From Hilda Coulsey…

This was a super race, both route and location (if you are a road runner), for my second England masters vest of 2025. This time it was the 10k, which is a very competitive distance for Masters with most of those at the top of the Runbritain rankings attending.

Using Town Moor as the race village with start and finish on the adjacent Great North Rd, on closed roads including across the Tyne Bridge and with accommodation and sustenance in nearby Jesmond, it was easy to manage.

The route has a downhill first few kilometres paying for this in the, seemingly continuous, uphill in the second half. My race went pretty well. I noticed afterwards that my average pace was very similar to last weeks 5k at Heslington parkrun, confirming to me that I probably am better at sticking it out at the longer distances.

My age competition was fierce. Won by Dot Kesterton, who currently tops the UK rankings, hence I was happy to take 6th, 5 mins behind her.

Results

(1. 30:20 Dean Williamson, Colchester)

1438. 49:15 1st FV70 Dorothy Kesterton, Sheffield Steel City

2589. 54:33 6th FV70 Hilda Coulsey

(Chip times)

Sold out with 10000 runners.

Whernside Fell Race – Wed 2 Jul 2025

Wed 2 Jul 2025

From Dave Robson…

Following a few months off at the start of the year, struggling with various injuries, I have returned to my challenge of completing at least one new race per month. Having already ticked off the Austwick Amble, in May, and a couple of Yorkshire Vets Grand Prix events in June, Wednesday evening provided the opportunity to take on the newly relaunched Whernside Fell Race, 6.5 miles and 468 metres of ascent.

Using an arch of the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct as the start line, ninety-nine runners set off across a fast, flattish first mile of trail before hitting the ‘old walkers route’. A climb of 373 metres, crammed into just over a mile, straight up the front of Whernside!

With this brutal slog out of the way, it was only a short stumble to the highest point in Yorkshire, where, the sun came out, and we were rewarded with amazing views out across the dales, in all directions.

The return from the top was via the modern day 3 Peaks walking route, slightly less steep than the climb but a tricky mixture of trail and slab steps which kept it exciting as my plan was to make up as many places as possible during the descent. The plan mostly worked, with ten places gained before the route flattened out and I managed to hang onto these through the last mile or two of undulating trail to the finish at the Station pub.

I was pleased to finish in 20th place, 2nd MV50.

This is a great, mid-week fell race, in an iconic location and I would definitely recommend it.

Results

England Selection News

Tue 1 Jul 2025

From Hilda Coulsey…

Sam Bentham has been selected for the U20 England team taking part in the British and Irish Junior Mountain Championships, to be held in Wales on September 13.

Congratulations to Sam!

Danefield Relay – Tue 1 Jul 2025

Tue 1 Jul 2025

From Dan McKeown…

Williamson sets fastest leg time, but Gott the bee’s knees for helping injured runner

(McKeown also in attendance)

There was only one official team of Ilkley Harriers at the Danefield Relay (Otley Chevin): “Something is rotten in the state of Danefield”, comprising Steve ‘got the lot’ Gott, Ritchie ‘fast twitchy’ Williamson and me (Dan M). Alison ‘Spaghetti’ (OK, I’ll stop with the nicknames) Weston was running with some friends and there were a few other defectors running for other clubs (you know who you are and SO DO I).

The 4.5k Danefield Relay loop is almost the opposite of a fell race, in that you’re getting sent down into the valley to struggle back up to the finish. It initially follows the same route as the Chevin Forest parkrun, before sending runners plunging downhill to the gate onto the Leeds Road, where they turn and haul themselves back up to the changeover point, in the field by the car park.

Steve arrived just before the start, having got a literal bee in his bonnet on the bike ride over. Despite the conspicuous and undoubtedly painful sting on his bonce, he gave his all in the first leg, tagging Ritchie in at 20 mins 52, towards the fore of the field. I was stationed at the first turn, 500m down the track, so was treated to the sight of Ritchie charging down the path in much the manner of someone who thinks anything less than 50 miles is a sprint.

Having shouted at him to Bloody Slow Down, I noticed a runner from leg one hobbling to the turn from the wrong direction, having apparently rolled her ankle. Being a chivalrous sort, I gave her some water, foraged a decent-sized stick for support (which she looked somewhat askance at) and offered to help her back to the start field, although I was aware this might make me late for the leg three changeover. Fortunately for all concerned, Steve came trotting up the track at that point, assessed the situation, threw my stick in the bush and gave the injured lady a piggyback, freeing me up to get to the changeover. (We later learned the injury was a fractured ankle.)

I wasn’t kept waiting at changeover long, as Ritchie had made short work of the course, clocking 19:42 for his leg and improving our standing by several places. I, for my part, managed to pick up one place from P & B after chasing their runner all the way down to the bottom of the course, only to have it taken off me by some sprightly whippet from Baildon in the last few hundred metres.

There are no official results up yet: I have our total time at 62 minutes, 30-odd seconds, which in previous years has been good enough for the vets team podium, but not usually good enough for the category win. For a warmdown, Ritchie and I had a jog back down to the Sainsbury car park, which was mildly enlivened by schadenfreude at all the folk who’d parked closer to race HQ and been ticketed for their pains, and Steve zipping past us at some improbable speed on the downhill, clinging to his bike like a limpet.

Leg times

Steve 20:52

Ritchie 19:42

Dan 21:59

Lairig Ghru Race – Sun 29 Jun 2025

Sun 29 Jun 2025

From Harry Brook-Dobson…

Photo credit Hamish Battle

Edwyn Oliver-Evans and I ran the Lairig Ghru Race on Sun 29th June. It’s approximately marathon distance and follows an old drovers road from Braemar to Aviemore. The going was pretty easy for the first third of the race, following the River Dee before passing the impressive Mar Lodge and taking land rover tracks to the more humble Derry Lodge. From here the tracks were narrower and rougher and required concentration on the gradual pull up to the Pools of Dee underneath Ben Macdui. The long descent through Rothiemurchus Forest was thankfully smooth and flowing and we were able to tick off the miles much quicker here. We finished together in just over 4hrs 30mins in 72nd (Edwyn getting the dip on the line) and 73rd (me) and had a fantastic day in the Scottish sun. Whilst it is a committing route, you manage to cover a lot of ground in amazing surroundings without needing to climb much at all. It’s a race I’d recommend highly but you will need to get organised with the entry as there are only 300 places available and they were gone within an hour this year.

XXXVI Prueba de Fondo “Río Dilar” – Sun 29 Jun 2025

Sun 29 Jun 2025

From Nick Helliwell…

My wife’s family are from Granada in Andalucia, southern Spain. While on holiday here, I decided to find a race. In this area they have a series of races throughout the year over varying distances and surfaces, all part of one big competition. The race that coincided with my visit was a fast-ish road 10k, with some elevation (500ft).

My visit also coincided with a heatwave in Spain, with daily temperatures exceeding 40 degrees. Thankfully the organisers pulled the start forward an hour, but it was still over 30 degrees when we set off at 930am.

The race was super well-organised and well-attended, with almost 750 runners. There was a police escort for the front-runners, a timing car and a team filming the race, to broadcast back to the start. And only cost 10 euros to enter! The standard was very high, with many Spanish clubs represented.

Not wanting to push too far forwards at the beginning, I got caught in a funnel of slower runners, but soon made my way through the jam. The heat was brutal, especially with the hills, making it really challenging to push very hard. By finding shade on the road, and taking on lots of water, I managed to hang onto those around me, and finish in just over 40 minutes, in 63rd place, 12th in my age category. The winning time, on a lumpy course, in severe heat, was just over 31 minutes: very impressive!

A great experience, despite the circumstances, and I’ll look forward to doing one of these again, hopefully on a cooler day!

Results

HDSRL #4 Ripon – Tue 24 Jun

Tue 24 Jun 2025

From Alison Bennett…

There was a great turnout of 26 Ilkley Harriers at the fourth race in the Harrogate District Summer Race League which was hosted by Ripon Runners. The scenic 5-mile course started with a lap of the field at Hell Wath Nature Reserve before heading along undulating farm roads, tracks & footpaths through Studley Roger Village and the surrounding seven bridges, before returning to the finish on the field. The evening concluded with plentiful refreshments provided by Ripon Runners at the Rugby club, supplemented by hearty post-race chats amongst team mates and with other running club members.

Ilkley Harriers achieved some impressive results with Matthew Thackwray winning the race by some margin. Other Harriers to the fore were Matt Newell 4th, Harry Brook-Dobson 8^th, Ritchie Williamson 10^th and James Horrex 13^th. Maddie Morris was Ilkley’s first lady to finish, and Peter Shelley was 1^st in his age group category.

This race concluded the League races, but it is not the final event in the series. These results will form the basis for the exciting Handicap Race to be held on Wednesday 16^th July, at Wetherby where prizes for the League will also be presented. Be there!

Kettlewell Anniversary Fell Race – Sun 22 Jun 2025

Sun 22 Jun 2025

From Alison Weston…

Quite local for the 3rd English championship race on Sunday. A good bit cooler for this short and steep 5 m and 1800 ft from Kettlewell village – up and down towards Arncliffe and then back over the top. Great turn out from clubs near and far made the competition very tough.

Ben came 2nd overall in a fabulous time of 34.23 with Sam 4th in 35.07 followed by George and Dan

We had an incredible 8 female Harriers in the race led home by Jane – 1st V50 in a great time of 47.40. Soon followed by Rachel, Katie, Sacha, Kelly, Rebecca, Jann and Alison.

Results

Ilkley Gazette report w/c 22 Jun 2025

Sun 22 Jun 2025

From Will Worboys and Nicola Budding…

Success at Home and Abroad for Busy Harriers

Another busy week was had by the Ilkley Harriers, including a new world champion and lots of hot weather hill running.

Ilkley put out a good showing at the third counter of the English Fell Championship series in the Dales at the Kettlewell Anniversary Fell Race on Sunday. Current fell champion Ben Rothery was narrowly beaten into 2^nd place by Dark Peak’s Finlay Grant. Rothery’s young clubmate Sam Bentham seems to be gradually closing the gap, being less than a minute back in 4^th place.

Several other Harriers made the journey and excelled in the 5-mile event that includes 1,800 feet of ascent and is organised by North Leeds Fell Runners. George Whittlestone was the next one to finish and was 8^th MU23 and 88^th overall. There was a superb performance from Jane McCarthy who not only finished 15^th female overall but also won the F50 category. Several other Ilkley ladies put in impressive shifts, including Rachel Carter coming home 9^th F45 and 27^th overall female. Katie Poulter and Sacha Jones also managed to be among the first 50 ladies and Dan McKeown finished 99^th overall.

Meanwhile much further south, an amazing performance was had by a young Harrier at the World Duathlon Championships in Pontevedra, Spain. Christos Tzelis won the Open Age Group Sprint race, taking the gold medal. This race started off with a 5KM run, followed by a 19.7KM bike, then rounded off with another run of 2.5KM. Christos flew round beating a Spanish athlete into second by around 45 seconds. It is the culmination of a lot of hard training for the Ilkley athlete who can now be proud to call himself world champion!

The racing week had started back on Tuesday where some fast runs were had in the Leeds Evensplits 5K which took place at the Brownlee Centre. Ilkley’s Emily Butterworth was first in her category with a time of 22:17. Nick Helliwell seems well and truly back in form posting an excellent 19:22 and being first Harrier home. Kyle Bethell was hot on his heels in 19:31 and Claire McLoughlin also ran well to finish in a time of 22:39.

The following evening in-form Harrier Matthew Thackwray followed up his win at Yeadon with another first place finish at the latest Harrogate District Summer Race League encounter. This time at Knaresborough, Thackwray put a minute between himself and the rest of the field to win in 31:50. There was no shortage of other Ilkley runners out impressing on a warm Tuesday night. Next to finish was Harry Brook-Dobson who came 12^th overall of the 328 finishers. Ritchie Williamson put in an excellent run to be 1^st in the M50 category. While Pete Shelley was 1^st in the M55’s. Jane McCarthy won the F50 category and Jann Smith was 3^rd in the F55’s. The other Ilkley winner was Diane Kitchen who headed the F65’s. Honourable mentions too for James Horrex and Paul Carmen, both finishing inside the top 50.

Back to the weekend and on the hottest day of the year so far, three Harriers chose to spend it navigating 13 miles and 7,000 feet of Cumbrian fells. The Great Lakes Fell Race took place on Saturday at Langdale, with great performances, if not a few navigational issues from Ben Sheppard, Charles Wain and Paul Carmen. The winner by some distance was Finlay Wild of Lochaber AC.

Closer to home there was a good turnout of Harriers at the ‘Solstice Saunter’. A scenic, five mile, Saturday evening tour of the Bolton Abbey trails, the race is always a popular one emphasised by the 751 total finishers. Kirsty Wicks had a brilliant run finishing 2^nd female and 17^th overall. Next up John Hayes did well to not only be 2^nd Harrier home but also 1^st M55. There were plenty of other good runs on a warm mid-summers day, with Joanne Williamson finishing as 4^th female. Rebecca Brown impressed coming 2^nd in the F35 grouping. Rumana Chowdhury, Andrew Whiteside and Sarah Hayes all managed to beat the heat to finish in the top hundred of their gender category in the large field.

Onto the road and the Freckleton Half Marathon, which proudly proclaims to be the ‘oldest continuously running half marathon in the UK’, The sole Harrier Sally Armitage put in her usual superb effort to finish 2^nd female and 20^th overall of the 478 total finishers in a time of 1:25:40. The race is a fairly flat lap of the roads of the Fylde coast of Lancashire and has been going since way back in 1964!

Another lone Harrier made the trip to the top of Wharfedale for the Buckden Pike Fell Race. Just over 4 miles in length and taking in 1,500 feet it is a challenging event that takes place as part of the Buckden Gala. John Marsham braved the hills and heat to finish in 27^th place with a time of 55:38.

For Ilkley’s Junior Harriers it’s been a relatively quiet week, but nonetheless an important week for fell racing as the highly anticipated FRA British Junior Fell Inter Counties Championships were held on Saturday. Organised by Bowland Fell Runners, the Clough Pike Fell Races are traditionally held on the third Saturday in June as part of the Quernmore Sports and Village Country Show. This year, in addition to being the Junior Inter-Counties race, it was also the fourth counter in the FRA Junior Championship series, attracting a large turnout of runners. The various routes took in rough farmland with tricky stream gullies and woodland sections.

In total, five of our Juniors were competing and two of those had been selected to run for their age group Yorkshire Teams: Joseph Bentham in the U17 Boys Team and Oscar Shinn in the U19 Boys Team. In the U17 Boys Race, Joseph Bentham had a great race to finish in 5th place with a time of 26:55, helping the Yorkshire U17 Boys Team take the Bronze Medal. Alexander Wolfenden was the first Harrier home in the U19 Boys Race coming home in an excellent 5th place in 41:57 followed by Oscar Shinn finishing 13th in 45:49 and George Whittlestone in 28th place (56:53). The Yorkshire U19 Boys Team also took the Gold Medal. Matilda Irvine, our only female U19 competitor (and also a Reserve for the Yorkshire U19 Female Team), finished in 12th place coming home in just over an hour.

Finally in this week’s 5K parkruns, there was just one junior taking part. Isobel Moore had a good run at Roberts Park coming home as 9^th female in 25:14. In a decent turnout of Harriers, Alison Bennett also came 5^th female at the event and Andrew Overend 7^th overall. Meanwhile at Conyngham Hall James Horrex was 2^nd finisher and Alicia Horrex 2^nd female. At Chevin Forest Claire McLoughlin was 8^th female and at Banstead Woods Alex Foyn finished in 4^th place.

Freckleton HM – Sun 22 Jun 2025

Sun 22 Jun 2025

From Sally Armitage…

Another day, another Lancastrian road race. A half marathon I’d wanted to enter last year but I think I missed the entry deadline. The great British heatwave has started to fade and conditions were good, a little windy but not too noticeable on course, or at least not if you’re small enough to draft behind a larger runner!

Sold as a flat course, I would call it lightly undulating, probably as flat as you get in Lancashire. The race starts and finishes on a playing field in the village and consists of 1 lap around the Lancashire countryside, almost glimpsing the sea at one point.

Freckleton half marathon also holds the title of the oldest half marathon in the UK, first ran in 1964. Run on open roads, there was a little dicing with death due to traffic, but lots of local support on course, music, drinks, jelly babies, some people even had their hosepipes out offering runners a cool down, I gladly accepted!

I was really pleased with my run, I’d aimed for 1:26 so was pleased to just dip under that, I’d wondered if the wind would hinder my chances but it didn’t. There were some fast looking ladies on the start line too so to manage 2nd place was a big confidence boost. Furthermore, the generous £75 shop voucher I won was for none other than Ilkley’s very own Complete Runner! A good day on the roads!

Results

1st male – Rob Danson Preston Harriers 1:12:50

1st female – Dee Allen Leigh Harriers 1:23:29

20th (2nd female) Sally Armitage 1:25:40

478 ran

Great Lakes Fell Race – Sat 21 Jun 2025

Sat 21 Jun 2025

From Ben Sheppard…

Paul Carman, Charles Wain and Ben Sheppard headed for the baking heat of Langdale to test themselves against the merciless cruelty of the Great Lakes fell race. Category AL, it is listed as 21 km (13 miles) and 2,130m (7,000ft). For those who don’t get their navigation quite right, or who against their better judgment follow the wrong people the wrong way, it can be longer and involve more climb, as Paul can attest.

Having been on the race calendar for fifteen years, it was said that this year’s would be its last running. So, gathered together in the yard of Stool End Farm, a hundred or so willing victims took in the short race briefing and joined with the race organiser in thanking the owner of the farm, Jean, her late husband recently departed. They had generously allowed the race to take place from their farm since 2010 and never asked a penny in return. Jean was visibly moved by the appreciation shown on behalf of the fell running community.

After a sharp ascent of The Band to Bowfell, we were treated to a high-level summit-hopping circuit of Upper Eskdale, including Scafell Pike and Scafell via Foxes Tarn (thankfully Broad Stand is not an option). Then to Slight Side, where two third of the Ilkley Harriers made a mess of the navigation, one finding himself down-climbing crags and another following a non-local a mile off the bottom of the race map. Meanwhile Charles nailed the right line and got on with the slog across the trackless reaches south of Great Moss to Blisco. The final descent from Blisco is the kind of steep that has people bum-sliding past you as you systematically punish your quads trying to stay upright.

The race was won by Finlay Wild of Lochaber AC in a new (and presumably lasting) course record time of 2:29, some 15 minutes ahead of the previous record holder, Ambleside AC’s Tom Simpson (who may have been saving a little for the English champs race the following day where he finished 14^th), the trio of Ilkley Harriers grateful to be done with it only a couple of hours later.

World Duathlon Sprint Age Group Championship – Sat 21 Jun 2025

Sat 21 Jun 2025

From Neil Chapman…

Christos Tzelis had an early start on Saturday in Pontevedra, Spain, where he was competing in the World Duathlon Sprint Age Group Championship. He had a few issues before the race including bike problems, which could have upset his preparation, but the hilly course did play to his strengths.

As you would expect in a sprint race with a high quality field it means going hard from the start and getting your transitions right. Christos got off to a good start completing the first 5k run in 15:18 finishing with the leading group before jumping on the bike for 19.7k. He broke away on the bike, but got pulled back by the group, so learnt from a previous race to sit in and go with the group and not do all the work himself. He completed the bike in 30:36, averaging close to 25 mph, going into the final 2.5k run with a group of around seven others, all hoping for the win. Christos completed the final 2.5k in 7:54, needing a sprint finish to win by 6 seconds ahead of Pablo Gonzalez-Perez of Spain who took the silver medal.

Those times are very impressive given that it was a hilly course, so Christos should be very proud of his achievement and the gold medal around his neck. Well done Christos.

Solstice Saunter – Sat 21 Jun 2025

Sat 21 Jun 2025

From John Hayes…

I’ve never run the Solstice Saunter before. I blame this on my obsession with Ilkley Lido. On 21 June every year they hold the Solstice Swim. That involves getting up at 4.30am and joining a surprisingly large crowd of people for a sunrise dip. By evening, therefore, I’m too tired to do a race. Sarah (who is tougher than me) has been doing both the Solstice Swim and Saunter for years and has kept telling me I’m missing out on a brilliant event. So this year I decided to stop being a wimp and do both. (It helped that it was a Saturday so I could sneak in a daytime sleep between the two events). The route takes in the best of the trails at Bolton Abbey. It raises funds for the Sue Ryder charity which is a fabulous cause, close to many people’s hearts. This year it was incredibly hot (27 degrees C). Despite this, they still held a funky mass “warm up” with various dance moves (which I was hopeless at) interspersed with squats and lunges (ditto). It was good to see other Harriers at the finish, all feasting on Jammy Dodger biscuits which are handed out alongside the medals. Many congratulations to Kirsty Wicks who came in as 1st female.

Results

HDSRL #3 Knaresborough – Tue 17 Jun 2025

Tue 17 Jun 2025

From Alison Bennett...

There was a great turnout of 32 Ilkley Harriers at the third race in the Harrogate District Summer Race League which was hosted by Knaresborough Striders. The race was approximately 9km, mainly on tarmac. The race started and finished in Horseshoe Field at the rear of Conyngham Hall. After a rather narrow and for some congested lap of the field, avoiding the rabbit holes guarded by strategically placed marshals, the runners headed out along the Beryl Burton Cycleway to a turnaround point, returning through Bilton before rejoining the cycleway again back to Knaresborough. The ample spread of food afterwards was enjoyed by many of the 409 finishers in the warm evening sunshine.

Ilkley had some impressive results. Matthew Thackwray took an early lead in the race and finished just over a minute ahead of second placed runner, Scott Harrington of Otley. Harry Brook-Dobson was 12^th, James Horrex finished 20^th. Jane McCarthy was Ilkley’s first lady to finish and was also first in her age group. Other Ilkley Harriers also scooping first age group category placings were Richie Williamson, Peter Shelley and Diane Kitchen.

Results

Ilkley Gazette report w/c 16 Jun 2025

Mon 16 Jun 2025

From Jill Ezard and Nicola Budding…

Photo credit Haylie Eaton

Yorkshire team success on the fells and podium places on the road

Racing started early this week with a midweek, evening trip to Otley, with eight Harriers taking on the ever-popular Otley ten mile road race. In it’s 40^th year, this hilly route goes out to Pool in Wharfedale, climbs up to Leathley, with an added hilly loop at the top, before going on to Farnley, with still more undulations to contend with. After Farnley the route flattens with a downhill finish back to Otley for a grandstand finish. It was a very warm evening for the race and despite the conditions there were some great performances: First over the line was Edwyn Oliver-Evans in 1:11:08 followed by Tony Pye in 1:14:20; Rachel Carter was the first female Harrier to finish in 1:1501 taking first place in her age category; Luke Greenwood, Martin Stubbs, Marc Westerman and Jeremy Greenwood all had great runs with Jean Sullivan the only other female Harrier finishing in 1:30:01 and taking second place in her age category.

On Saturday, three Harriers, Jack Cummings, Oli Murphy and Sam Bentham, donned their Yorkshire vests to take part in the 2025 British Inter-Counties Mountain Running Championships, this year being held at the Pen-Y-Ghent Fell race. This 12.2km race takes participants from Horton up through the Limekiln Pastures, up the steep scramble through the southern crags and back to Horton via Whitber and Jackdaw Hills, an impressive 612m of climb! Along with two other Yorkshire runners the team beat some tough competition to take first prize after some superb performances: Jack Cummings was 14^th in 50:35; Sam Bentham 24^th in 51:12; and Oli Murphy was 38^th in 52:44. There were other great Harrier performances in the race with Nathan Edmondson (a reserve for the Yorkshire team) finishing in sixth place in 49:14, Adam Gerrish in 1:18:07 and Paul Disney seconds behind in 1:18:34.

And the impressive performances continued at the Run For All 10k race in Leeds on Sunday and the Windermere marathon. In Leeds, four Harriers set off from the University of Leeds buildings on Woodhouse Lane, round Woodhouse Moor, out to Headingly and Meanwood before finishing at the Art Gallery on The Headrow. Matthew Thackwray continued his run of form taking a superb second place in 31:25. All Harriers broke the one hour mark with David Lewis the second Harrier to finish in 51:14 followed seconds behind by Karl Hutchinson in 51:44 and Will Worboys in 58:44. Meanwhile, in an entirely different road race, one of the “Jeffing” group, Esmail Zadeh, put in a superb performance at the Windermere Marathon. Starting at Waterhead near Ambleside and completing almost a full lap of the lake, the race climbs over 2000ft offering some breathtaking views on the way to the finish line at Brockhole on the lake. Esmail completed the race in 5:02:10.

Further afield two Harriers took on two very different challenges. Alison Weston ventured to the Isle of Arran, off the west coast of Scotland to take part in the challenging but somewhat romantically titled Glen Rosa Horseshoe, a traditional fell race. The route is a mix of steep heathery ascent, contouring on mixed terrain, ridge running and easy scrambling. Navigation skills are required and definitely were at the weekend given the mist and rain on the day! Alison completed the race in 4:25:12 and was third in her age category. Nigel Illingworth however, took on the innocuous sounding Bridge Run on its 25^th anniversary. A half marathon road event, the race starts in Denmark but finishes in Sweden running the full length of the Øresund Bridge! Nigel completed the event in 2:36:39.

Finally, our juniors and younger Harriers had a great turnout at the Hawkswick Dash, the fifth race in the BOFRA Race League, on Sunday. The race begins gently running along a narrow track before a steep climb up to the ridge. The U14 runners turn at this point to retrace their steps to the finish. The U17 and U23 runners continue along the skyline before a steep descent (not for the faint hearted) to the finish having completed 1.4 miles with a climb of 170m. In the U23 George Whittlestone was fifth in 14:21 and Oscar Shinn had a great race taking third place in the U17 race. Michael Moore was second in the U12 boys’ race with sister Isobel placing sixth in the U12 girls’ event alongside Lottie Prior who was 20^th. Martha Prior was ninth in the U9 girls’ race. Well done to all!

Our parkrunners were having fun at home and abroad too with 20+ Harriers taking on the weekly timed events. There were top 10 finishes for Sam Angus and Maddie Morris in the Netherlands, and Emma Barclay, James Horrex, Alicia Horrex, Steve Gott and Andrew Overend closer to home. There were PBs from Hattie O’Looney, and Kate Williams and fantastic age gradings for Hilda Coulsey, 85.41%, Alison Bennett, 87.32% and Diane Kitchen, 81.64%. Well done to everyone that took part in these fun and free events which are open to runners of all abilities.

The Bridge Run 2025 (or Broløbet/Broloppet) – Sun 15 Jun 2025

Sun 15 Jun 2025

From Nigel Illingworth…

Yesterday I ran a half marathon from Copenhagen (Denmark) to Malmö (Sweden). The race marked the 25th anniversary of the opening of the bridge over the Øresund strait.

If you’ve watched the TV show The Bridge, I can confirm there were bodies on the bridge, but all were receiving good medical attention.

I enjoyed the event and experience since I watched the tunnel and bridge being built in the 1990s while working in Copenhagen and Lund, near Malmö. In those pre-bridge days you had to fly to Copenhagen Airport and then take a helicopter to Malmö Airport.

My race time was unremarkable due to a headwind on the bridge, a long wait to cross the finish line, and the usual lack of training and ability, but I learnt two things.

Firstly, we enjoy a very high quality of race organisation in Ilkley and the UK compared to this experience. The starting waves were poorly-policed and the toilet queues huge, leading to runners all starting in the wrong order. The 20-minute wait to cross the finish line was followed by longer delays to get through a narrow exit from the finish area. Many runners waited hours for transport back to Copenhagen. We luckily skipped the queues with some un-British queue-jumping and a coach driver who knew a shortcut.

Secondly, we enjoy a level of runner support, friendliness and safety in Ilkley and the UK which sadly wasn’t matched here. Early on, faster runners were cutting in front dangerously. Several times I had runners barging through, and often had my feet caught from behind – as a runner who has a habit of falling over, I found this very disconcerting. Worst was witnessing one runner shove another to the ground and run over him, since there was no way around.

Overall, a great long weekend with friends soaking up the vibe in Copenhagen and Malmö, but I’ll be focussing on those friendly, supportive local trail and fell races in future. Thank you so much to all those that do such a great job organising our races.

Glen Rosa Horseshoe – Sat 14 Jun 2025

Sat 14 Jun 2025

From Alison Weston…

Arran Runners resurrected this race this year after a 10 year gap – it is an AL , 20 km with 1670m climbing. I’d looked across at Arran from Jura in May and thought the ridges looks spectacular.

The route is a mix of steep heathery ascent, contouring on mixed terrain, ridge running and easy scrambling. Unfortunately I couldn’t actually see any of the ridges on the day due to mist and rain but enjoyed the easy (except when wet!) scrambling up Goat Fell and the long descent down.

Disruption with the ferry service prevented a fair few from getting to the start line which was a shame as bagpipes set us off on our way. Finlay Wild was the unsurprising winner in a new record time of 2 hrs 16 minutes. I was pleased to finish in under 4 1/2 hours in 4:25 and 3rd FV50.

Hopefully with the help of Arran mountain rescue team it will continue to be an annual event now.

Pen-y-Ghent Fell race – Sat 14 Jun 2025

Sat 14 Jun 2025

From Adam Gerrish…

This year the Pen Y Ghent Fell Race also hosted the Inter-Counties Mountain race alongside the British Mountain Running Championships. This meant it was packed full of the best fell runners from around the country. Heavy thunderstorms unfortunately meant that the women got a soaking as they set off for the 12.2km (612m climb) route, which had been altered this year to include more distance and climbing than usual.

Luckily the rain had stopped before the men then set off 30 mins later along the same route. Yorkshire came away with both the men’s and women’s team prize, with Nathan (6th), Jack (14th), Sam (24th), and Oli (38th) all in the top 40 of an elite field. Paul Disney and I enjoyed our own battle at the more leisurely end of the field, both coming home in 1 hr 18.

Results

Otley 10M – Wed 11 Jun 2025

Wed 11 Jun 2025

From Jean Sullivan…

A popular fixture in the summer calendar, especially for those wanting to get a mid-week race under their belt, the Otley 10-mile road race took place this week, celebrating it’s 40th anniversary. The race starts and finishes at Otley Cricket Club, with a grandstand finish, barbecue, prize giving, and a great friendly atmosphere.

Eight Harriers lined up on the start line, all a bit nervous due to the unexpected rise in temperatures compared to a few days previously. The hilly route goes out to Pool in Wharfedale, over the bridge, climbs up to Leathley, with an added hilly loop at the top, before going on to Farnley, with still more undulations to contend with. After Farnley the route flattens and the downhill finish back to Otley is very welcome, especially as it was a complete slog going up the hills in the heat!

There were some great results despite the challenging conditions! Edwyn Oliver Edwards was the first Harrier over the line in a speedy 1:11:08. He was followed by Tony Pye, in 1:14:20, his time even more impressive as he had run the Pete Shields 10km just 3 days previously. Hot on his heels was Rachel Carter, who finished 8th lady overall and took first prize in her age category. Lovely to meet Luke Greenwood, Jeremy’s son who enjoyed his first go at this race, and had an excellent result. Great runs also by Martin Stubbs, Marc Westerman and Jeremy Greenwood. I brought up the rear of the Harriers contingent, but I was very pleased to finish 2nd in my age category, a rare occurrence!

Results

Ilkley Gazette report w/c 9 Jun 2025

Mon 9 Jun 2025

From Peter Shelley and Nicola Budding…

Photo credit Peter Shelley.

Harrier victories, course records and category trophies in another busy week on the fells, trails and roads.

Events throughout the week and over the weekend kept the Harriers busy on the fells, trails and roads. They were duly rewarded for their efforts with great results and positive (or at least memorable!) experiences all round.

The highlight for many was the second running of the club’s Pete Shields Ilkley 10k race on Sunday. Celebrating the life of Ilkley Harrier coach and stalwart Peter Shields, the race looks set to become a favourite. Slightly modified from last year, the route uses fast flat closed roads along the northern banks of the River Wharfe, with two laps of an out and back format allowing great spectating and support both for and among the participants. Nathan Edmondson ran perfect splits to take his second victory of the week (first one being the Chevin Fell Race) and ten seconds off his 2024 winning time. Christos Zelis was his closest competitor, taking nearly a minute off his 2024 time. Alexander Wolfenden, increasingly one of our best contenders, was third Harrier home in 6^th. Matt Newell followed him home in 7^th with Samesh Chotai an excellent 12^th. Gawain Moore was top MV45 in 14^th. Jonny McKenna was 21^st, Harry Brook-Dobson 22^nd, Stephen Coy 29^th and first MV50. Jaysson Sawyer was 30^th, Ritchie Williamson 31^st (achieving a personal goal and showing that ultra running need not diminish speed), Justin Phillips 33^rd, Rob Cunningham 37^th, Louis Sturman 39^th, James Lee 41^st, Sally Armitage 48^th, all recording times under the magic 40-minute mark. Sally finished first in the FV45 category. Jane McCarthy took the FV50 category in 76^th place and Jann Smith the FV55 in 139th. Further excellent age group performances among the 49 Harriers who competed came from Geoff Howard first MV75 in 163rd and Diane Kitchen first FV65. Well done to all those who participated, organised and supported the race making this such a good day for the club and the town!

Ilkley Harrier Juniors activities started on Monday evening at the British Milers Club Regional Meeting, this time hosted by Leeds Beckett University. Helena Coy, competing in her first 3000 m track event finished her race in 10:33.

Wednesday evening saw the third meeting of the West Yorkshire Track and Field League take place in Wakefield where sisters Heather and Rosa Crolla were out in action again. On this occasion, Rosa took on her first 100 m track event finishing the U13G race in 16:94 and also competed in the field events.

Nathan Edmondson posted another victory at the Otley Chevin Fell Race. The course distance is just 4.5 km but packs in 210m of climb and technical challenge. Nathan’s time of 17:09 took him within five seconds of Ian Holmes’ 2001 course record. Gawain Moore was 9^th, Edwyn Oliver-Evans 11^th, Steve Gott 22^nd, Adam Gerrish 45^th, Alison Weston 85^th and Darryl Stead 107^th. 125 ran.

Thurs saw race two of the Harrogate District Summer Race League. Organised by Dragons Running Club, the race took participants on 8.7km of trails and 130m of ascent through the woodland and fields of Yeadon and Esholt. Matthew Thackwray, a specialist at this type of event and distance, won in 30:06. Tom Adams made it an Ilkley 1-2 finishing in 30:55 to take the M40 honours. Harry Brook-Dobson was 15^th, Edwyn Oliver-Evans racing again just 24 hours after the Otley Chevin was 26^th, Ritchie Williamson 27^thand 2^nd M50, Jaysson Sawyer 31^st, Forrest Hamilton 35^th, Robert Green 59^th, Luke Watkeys 56^th, Tony Pye 68^th, Ash Winter 82^nd, David Singleton 97^th, Robert Budding 123^rd, Mike Williams 134^thand Mark Iley 136^th. Other notable results among the 36 Harriers who competed include Diane Kitchen who took 2^nd in the F65 category. Ilkley’s active participation puts them in a strong position in the team standings with three more races to go.

Thursday also saw the Bronte 5 take place on two laps of the quiet undulating roads of Penistone Country Park outside Haworth. The race incorporated the Yorkshire Vets 5-mile men’s and women’s road championships. Mark Hall finished an immensely strong 13^th of 96 taking the MV65 category by some margin.

Saturday’s Wharfedale Trail Half Marathon has long been a favourite among Ilkley Harriers. Covering 600m of climb and a variety of terrains on its route over the hills north of Grassington, through Conistone and up Mastiles Lane to the fells on the western side of the Wharfe, this is not an event for those targeting a half marathon personal best but rewards those who can pace themselves over the long climbs and descents on mixed terrain.

Jack Cummings was first home among the 17 Harriers in the event. In most previous years his time of 1:22:49 would have been enough for the win. This year however Jack had to reckon with the presence of Andy Heyes from Dark Peak Fell Runners who ran 1.20.39 to take the win. Both men were within Chris Holdworth’s previous course record, an impressive achievement.

Nick Helliwell ran a strong race to finish 14^thand 2^nd MV45. Rachel Carter was 36^th and 1^st FV45 while Ash Winter finished 38^th. Other notables included Jonathan Sinclair 43^rd and 2^nd MV60 and Derek Oliver 56^th and 4^th MV60. Well done to all the Harriers who took on this challenging half marathon!

The Ennerdale Horseshoe, one of Lakeland’s classic fell races, took place on Saturday. Classified as a ‘Super Long A’ category, with 37km/2290m on rough terrain over the peaks of Red Pike, Kirk Fell, Pillar and Crag Fell, the race is not for the faint-hearted. Martin Hartley, Katie Poulter and Nea Weston took on the challenge in wet conditions which were difficult but thankfully not as severe as forecast, finishing in 45th, 82^nd and 88^th respectively. The race was won by Finlay Wild of Lochaber. 97 ran.

The Stanza Stones Ultra set off from Marsden on Saturday morning for its third summer iteration. The race winds its way through 80km and 2,100m of ascent via Pennine moorland and towns to Ilkley. A variation on an established long distance walking path, the route connects all six Stanza Stones which bear the poetry of Poet Laureate Simon Armitage. Carved into the rock in remote locations, the poems explore the theme of water and its impact on the flora and fauna of remote rural England. Runners must visit all the stones in addition to checkpoints and food stations in Mytholmroyd, Haworth and Bingley. Ben Sheppard put himself through the wringer to take 24 minutes off his 2023 time, finishing in 9:44:11 to take a strong 8^th place. One position behind was Ann-Kristin Marsham finishing in an excellent 9:48:41 taking the FV40 category and vastly surpassing her own expectations on a first attempt at the ultra. Peter Shelley was 18^th and 2^nd MV55. Further competitive showings came from Louisa McCallion in 30^th, Robin Moffatt 44^th and Kirsty Wicks 52^nd. 91 runners completed.

Settle Saunter is an annual walking/running event along footpaths and bridleways in the lower fells of the Yorkshire Dales. Adela Reperecki and Penny Coulthard opted for the longest of the three distances on offer, covering 37km in 5:18:09 and 5:45:40 to finish 35^th and 40^th of 84 respectively.

Nicole Liptrot took part in the Coniston Marathon Challenge, one of several Lakeland Trails events on offer over the weekend. Also opting for the longest of three distances, Nicole covered the 42km and 1,000m of ascent on a complete offroad circuit of Coniston Water and Tarn Hows in 5:06:32 finishing 40/170 and 7^th lady. Not bad for a marathon debut!

As distinct from Coniston Marathon Challenge, the Coniston Marathon uses the same route but is subject to stricter cut-off times. Helen Thurston paced it well to complete the marathon in an impressive 4:10:59 securing 37^th place and 2^nd FV40.

Another fantastic solo performance took place in the Swansea Half Marathon. Having qualified last year to run for England in a home international, Hilda Coulsey saw off strong Welsh competition to finish 2293/5731in an impressive 2:02:49 taking silver F70.

Further creditable Harrier performances took place at the BOFRA Championship League Ulverston fell race where Ben Hallworth finished 13th in the seniors race and Archie Hallworth 2^nd in the juniors race.

Round Three of the FRA Junior Championships took place in the Peak District with Dark Peak Fell Runners hosting the Edale Fell Race. Ranging in distance from 1 km for the U9 race up to 7 km for the U17 and U19 races, the courses included rocky terrain, steep descents and stream crossings. Three juniors competed with Robert Brooks finishing 6th in the 4.2 km BU15 race and in the 7 km MU19 race Oscar Shinn finished 5th in 39:35 followed by George Whittlestone finishing 14th in 45:25.

Matthew Thackwray’s fast twitch muscles were working again at Fountains Abbey parkrun setting the fastest time of 15:33, a new personal best for him on this course. Likewise Samesh Chotai ran 17:47 to set his now customary fastest time at Skipton parkrun. James Lee ran at Chevin Forest finishing in 2nd place in 20:54 followed by Isobel Moore finishing as 4th female in 25:02.

Lakeland Trails Marathon Challenge – Sun 8 Jun 2025

Sun 8 Jun 2025

From Nicky Liptrot…

At the Lakeland trails Coniston weekend there are events running across Saturday and Sunday to cater for all, with the marathon and half marathon on the Sunday. Lakeland Trails offer both a race option and a challenge option, with an earlier start and more generous cut off times. I opted for the marathon challenge on Sunday, having done the half marathon in previous years and really enjoyed it. This was my first marathon event, and my aim was simply to appreciate the views and get round! I had done enough (but not excessive!) training and was lucky to do most of my long training runs with fellow Ilkley Harriers, which really helped!

On the day, the route was just as advertised, with stunning views of the surrounding peaks, taking in a complete circuit of Coniston Water, Tarn Hows and the elevated Beacon Tarn. To achieve the views however quite a bit of climb was necessary, with 3,400 feet of elevation. The route is mainly on tracks and trail, with some fast steep climbs and fast descents. I started off very steadily and walked the steeper hills to conserve my energy, so managed to thoroughly enjoy the first 22 miles! The weather was perfect, not too warm, with only a couple of very light rain showers and this made going underfoot very good generally, with only one boggy section around Beacon Tarn. The challenging part (as I had been warned) was at around mile 22 when the route dipped down to the shores of Coniston and through a wooded area, as the tree roots made it very tricky going for a couple of miles, on tired legs! Delighted to be out of the woods without tripping, I ran the final 2.5 miles with a fellow runner from Lancaster, which was a massive boost as we had both felt pretty spent, but this gave us both strength to push on for a strong finish!

The organisation of the event was excellent, the course was very well signposted, with frequent and brilliantly stocked food/drink points and marshals were superb. I thoroughly recommend this event hope to be back! I managed to finish in 5:06:32 and was 7^th of 66 ladies, which I was delighted with. Fellow Ilkley Harrier Helen Thurston also ran the marathon that day, but unfortunately I didn’t see her, as she opted for the race and finished in a fantastic 4:10:59!

Swansea Half Marathon – Sun 8 Jun 2025

Sun 8 Jun 2025

From Hilda Coulsey…

Overall a very enjoyable and well organised race. The route starts and finishes at the Marina in Swansea. We headed out towards the Mumbles before an about turn to visit the university and through town before heading out by road again along the coast with the lighthouse in view. Another about turn to run back in, this time along the promenade.

I was ambitious with my initial pace, but hey I was wearing an England vest so why not! This went well for 8k. The remaining 13k was steady paced too but 20 odd secs/ k slower, I’d obviously got too over excited at the start. I was pleased to tough it out and so glad to see the finish.

The weather was good, a little hot and breezy but dry. It’s a fairly flat course hence a PB potential assuming the coastline breeze is reasonable. I’d definitely recommend it.

I’d qualified last year at Chester to run in an England vest at a 2025 home international race by coming first F70 and within the required time. However it wasn’t, at that time, confirmed where the race was to be. Swansea was chosen with Wales as the opponents. As is usual the international rivalry is a very small part of the already existing open race. It was interesting seeing so many Welsh club and fun runners, a few out to beat us qualifiers, together with the other England qualifiers from the two other races elsewhere in England plus a combined Armed Forces team. Obviously, whilst the Forces provided very strong competition at the front end of the race, it was non-existent in the F70 category!

Swansea however clashed with our Peter Shields 10k, which I would have loved to run and put a major shift into the volunteering. As Pete first alerted me to these England Masters opportunities and encouraged me to qualify I felt it would be fitting to run in Swansea.

Andrea Simmons, also England, won my category in a time which tops the F70 UK ranking table for this year so far and is also faster than the top F70 half marathon time in 2024. I was delighted to come second, first of the rest, and receive the silver trophy.

Results

1 1:03:13 Omar Ahmed, Birchfield Harriers

21 1:12:13 Natasha Wilson, Micky Morris Racing

1059 1:42:27 Andrea Simmons, Hayle Runners 1st F70

2292 2:02:26 Hilda Coulsey 2nd F70

5730 finished

Pete Shields 10k – Sun 8 Jun 2025

Sun 8 Jun 2025

From Neil Chapman…

Photo credit Peter Shelley

It was only the 2nd year running our 10k in memory of Pete Shields, who was such an important part of our club for many years. So we were hoping to build on last year’s success. It was always going to be a record time for the winner because we changed the route slightly to improve the finish both for runners and spectators. It not only improved the finish for spectating, but also watching the middle of the race as runners started their second lap. Unusual to be able to see the start, middle and end of a 10k by only moving 400m, was an unplanned bonus.

A fantastic run from Nathan Edmondson from Harriers, saw him defend his title from last year, finishing in 30:34, knocking 10 seconds off last year’s time on what could be considered a marginally tougher course. He was chased hard all the way by Christos Tzelis, who improved his time from last year by almost a minute to finish in 32.00, six seconds ahead of Adrian Holliday from Border Harriers.

Ilkley Harriers had four runners in the top 10 finishers with Matt Newell getting back into form finishing in 34:06, and just ahead of Matt was 17 year old Alex Wolfenden running his first ever 10k in a sub 34 time of 33:58. Another young Harrier, Samesh Chotai, had a great race knocking two minutes off last year’s time, finishing in 34:57.

The ladies race was won by former Harrier, Jemima Elgood running for Nidd Valley in 34:42, with Georgia Malir of Leeds City, second in 35:11, and Gemma Bridge of Oxford City, in 35:59. Ilkley’s first lady home was Sally Armitage in 39:24, which also placed her 1st in the FV40 category, with Jane McCarthy also 1st in her FV50 category in 41:34.

In the men’s age categories there were 1st places for Steve Coy finishing in an impressive 37:27 and placing him in 29th place overall, and 1st V80 was Geoff Howard in what to us is a remarkable time of 48:36 and overall 163 out of 360 finishers!

I think it is fair to say we have got the Ilkley 10k on the map, and now what we need to do is get the race entry to the full capacity of 800 runners which I think would be quite a race to see and be part of. I am sure Pete would have been impressed with everyone out there, but I think he would be mightily impressed with the quality and potential of the young runners we have, but not forgetting those excellent age category winners, in particular his good friend Geoff Howard who continues to set the bar for all runners young and old to aspire to.

From Peter Roll…

Nathan Edmondson quite literally ran away with the win this year, 30:34, so 10 seconds quicker than last year & 1 minute 26 seconds ahead of Christos Tzelis who 56 seconds improvement from last year to secure 2^nd place. Former Harrier Jemima Elgood took the Women’s trophy with 34:45. Alexander Wolfenden 6th & Matt Newell 7^th completed the Ilkley top 10. However there were fabulous performances all through the field.

Sally Armitage 5th Female & 1st FV45,

Jane McCarthy 11th Female & 1st FV50

Jann Smith 1st FV55

Steve Coy 1st MV50,

Richie Williamson 2^nd MV50,

Harry Sime 2^nd MV60,

Mike Williams 2nd MV65

And that was just the podiums there were amazing performances all through the field from all the Harriers & former Harriers.

Congratulations to all competitors. That said, there was no one who deserves praise more than Neil Chapman.

Who else do you know who can pull off organizing 2 successful races within 2 weeks?

Results

Wharfedale Trail Half Marathon – Sat 7 Jun 2025

Sat 7 Jun 2025

From Nick Hellewell…

There were mixed conditions for this year’s Wharfedale Trail Half Marathon. The rain over the last couple of weeks left the exposed limestone slippery (more about that later), with lots of mud and water throughout the course, especially the final descent . And although the rain was falling as the gun went, it was also too warm to wrap up, so runners were dressed from just vests, to those covered up in full waterproofs!

Jack Cummings returned to defend his title, and have a go at the course record. He achieved the latter, finishing in just under 1h23m. However, Andrew Hayes of Dark Peak went that bit better, and managed around 1h20m, to break the record by even more, and take the win. Still a great 2nd place for Jack, carrying on his run of great results.

Nick Helliwell was the next Ilkley Harrier over the line in 14th position, with a time of 1h47m, as he continues his return from a year of injuries. Rachel Carter was the first lady over the line for the club, in 36th overall, and first in her FV45 age category. Next came Ash Winter, just behind Rachel, who suffered badly with the slippery limestone, falling twice, and reaching the finish line with several injuries, thankfully nothing too serious.

Completing the Ilkley finishers were Jonathan Sinclair, Sam Angus, Steve Ladhams, Derek Oliver, Colm McCann, Peter Roll, Stephen King, Peter Ferguson and Madeleine Morris. And let’s not forget Robert Hamilton, who finished 87th, and first in his MV65 category.

From Peter Roll…

A total of 14 intrepid Harriers set out in drizzly weather to Grassington, fortunately on arrival the conditions improved so we quickly shed our waterproofs before the start.

Anybody who’s done this race will tell you about the unrelenting incline of ‘Mastiles Lane’. This year it didn’t disappoint with the added feature of a head-on wind.

Despite this the Harriers put in a splendid performance. No more so than Jack Cummings coming in 2^nd behind Dark Peak’s Andrew Heyes who apparently set the course record.

Results

Nick Helliwell 14^th (2nd MV45),

Rachel Carter 36th, (1st FV45) 7th Female overall

Ash Winter 38th (6th MV45)

Jonathan Sinclair 43rd (2nd MV60)

Sam Angus 44th? (9th M Senior)

Steve Ladhams 52nd (3rd MV40)

Derek Oliver 56th (4th MV60)

Colm McCann 58th (12th MV60)

Peter Roll 59th (5th MV60) (personal worst)

Bob Hamilton 87th (1st MV65)

Steve King 90th (11th MV60)

Peter Ferguson 104th (4th MV65)

Madeleine Morris 138th (7th F Senior)

Out of a field of 212 a very respectable outing, accept for me of course.

Otley Chevin Fell Race – Wed 4 Jun 2025

Wed 4 Jun 2025

Photo credit Woodentops

Otley Chevin Fell race winner Nathan Edmondson Ilkley Harriers 17.09 misses Ian Holmes’ 2001 record by 5 seconds.

Results

Ilkley Gazette Report – w/c 2 Jun 2025

Mon 2 Jun 2025

From Jill Ezard and Nicola Budding…

Photo credit Alistair Nash

Podium success and some awe inspiring feats of endurance at home and abroad.

It seems that the spring Bank Holiday put an actual spring in the step of Ilkley Harriers this week with some fantastic performances and achievements. The week’s racing started early, with two younger Harriers heading to Lancashire on Tuesday to take on the Mearley Clough Fell race in the Pendle hills: At 3.5miles and 1247 ft of climb this is a tough challenge. Oscar Shinn was the first Harrier over the line in a fantastic fourth place and first U23 in 35:22, with George Whittlestone finishing in 41:38 and sixth U23.

Hot on the heels of his success at the Ilkley Trail race, Jack Cummings lined up for the Apperley Bridge Canter on Thursday evening. This challenging, multi-terrain 10(ish)k starts and finishes at Woodhouse Grove School and winds through scenic trails and backroads of Apperley Bridge and Horsforth. Jack put in a dominant performance to take the win in 35:06, over three minutes ahead of the second place finisher. David Singleton and Matt Snow were the next Harriers over the line in 51:18 and 52:35 respectively. Louise Nash had a superb run crossing the line in just under the hour in 59:29, taking third place in her age category.

Meanwhile in Switzerland, Jack Wood was taking part in the Auffahrtslauf St Gallen half Marathon, a series of runs to mark Ascension Day. The route starts and finishes at the largest football stadium in Eastern Switzerland – the St. Gallen Stadium, taking participants on a tour of the city and back. Jack well and truly flew the red and green flag for Harriers taking the win in a blistering 1:13:58.

And even further afield on Thursday, Harrier Dr Shaunna Burke took on an inspiring challenge: the Tenzing Hillary Everest marathon, the highest marathon in the world. Starting from Everest Base Camp at 5356m above sea level where participants camp before the race to acclimatise, the race ends at Namche Bazar, at 3440m. Although the race is mostly downhill, it is not for the faint-hearted with technical trails requiring cautious descending! Shaunna, who had previously climbed Everest 20 years ago, was taking on the challenge to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support having been diagnosed with incurable cancer last year. She completed the race in 20th place in a breathtaking time of 7:41:38m, the fourth non-Nepali woman to cross the line.

And the long distance successes didn’t stop there. On Saturday, Petra Bijsterveld set out on the Hardmoors 110 mile race: Starting on the coast in Filey, participants have only 36 hours to complete the race, following the Cleveland Heritage coastline visiting Scarborough, Robin Hood’s Bay, Dracula’s Whitby, Staithes, Runswick Bay and Saltburn, before passing through the Cleveland Hills and across the North York Moors to finish in Helmsley. Petra, continuing her run of form on these events, completed well within the cut off time in 34:26:21, one of only 12 women to complete the challenge.

At the OMM Lite Mountain Marathon in Grasmere, four Harriers took on the two day navigational challenge in less than ideal, claggy conditions. Participants can choose from one or two day events, long course and short courses, and run as solos or in pairs. In each case there are checkpoints placed around the course that, having been given a map only at the start line and with no planning time, participants have to find as many as possible to accumulate points, making sure to be back at the start within the cut off time. With an odd choice for birthday celebrations, Jann Smith and Jane McCarthy entered as a team in the two day long course. After a navigational glitch on day one and a resultant time penalty, day two proved much more successful seeing the pair coming 19^th overall and taking third vets place! Meanwhile, John and Sarah Hayes entered the two day short course route, with John finishing 15^th overall and sixth vet and Sarah and her team mate finishing as 46^th vets.

In contrast, in an event taking, hopefully, far less navigational skill, Alistair Nash spent 12 hours running round a 400m race track in Manchester to see how many loops he could do! Clearly with less views to distract him, Ali had a fantastic run completing 261 laps, or 104.4km/64.9miles, taking fourth place overall.

And back to events that more of us could conceive of entering, on Sunday four Senior and twelve Junior Harriers took to the fells in the latest race on the BOFRA calendar at Kettlewell. The seniors route sounds innocuous at only 1.4miles but with 600ft of climb and a narrow gully to get through this is no easy run out. Sam Bentham continued to show his skill on the fells taking first place overall and first MU23 in 11:43, with Gawain Moore coming in 17^th in 14:27 and taking third place in his age category. Iain Gibbons was second in his age category in 15:01 and George Whittlestone completed the race in 16:00. Tackling races of different lengths for each age category the juniors had some great runs: In the U9s, Archie Hallworth was fourth and Martha Prior eighth; U12s, Michael Moore took to the podium in third with Isobel Moore in eighth, and Lottie and Esme Prior in 18^th and 29^th respectively; U14s, Max Brett was seventh with Robert Brooks eighth; and in the U17s, Joseph Bentham was on the podium in third with Oscar Shinn in fourth. Well done to all the juniors that represented the club.

Finally for the race calendar, in a route with decidedly less hills, four Harriers took on the Epilepsy Action Bradford 10k also on Sunday. The route this year was the flattest to date and took runners through the beautiful new pedestrianised streets of Bradford City Centre, out and back on Canal Road to finish at City Hall. In another case of “I’ll have what he’s having”, Jack Cummings topped his already stellar week with not only the win but a new course record of 30:47! Rob and Carole Cunningham were next over the line in 40:11 and 59:25 respectively with Carole comfortably in the top ten for her age category. Amanda Newham also had a great run completing the race in 1:05:59. Well done to all!

Our parkrunners were out in force with over 40 taking part in one of the weekly times 5k events this weekend. Notable personal achievements include: Superb age gradings for Geoff Howard, Alison Bennett (both 85.69%), Mark Hall (88.87%), and Hilda Coulsey (81.81%); and first three finishes for Claire McLoughlin, James Lee, James Horrex, Steve Coy, and Samesh Chotai. A great turnout for these fun and free events which are open to everyone.

England selection news

Sun 1 Jun 2025

From Hilda Coulsey…

Next month sees the return of the Snowdon International Mountain Race (19 July) and the England team are ready and raring to go!

The Snowdon Mountain race is one of the most popular races in the calendar, as well as being one of the toughest, as it tests your speed, climbing and descending skills to the limit.

The selected athletes make up a very competitive team with a mix of experience and athletes making their England debuts.

Nathan Edmondson (Ilkley Harriers AC): Nathan has raced Snowdon twice before finishing in a fantastic 3rd in 2022. He has also run sub 30 mins for 10km and ran 2hr 21mins at the London Marathon this year. Nathan was 6th at the Inter Counties selection race.

Lawrence McCourt, who has previously been an Ilkley Harrier and is currently running for Morpeth AC, has also been selected.

Hardmoors 110 – Sat 31 May/Sun 1 Jun 2025

Sun 1 Jun 2025

From Petra Bijsterveld…

Photo credit Jenny Noakes

The adjective ‘iconic’ can be overused. But I think the Hardmoors 110 (miles) race probably deserves this title. With 2025 staging its 18th edition, it started in 2008 as a small race with just 17 finishers. Ultra running was still very much a niche pursuit within the running community. As for me, I had only just taken up running then (I started in October 2007) and was immensely pleased to be able to run without stopping from Burley to Menston and back!

Since those early days Hardmoors has grown as a race organiser and now offers races across various distances from 15 all the way up to 200 miles, but the 110 probably remains its flagship race. Covering the entire Cleveland Way National Trail, starting in Filey, it heads north up the coast all the way to Saltburn, passing through Scarborough, Robin Hood’s Bay, Ravenscar, Whitby, Runswick Bay and Staithes. At Saltburn the trail turns inland past Guisborough to Roseberry Topping, passing Kildale, Bloworth Crossing and the Three Sisters before turning south at Osmotherley all the way down the western edge of the moors to Sutton Bank and the White Horse. From there it heads east to the finish in Helmsley.

Not only do runners have to cover 110 miles, but there is also around 6000m (19,000ft) of elevation to deal with. Though my Strava eventually settled on 5000m. Anyway, it’s a lot. You have to complete the run inside 36 hours and there also are cut-offs along the way at several of the checkpoints.

Many runners are crewed and have family or friends supporting them in between the official checkpoints with food, drink and suitable encouragement. You are also allowed a support runner from Sandsend (36 miles) onwards. I chose to run unsupported, there are enough checkpoints along the route to be sure of always having enough water, we also were allowed 3 dropbags so I did not have to carry all my fuel from the start, as that would have been too much. Unsupported runners also had to pack a few more warm layers in their compulsory kit, and had to provide evidence of previous ultra experience. Even though I had no crew myself, it was lovely to receive encouragement as well as offers of supplies along the way from people who were supporting other runners. I also knew quite a few runners, especially from Punk Panther events, as there is quite a big overlap between PP and Hardmoors. As is my habit I largely ran on my own, but had lots of nice chats with people along the way.

I had estimated it would take me between 32 and 34 hours, in the end I finished in 34 hours and 26 minutes. I did find the race harder than I had imagined. Cut-offs were constantly on my mind and I had to keep motoring on fairly relentlessly. It was warm and humid on Saturday which made for extra hard work. Later in the race I suffered quite a bit with dizziness and then with two nasty blisters, one under each ball of my feet. Having never really suffered with blisters I have now had them two races in a row this year so perhaps I need to change something in my approach. Though I believe the rock hard ground has a lot to answer for.

I reached the finish in Helmsley on Sunday late afternoon after 34 hours and 26 minutes, which is more or less what I had expected, maybe a tad slower than what I had hoped. I was also pretty broken. I had planned to just have a snooze for a few hours in my car before driving home, but instead I had to book myself into a hotel. Considering the attrition rate I am very pleased that I finished, and well within the cut-off too. In the 110 mile race there were 19 female runners of whom 12 finished, and 89 male runners of whom 52 finished. A total of 44 DNFs out of 108 runners (40%). I am pleased to add that all three F60s finished (I was second). All power to older women!

There was a 160 mile race too (they started on Friday evening) with 26 runners and a DNF rate of 60%, though brilliantly all three women in that race finished.

When I feel a bit more recovered there will no doubt be a lengthy account of this adventure in my blog. If you like that kind of detail: stay tuned!

Results

1 21:53:40 Lewis Wardale

4 26:51:53 Alice Kershaw 1^st F

48 34:26:21 Petra Bijsterveld

64 finished

OMM Lite Grasmere – Sat 31 May/Sun 1 Jun 2025

Sun 1 Jun 2025

From John Hayes…

At some point, Jane McCarthy and Jann Smith must have decided there was no better way to celebrate their birthdays than team up and enter this fabulous two-day mountain marathon. They were rewarded with a prize for 3rd vets and came in as 4th fastest females and 19th overall in the Long Score event Not to be left out, Paul Carman came along to the Lakes too and got up at 3am to support a 20 mile leg of the Joss Naylor Challenge. He arrived back on Saturday morning at about the same time as Sarah and I were heading out to do day one of the Short Score course. Sarah teamed up and walked round with her sister and it was lovely that various other members of her family entered too. I ran solo. Now, there are mixed opinions about that race strategy. Some people think that it is beneficial to run as a team, bouncing route choice ideas off each other and correcting the other’s navigational errors. The counter view is there is no one to debate with and if you make a navigational error, no one will ever know (unless they obsessively scrutinise your Strava trace). Anyway, I enjoyed my solitude and came in 15th overall, 8th male and 6th vet. This meant I didn’t make it onto the podium like Jane and Jann. But I made up for this by eating large quantities of their birthday cakes.

Results

Apperley Bridge Canter – Thu 29 May 2025

Thu 29 May 2025

From Matt Snow…

Warm and muggy but thankfully dry conditions in heavy cloud cover greeted our arrival at Woodhouse Grove School for the Apperley Bridge Canter. A 10.5k run with a combination of trail, road and grass and three very distinct hill climbs nicely separated out across the race. It was a good turnout with 372 runners from mostly local running clubs.

Congratulations to Jack Cummings for finishing 1st in a time of 35.06, over three minutes ahead of second place. Jack was (not so closely) followed in by David Singleton (51.18 – 86th) and Matt Snow (52.35 – 106th). Congratulations to Louise Nash for finishing third in her age category (FV55) in a time of 59.29.

It is a well-organised and friendly event that I’ve not done for a few years but I will look to do so again in the future.

Ilkley Gazette Report – w/c 26 May 2025

Mon 26 May 2025

[Photo courtesy of Dave Woodhead – Jack Cummings, Nathan Edmondson and Sam Bentham, the first three in the Ilkley Trail Race]

From Will Worboys & Nicola Budding…

Harriers’ Trail Race Success and Rothery’s England vest

The Harriers were dominant in the Ilkley Trail Race which took place this week on Bank Holiday Monday. The first three to finish were all Ilkley runners; headed by Nathan Edmondson who had a superb run, just missing out on the course record by five seconds. Finishing in a time of 38:47, Edmondson was ahead of second-placed Jack Cummings, whose finish time was an also impressive 40:15. He, in turn, was followed in third by Sam Bentham in 42:35. Unsurprisingly, with these results, Ilkley took the male team prize with ninth placed Johnny McKenna’s run also counting. First female was Katie Walshaw of Holmfirth, but Ilkley’s ladies also excelled taking the female team prize; with Kate Archer who was 5th overall and 1st F45, Heidi Hoad (2nd F45), Jann Smith (1st F55) and Madeline Morris’s runs contributing. The event which attracted post-covid record entries of 213 is a 6.9-mile route; Starting at the bottom of Curly Hill, heading up through the woods on the north side of the river and making a loop around Middleton Moor, before a quick descent back to the finish at the Lido. There was a strong headwind reported on the exposed moorland, making it tough going at times, although the ground was particularly firm for the time of year. Other Ilkley runners to impress included; Ritchie Williamson who was 2nd M50 and Mike Williams who finished as 2nd M65 just two days after entering the category. In the F60 category, Ilkley’s Helen Jacques was 2nd, Petra Bijsterveld 3rd and Adela Reperecki 4th. Tony Pye made another PB in the race to finish 4th M50 and Martin Hartley was 4th M45.

Further afield Ilkley had a runner taking the international stage this weekend. English fell champion Ben Rothery was representing England at the Mountain Running World Cup in the Brescia region of the Southern Alps in Italy. The event was made up of two races over the weekend. The first, the terrifying sounding ‘Vertical Nasego’ was as its sounds; an uphill race of 2.6 miles with a mammoth ascent of over 3,000 feet. The race was won by Kenyan Richard Atuya and Rothery finished in a respectable 32nd place, six minutes behind. The following day was the longer ‘Trofeo Nasego’. A 13 mile run with 4,500 feet of ascent, Rothery fared even better; impressively finishing 15th overall in a race where the first four finishers were all Kenyan. Being the first finisher of the four runners competing for England topping off a memorable weekend for the elite Ilkley athlete.

Closer to home, last Tuesday evening saw the Rudding Park Parkrace. Described as ‘the best 10K with the best goody bag in the UK!’, may be why there were such a plethora of Harriers making the trip to North Yorkshire for the trail event. Like the Ilkley Trail race Harriers dominated this event with Tom Adams winning in 34:17 and Oli Murphy just 12 seconds back in second. There were also some excellent age category results among the 19 Ilkley runners. Jane McCarthy finished 1st F50, Jonathan Turner was 1st M55 and Rebecca Mon Williams 1st F55. Hilda Coulsey was 2nd F70, Jean Sullivan 3rd F55 and Keith Wood 6th M60. There were 693 finishers in total.

Last weekend, Harriers Nea and Alison Weston made the long journey to the Hebrides to take on the iconic Isle of Jura Fell race. A really challenging 17 miles with 7,000 feet plus of ascent, traversing seven peaks including the famous ‘Paps of Jura’ in the rain and clag. The Ilkley mother and daughter did brilliantly to make all the cut offs, finishing the race together in 6 hours and 20 minutes in positions 174 and 175. Alison was 6th in the F50 category.

Staying north of the border three Harriers took on the Edinburgh Marathon. The 26.2 miles started in the centre of the Scottish capital before winding it’s way to the coast which it followed east before doubling back and finally finishing at Musselburgh. Rumana Chowdhury battled the inclement weather, which included hail and strong winds, to post a superb ten-minute personal best of 4:43:01. Meredith Bailey followed in 5:42:35, just ahead of Nicola Holmes in 5:45:20. In the Half Marathon, Ilkley’s Sarah Hayes finished in 2:11:51 and Carolyn Stone in 2:27:08.

On to the Junior Harriers; after her success at the Yorkshire Track and Field Championships recently, Heather Crolla was once again in action at the York Evening Series on Thursday where she threw a distance of 22.07 metres in the U15G Discus (1kg). No doubt this was just a warm-up for the Inter-Counties Track and Field Championships where Heather has been selected to compete for the U15 Yorkshire Track and Field Team. Good Luck Heather!

Coniston Gullies, the second race in the BOFRA Junior League, took place on Sunday. Not for the faint-hearted, the races have a steep climb with a technical scree section and then the same in reverse! Three plucky Juniors made the journey to The Lakes to compete, with great results. Robert Brooks was 9th in the U14 race, Oscar Shinn came home 4th in the U17 race. Running in the Senior race, George Whittlestone was 4th U23 Male.

Five Juniors took part in two parkruns this week. At Skipton, in his first ever parkrun, Sam Bentham came home in 1st place in 17:19, closely followed by Samesh Chotai in 2nd place (17:28) and Joseph Bentham in 4th place with a time of 19:23. James Lee had another successful run at the tricky Chevin Forest parkrun, finishing in 3rd place in 20:14 with Isobel Moore completing the course in 25:20 as 6th female finisher.

Finally, there was a good turnout of Juniors at the Junior Trail Races held in Ilkley. A mixture of sunshine and showers did not dampen the enthusiasm of the participants for their short technical trail run through Middleton Woods. Isobel Moore was 2nd in U11’s. Michael Moore 1st and Seb Livesley 2nd in U13’s, Max Brett 2nd in U15’s and Joseph Bentham 1st with James Lee 2nd in the U17’s.

Darley Moor Sprint Duathlon – Sun 25 May 2025

Sun 25 May 2025

From Neil Chapman…

There were two Harriers down in Derbyshire at the Darley Moor Race Track at the weekend. They were competing in the Darley Moor Sprint Duathlon, which consists of a 4.8k run – 18.3k bike – 2.4k run, so it is flat out all the way.

Lou Nash was first to go off in the ladies race and battled round to finish 3rd in the V55 category, a great result in this high quality race. Christos went in the last race and was battling with three other athletes (two elite) for all of the race, finally finishing 4th overall and 2nd in his age category. This means that both Lou and Christos have qualified for the World Sprint Duathlon Championship in Abu Dhabi in 2026. Next month Christos is off to compete in this year’s World Sprint Duathlon Championship in Pontevedra in Spain, through qualification last year.

Well done to Lou and Christos for their achievements at the weekend, and good look to Christos in Spain next month.

Edinburgh Marathon – Sun 25 May 2025

Sun 25 May 2025

From Rumana Chowdhury…

This was my 3rd marathon and 1st time running Edinburgh. The route was a delight, starting with the beautiful sights of the city and big shouty crowds, past Arthurs Seat then weaving down various hills to the sea, which was glistening in the sunshine. Then it was out and back along the coast, with the occasional diversion including around a big fancy house (Gosford House apparently) with a brief trail-like feel to mix it up. The weather however was a shocker. The 1st time it hailed was mildly amusing, the 2nd time was far less enjoyable, the 3rd time was in the middle of a 6 mile slightly uphill stretch to the finish, with gale force winds and torrential rain to boot. Definitely character building! You could tell who the trail runners were (strong women, heads up, powering slowly through) and who the road runners were (dejected youngsters walking with their heads hung low and their baseball caps blowing off). I was somewhere in between, trying to keep up some, running into the gusty headwinds whilst being blown sideways and seriously questioning my life choices. Nonetheless, as the crowds built up again towards the end, the sun came back out, and the finish felt suitably epic.

I had trained well and despite the maranoia hitting hard in the taper, my legs did not fall off and I managed to push through the tough weather and the general pain of running 26.2 miles to get a 10 minute PB which I was super happy with. A lovely medal at the end with the nice extra touch of a little keyring as a memento of a challenging and fantastic occasion.

Results

Edinburgh Half Marathon – Sun 25 May 2025

Sun 25 May 2025

From Sarah Hayes…

The weather was much better for this year’s Edinburgh Marathon Festival than last year. Having done the full marathon last year, I decided the half would be more than enough this time. The route takes runners downhill from the city centre to the sea and then it’s a flat run along the coast turning back at about mile 11 to finish in the suburb of Musselburgh. Despite high winds being forecast, these would be tail winds for 11 miles. So a downhill race with the wind behind for most of the race, what could go wrong?

I kept up a good pace on the downhill section but unfortunately by mile 7 I felt exhausted. Inspired by the Jeffers, I managed to keep up a consistent walk / run rhythm for the second half. I soaked up the atmosphere and was grateful for family and public support along the route.

Results

Jura fell race – Sat 24 May 2025

Sat 24 May 2025

From Alison Weston…

Nea and I just completed Jura fell race – a unique race on the Isle of Jura encompassing the 3 Paps and 4 Pips of Jura.

Unfortunately 6 weeks of dry sunny weather came to an end the eve before the race. The rain came in and clag came down making the navigation very tricky. Nea and I got off route a few times, not catastrophic but meaning worse terrain and a bit of extra undesirable distance.

Finlay Wild won the race in an incredible 3 hrs 7 mins, with a 15 minute lead. Nea and I finished just over 3 hours later, in 6 hours 20 – very chuffed to make the cut offs and complete the race!

Results

Rudding Parkrace – Tue 20 May 2025

Tue 20 May 2025

From Petra Bijsterveld…

Photo credit: Jonathan Turner

19 Harriers lined up, with almost 700 other runners, on the start line of the fourth edition of the Rudding Parkrace, a mixed terrain 10k (well, 10.5k actually) race through the beautiful grounds of Rudding Park near Harrogate.

The race has become well-known for its generous goody bags, excellent winners’ prizes, and opportunity for sociable gathering with free food and drink after the race.

Ilkley had a good night with Tom Adams and Oli Murphy taking first and second place in just over 34 minutes, only separated by 12 seconds. Jonathan Turner was the next Harrier home in 44:54 which made him 1^st M55, but sadly for him prizes were only awarded in 10 year categories. Jane McCarthy was fifth lady overall and prize winning 1^st F50 in 45:34. The other category but not prize winner was Rebecca Mon-Williams who was 1^st F55 in 53:09.

Personally I found the race harder than I had expected. Lack of recent race experience at this distance left me a bit underprepared. Moreover I had not done enough homework and expected a rather undulating course I could jog along in some semi-serious fashion; instead there was a downhill start which sucked me into going out too fast, and then it was largely flat (or worse even, false flat) until the uphill finish. The flattish running was an invitation to keep going as hard as possible, and I had forgotten how painful that is over 10k. This was a salutary reminder!

Still, it was a nice opportunity to catch up with other Harriers on a nice sunny evening, and I would recommend this race to anyone who has not tried it yet. It does fill up very quickly once entries open so you have to be quick!

Results

Ilkley Gazette Report – w/c 19 May 2025

Mon 19 May 2025

[Photo courtesy of Philip Bland – It was another hugely successful week for Harrier Tom Adams, number 2108]

From Peter Shelley & Nicola Budding…

Ilkley Harriers fell and trail excellence at home and across the UK

The Jack Bloor Fell Race took place on a warm Tuesday evening. The 8.4km route with 350m of ascent links six checkpoints identified by grid references across Ilkley Moor, rewarding good navigators and runners with technical skills, particularly confident descenders. The unusually dry conditions meant stretches on the moor tops were bog-free and easier than usual to traverse.

These demands suited Sam Bentham well as he took both the overall win and the under-23 category. Oli Murphy was third and Jack Cummings an impressive 5th with a Leeds Half Marathon win still in his legs from Sunday. Michael Odell finished 10th and 3rd M40 followed closely by Oscar Shinn in 11th and 3rd M23. Jonny McKenna was 13th, Gawain Moore 23rd, Jack Gribbin 26th, Dave Robson 28th, Paul Carman 41st, George Whittlestone 48th, Ben Sheppard 51st, Richard Joel 59th, Jane McCarthy 64th, Rachel Carter 68th, David Norris 73rd. Sacha Jones was 93rd and Joyce Marshall was 108th and 1st V60.

Ilkley Harriers’ strength in depth gained them first place in the men’s team and 2nd place in the women’s team standings thanks to the efforts of Sam, Oli and Jack and Rachel, Jane and Sacha respectively.

Jack Bloor’s good weather and location brought out the Juniors in large numbers and with races from U9 up to U19, there was a race for everybody. We had some great results with top ten finishes for many of the Juniors and a fantastic 1, 2, 3, 4 in the U19B race!

U19B: 1st Joseph Bentham 11:55, 2nd Ben Stacey 12:23, 3rd George Whittlestone 12:54, 4th James Lee 12:58

U13B: 3rd Seb Livesey 8:25, 5th Michael Moore 8:33, 11th Alex Nossiter 10:16, 12th Wilf Overend 10:17

U11G: 1st Isobel Moore 3:56

U11B: 11th Lucas Odel 4:15

U9B: 2nd Archie Hallworth 3:56, 6th Max Hebron 4:21, 8th Gabriele Dunmore 4:23

The same Tuesday evening saw race one of five in the 2025 Harrogate District Summer Race League. Organised by Harrogate Harriers, the race took place on the rural lanes around Beckwithshaw to the south-east of the spa town. The event and series continue to prove hugely popular, with 39 Harriers taking part. Their efforts were rewarded with standout performances from Tom Adams who won in 31:58, Matt Newell in 5th place, Edwyn Oliver-Evans in 8th, Forrest Hamilton 11th and Harry Brook-Dobson 15th. Further strong age category and overall performances came from Jaysson Sawyer 5th M45 and 26th respectively, Ritchie Williamson 2nd M50 in 33rd place, Jonathan Turner first M55 and 55th overall, Diane Kitchen 2nd F65 in 301st. 488 ran.

Saturday was a day for the ultrarunners. Kate Archer’s endurance program reached new heights literally and metaphorically in the Ultra Trail of Snowdonia. Part of the UTMB series, the 100km route visits Yr Wyddfa, Moel Siabod, Glyder Fach and five further summits in the Eyri National Park covering a total of 6,500m of ascent. Kate beat her own goals for the event finishing 10th female and 2nd in her age category.

An endurance run of similarly high calibre took place over Saturday and into Sunday as Matthew Kennedy tackled the Beara Way Ultra. Covering 100 miles around the Beara peninsula that stretches west into the Atlantic from County Cork, the race took runners over 5,500m of ascent. Combined with tough terrain and high temperatures, the challenge proved too much for half of the field, 21 of whom abandoned. Matthew managed his pacing, nutrition and the conditions to great effect, running through the night to finish in fourth place in 24 hours 16 minutes.

The CRO Ingleborough Challenge took place on Saturday. A fund-raising event rather than a race, the challenge supports the Cave Rescue Organisation. Participants choose between marathon and half marathon distances both subject to maximum times. Opting for the longer route, Rachel Carter and two running partners from Ilkley ran/walked the marathon route which included the Ingleborough summit in 1,223m of elevation. They finished in a commendable 6h 32m.

The Old County Tops was also staged on Saturday. Run in pairs, the event takes competitors across 58km of the central lakes and 3,300m of ascent including the peaks of Helvellyn, Scafell Pike and Coniston Old Man. Runners’ navigation, technical skills, pacing and fuelling are tested to the limit. Stepping in relatively late to partner another runner, but in good form from various recent ultras, Martin Hartley persisted through various setbacks to finish in an excellent 9 hrs 27 mins. Katie Poulter ran with husband Ed to finish in 11 hrs 12 mins. Well done to them and to all the Harriers who demonstrated their mountain skills and resilience on some these seriously gruelling events.

Competitors turned collaborators on Sunday as Ilkley Harriers teamed up for the Calderdale Way Relay. The 80km route incorporates 3,660m of climb and is divided into six legs, each run in pairs. IH team one had Jack Cummings and Tom Adams on leg 1, one of several pairings with prior relay experience as well as tremendous running pedigrees. Both in principle still recovering from racing efforts earlier in the week Cummings and Adams nonetheless flew out of the blocks to set a new leg record putting Ilkley Harriers in a strong position! Great efforts followed by Sam Bentham and Oli Murphy on leg 2, Ritchie Williamson and Steven Gott on leg 3, Edwyn Oliver-Evans and Harry Brook-Dobson on leg 4, Iain Gibbons and Jonny McKenna on leg 5 and Nick Helliwell and Dave Foyston (drafted in at the last minute) on leg 6, but the competition fought back, particularly local teams Rossendale and Calder Valley Fell Runners as well as Wharfedale Harriers. IH team one reached the finish in Halifax in fourth place of ninety overall, a commendable achievement.

IH team two acquitted themselves well. Justin Phillips and Jonathan Turner on leg 1, Martin Stubbs and Simon Jenkins on leg 2, Steve Murray and Nuno César de Sá on leg 3, Colm McCann and Paul Disney on leg 4, Clare Boyle and Nicky Liptrot on leg 5, Charles Wain and Tony Pye on leg 6 ran and collaborated consistently well to place 39th.

Lynn Donohue travelled to West Suffolk to run the 30k Bury St Edmunds to Clare Castle country park completing the undulating course in 3 hrs 15 mins to place 2nd FV60 and 21/91 female finishers.

Four Juniors tackled the Grassington Trail Race, a five-mile multi-terrain course with some steep hills and rewarding views on the trails and moors above the village. Ben Stacey led the Harriers home in 2nd place overall and 1st U16, followed by Robert Brooks 9th overall and 4th U16, Olly Brooks 18th overall and 6th U16 and Thomas Greenwood 19th overall and 7th U16. Ash Winter was the sole senior Ilkley Harrier, enjoying the atmosphere and friendly rivalry to finish a strong 7/109.

Cookridge Community 10k took place on the same day using the tranquil wooded trails around Golden Acre Park north of Leeds. Sam Angus placed 42nd of 373, Maddie Morris 103rd and Nick Anness 357th.

Mark Hall and Geoff Howard both made their presence felt at the Ripon 10 mile race over mixed terrain on the Studley Park and Fountains Abbey estate. Mark flew round in 1:08:21 to finish 5th and first M60 by some margin. Geoff finished 64th and 2nd M70. 149 ran.

Harrier numbers were high in the parkruns. Alexander Wolfenden was first to finish at the Chevin in a rapid 17:43 on this hilly route, which was also a personal course best. Tim Ashelford was 10th and 1st MV60-65. James Horrex posted 17:53 at Gunnersbury to finish 5th while Alicia Horrex ran 21:39 in 78th place.

Rob Cunningham managed 19:14 in 12th at Castle Park while Steve Coy ran 19:41 to finish 4th at Centre Vale. Petra Bijsterveld was 2nd F60 and set a course personal best at Conyngham Hall.

At Roberts Park Andrew Overend ran 19:14 to finish 10th with Harry Sime 20:15 to finish 23rd and 1st MV60-64. Michael Moore finished in 20:47 (1st JM11-14) followed by Isobel Moore in 23:13. At Rothay Park Adam Gerrish finished 11th in 21:15.

Samesh Chotai once again finished first in Skipton in 17:36 while Sally Armitage ran 19:27 to finish 3rd in York.

Howgills Fell Race, the second counter in the FRA Junior Championships, was held on Sunday afternoon. Starting from Lupton Fields in Sedbergh, the races ranged in distance and elevation from 1 km and 20 m of elevation for the U9’s to 7 km and the summits of Winder and Arant Haw (508 m) for the U17 and U19 races. Just three Juniors took part with great results from all:

U17: 7th Joseph Bentham 41:10, U19: 6th Oscar Shinn 39:57, 17th George Whittlestone 53:29.

Grassington Trail Race – Sun 18 May 2025

Sun 18 May 2025

From Ash Winter…

While many Harriers were off performing heroics at the Calderdale Way Relay, I decided to take the short hop to Grassington. The trail race of the same name was a steep, multi-terrain effort, raising money for the Grassington Primary School PTA. Running up hills for a good cause is a good way to spend a Sunday morning so off I went.

The 30-minute trip went by in a swirl of the finest tunes of the 1980’s and I was parking up at the National Park centre. Collected my number, had time for a small warm up, with a taste of the hill through the town centre, just to make sure I was ready. An enjoyably relaxed gathering near the start line followed, a short speech about not getting lost and off we went.

As is customary, we were straight into the climb. Through the town onto dry and dusty trails and finally over the fields, with many gates and stiles to leap over. Or at least in my head. The real climb was ahead though. A group of three of us plodded up the hill, swapping places a few times, which became a pattern for the next few kilometres over the undulating tops. Once the descents started in earnest, I start to pull away from the other two in the group. A couple of short, sharp hills closed the gap a little though, so the finish was tighter than I thought it would be. The final kilometre was a battle that I eventually lost, with a tight finish with literally 5 or 6 seconds between us. However, that didn’t spoil the enjoyment of the day, and we all agreed it was fun to run in a small group of similar paces, challenging each other to keep pushing on. All in the spirit of the day, which was most excellent.

In the end, I finished a respectable 7th place. Stayed a while to cheer on some of the finishers, but Grassington was getting busier and busier so decided to head home. I picked up my swag bag and began the trip back to Ilkley. The swag bag is one of the single best hauls in the history of me running races. Bottle of Landlord, Timothy Taylors branded bottle opener and sunglasses (who would have imagined such a thing existed), medal, chocolate brownie and box of Yorkshire Tea (standard, not Gold).

100% recommend the Grassington Trail Race, would run up those hills again.

Ripon 10 mile race – Sun 18 May 2025

Sun 18 May 2025

From Geoff Howard…

Mark Hall and I took advantage of the cooler weather on Sunday to run the circuit round Studley Park and Fountains Abbey that constitutes the Ripon ten mile mixed terrain race. There were 145 others – all guided and looked after by the many excellent Ripon Runners’ volunteers. About 50% tarmac, and 50% good to rough farm track or path, with some grassy stretches stretched over a bit of flat interspersed with undulations and hills made it a challenging but scenically enjoyable run.

Mark was 5th overall and, although a V65, a minute and a half ahead of the first V50 runner in a brilliant 68m 21s. Over twenty minutes later I was happy with 64th in 90m 14s.

1st man Rob Harrison 57m 14s. 1st lady Kate Harrison 75m 39s.

Results

Bury St Edmunds to Clare 30k – Sun 18 May 2025

Sun 18 May 2025

From Lynn Donohue…

On Sunday 18 May I made the long trip to West Suffolk to run the 30k Bury St Edmunds to Clare Castle country park. The race was a fund raiser for the local St Nicholas hospice. An undulating course through the Suffolk countryside passing through a number of picturesque quintessentially English villages with thatched cottages and village greens. It was a warm day and the ground bone dry across many arable fields punctuated by some pretty woodland. I had gone to run with my brother who unfortunately had to pull out with injury at 6 miles so I ran on my own and was quite pleased with my run finishing 2nd FV60 and 21/91 female finishers in 3hrs 15 minutes.

Ultra-trail Snowdonia 100k – Sat 17 May 2025

Sat 17 May 2025

From Kate Archer…

The race slogan is ‘beautiful beyond belief, savage beyond reason’. There are various distances, from 25k up to 100 miles, all extremely challenging. In the 100k, there were 825 starters and 586 finishers, which shows how tough the event is.

I arrived in Llanberis on the Friday to register. There was a real buzz at the event village with thousands of runners and supporters, many from overseas. I watched the 100-mile race set off, then headed off to my campsite where I would try to get some sleep before getting up at 3:30 for a 5am start.

I was in the third wave, so it was very busy going up Snowdon and down the first descent. The race doesn’t quite summit Snowdon at this point, that is saved for much later in the day! The views were spectacular in the early morning light. I was feeling a little out of my depth, unsure how to settle into a rhythm. I just tried to focus on keeping my breathing rate sensible and drinking plenty, thinking only of the checkpoint ahead.

The race has seven big climbs (21,000ft of climb in total). I had a schedule for 22.5hrs and the pace felt comfortable for the first half. The full ascent of Snowdon is the fifth climb, and I found this section hard going. It had been hot running along the valley, and I felt ready to stop. I slowed right down, ate a little more food, and by the top of the climb I was starting to feel better. The temperature was cooling. Maybe I could finish this.

The last hill seemed to go on forever, the terrain was easier than earlier in the day but the darkness made it tricky. Crossing the finish line was amazing, the organisers announce your name and cheer every runner in. I had made it, and 2 hours up on my schedule. I finished 127th, 10th F, in 20 hours 35 mins.

Results

Cave Rescue Organisation (CRO) Challenge – Sat 17 May 2025

Sat 17 May 2025

From Rachel Carter…

Not a race but worth a mention here as it’s such a great event to support. The CRO Challenge is the main annual event fundraiser for the Cave Rescue Team based in Clapham. Their title is perhaps a little deceptive as around 90% of the incidents they support are ‘mountain’ incidents. There’s a choice of a 12-mile or 26+ mile loop from Clapham, and you can sign up to walk or run. Having taken on the 12-mile challenge with two friends for the last two years, we decided to take on the 26-mile loop this year. We planned it as a day out – generally walking the uphills (including Ingleborough and half way up Penyghent) and running the flat and downhill where we could. We would stop and enjoy the scenery, eat our sandwiches and try and get around before the six-hour cut-off at Horton. Well we finished in just over 6 1/2 hours (the fastest runners were 4hr 35 min) so were delighted especially given the hot weather. This low-key but superbly organised the event is made by the CRO volunteers who marshal the checkpoints, provide encouragement (occasionally flapjack) and supply homemade cake, tea, juice and well-needed crisps at the end. It’s on 16th May in next year – see their website for more details if you fancy it! The CRO Ingleborough Challenge – The Cave Rescue Organisation

Beara Way Ultra – Fri 16 May 2025

Fri 16 May 2025

From Matthew Kennedy…

Inspired by a conversation with a couple of Irish runners at a race last year, on Thursday night I found myself in the back room of MacCarthy’s Bar in Castletownbere, County Cork, waiting to register for the following morning’s Beara Way Ultra. The 100-mile race (there are a couple of shorter alternatives) is based on the long-distance hiking trail that circles the Beara peninsula – a rugged, mountainous strip of land that sticks out into the Atlantic Ocean from West Cork (with a little bit of County Kerry thrown in for good measure).

Scaling up for the extra distance, the closest local comparison is probably the Fellsman – there are almost 18,000 feet of climbing across rocky slopes and boggy ground, connected by tracks and quiet country lanes. However, very much unlike the Fellsman, there’s also a succession of seaside villages, as well as almost ever-present, spectacular views of the ocean, nearby islands and the neighbouring peninsulas.

Although recent dry weather worked wonders for conditions underfoot, clear skies and unseasonal temperatures in the mid-20s took their toll, with almost half of the starters eventually DNF-ing. Something like 8-9 litres of fluids meant I navigated the heat in reasonable shape – except for sunburned legs – and I made it back to Castletownbere just after 8am on Saturday, a few hours behind a group of three runners who raced together for the first 85-90 miles, before winner Lonan O’Farrell broke away on the mazy final traverse home.

The morning finish on another beautiful day meant I had plenty of time to work through the levels of my recovery plan – crisps & ice cream & milk (3 more litres!) > sandwiches & chowder & tea > fish & chips & Murphy’s – in between napping and chatting to the other runners, supporters and volunteers at the finish in the town square. Kudos to IMRA (the Irish Mountain Running Association) and race director Micheal for putting on a terrific, friendly event, whose very reasonable cost meant I came out ahead versus entering a more commercial race, even after covering the trains, planes & buses that got me to & from Beara.

Results:

(1 Lonan O’Farrell 21h46)

4 Matthew Kennedy 24h16

45 starters, 25 finishers

Ilkley Gazette Report – w/c 12 May 2025

Mon 12 May 2025

[Photo courtesy of John Hayes – Jack Cummings taking a commanding lead in the Rob Burrow Leeds Half Marathon]

From Jill Ezard & Nicola Budding…

Ilkley Harrier wins Rob Burrow Leeds Half Marathon

It was a fantastic Harriers’ turnout for the third Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon and Half Marathon with 18 participants across both events. The conditions were tough for the race, with temperatures well above average for May, making the climb out of Otley at mile 17 really challenging for the marathoners. With a grandstand finish at Headingley Stadium, the route takes all participants from the event village out towards Lawnswood and Adel, where the half marathoners start to make their way back. The Marathon route continues out through Pool-in-Wharfedale, then Otley, turning back for the killer climb. Six Harriers took on the Half Marathon with Jack Cummings taking a commanding lead early on. He held the lead throughout the race winning in a superb time of 1:08:36! Next to complete was Adam Gerrish in 1:38:08 with Joanne Williamson the first female Harrier over the line in 1:48:38. Well done to Mark Gill, Lucy Lowe and Hannah Roby who also put in great runs.

In the marathon, Tony Pye continued his superb run of form, despite the heat, putting in a time of 3:19:16 just two weeks after his Manchester marathon outing. Kate Prior was the first female Harrier over the line in 3:50:55. Also coming under four hours was Alan Travis in 3:55:55. Congratulations to Melanie Cashmore, Wendy Lockwood, Esmail Zadeh (one of our run/walk group), Heidi Hoad, and Hannah Osieku, who all came in under five hours. Well done also to Jonathan Nelson, Fiona Schneider, Sarah Lambert and Nigel Illingworth all of whom braved the heat to finish the race!

Thanks must also go to the team of volunteers, coordinated by Harry Brooks-Dobson, who marshalled 2km of the route through Adel and gave amazing support to all the runners (but maybe a touch more to the Harriers!).

Elsewhere during the week it was a mix of trail, fell and track for the Harriers. Harry Sime was the only member to head to the next in the York 5k series. Maybe it was the guaranteed chocolate bar at the end or the opportunity to test his 5k mettle that took him there but either way it proved successful with Harry completing the distance in 19:58 and taking first place in his age category!

On Saturday another lone Harrier, Kelly Wilby, took on the Fairfield Horseshoe in the Lake District. At 14.5km it sounds like a nice day out until you realise that Kelly had to tackle nearly 1000m of ascent in the process. Starting from Rydal Hall in Ambleside and taking in the summits of Great Rigg, Fairfield and Dove Cragg, it is a tough race. Kelly put in a great performance completing the challenge in 2:15:38, safely in the top ten for her age category.

In contrast it was red and green in abundance at the BOFRA Sedbergh Fell Race on Saturday with both Seniors and Juniors taking part. All the races start from the showfield in Sedbergh before climbing up Winder for various distances before the fast descent back to the start. It was the first race in the BOFRA Junior league and there were some great performances: In the U12 race, Michael Moore had a great run finishing in third place followed by his sister Isobel who was third girl to finish with Olly Brooks coming home in 17th; Robert Brooks just missed out on a podium finish in the U14 race finishing in a fantastic fourth place; and in the U17 race, Oscar Shinn had another good day, taking second place. For the seniors, Gawain completed the Moore hattrick taking third place in 23:36. Iain Gibbons was next to finish in 12th place in 26:28, with George Whittlestone also finishing in the top 20 in 28:16.

And finally, the hot weather must ease the aches and pains of many of the Harriers as there were some excellent results at the weekly 5k parkrun events at home and away. 46 Harriers took part in the events which are a great way to run in a non-competitive group environment. 19 Harriers were top ten finishers including first place finishes for Robert Cunningham, Alexander Wolfenden, Alicia Horrex, Tom Adams and Samesh Chotai. There were personal best runs for 12 Harriers including Rachel Carter, Sam Angus, Maddie Morris, Jill Ezard, Hattie O’Looney, Leanne Bower and James Horrex. And the age grading dominance continued with six Harriers posting over 80% – well done to Alison Bennett, Tom Adams, Jaysson Sawyer, Geoff Howard, Diane Kitchen and finally Mark Hall who nearly made the nineties with 89.98%! Well done everyone that took part in an event.

Run Nidderdale 10k Trail Race – Sun 11 May 2025

Sun 11 May 2025

From Geoff Howard…

Life does have an unfortunate knack of getting in the way of running – as I’ve experienced recently with various niggles – up until the last few weeks seemingly locked into an endless repeat series of “just getting back into it”. So that’s probably why, with glorious weather and at last feeling o.k., I impetuously plunged into two events in one weekend. Both proved to be highly memorable and, in their own ways, the essence of why I enter in the first place.

Where else, but in the uphill finish at Skipton parkrun, are you likely to be drawn into an epic 200 metre ‘sprint duel’ with a ten year old (with line and pace as predictable as the US President) spurred on by the “we can get him” exhortations of his arms length responsible adult.

Where else, but in the rugged 10k Run Nidderdale trail race 1,000+’ up to the Guisecliffe trig point and Yorke’s Folly at Pateley Bridge, can you guarantee to have the great privilege of running against erstwhile Ilkley Harrier and BOFRA legend Norman Bush now in his 85th year and still (when not running) demonstrating bushcraft and circus manoeuvres to school children. In this I was joined by new Harriers Edwyn Oliver-Evans and Ellie Middlemass who both ran brilliantly to finish second man and fifth woman in 44m 33s and 60m 3s respectively of 121 finishers. I was mightily relieved to finish 56th just ahead of Norman 67th (66m 11s and 69m 26s) always remembering that ten years ago in a World Masters Mountain Championship race we finished level in the same time despite him being in a older age category.

Whatever else, it was just great to be back and to have two such terrific, but poles apart, experiences.

Footnote: The Organiser Emma Wilkins pointed out ” We’re really proud to see that we had a 45% female participation rate, but we’d be particularly keen to hear what we can do to make things easier or more welcoming for minority groups”.

Results

Overall winner at Nidderdale: Jack Simpson 38m 44s

First woman: Gemma Callaghan (Pudsey Pacers) 51m 23s

Ilkley Gazette Report – w/c 5 May 2025

Mon 5 May 2025

[Photo courtesy of Alison Weston – Ilkley’s Oli Murphy on his way to victory]

From Peter Shelley & Nicola Budding…

Ilkley Harriers continue to dominate on the fells and trails

Dick Hudsons Fell Race took place on Thursday evening, organised by Wharfedale Harriers. Following a simple format, runners set off from the northern edge of Ilkley Moor and have to touch the gate at Dick Hudsons on the southern edge of the moor before returning. Route choice is entirely up to the individual but inevitably entails technical terrain, a steep climb early on to reach the moor top and a fast descent to the finish on the return leg. Race distance is roughly 11km with 330m of ascent.

Oli Murphy continued his recent strong form to take a dominant win in 43 mins. Sam Bentham was 2nd, Fraser Arnott 5th, Gawain Moore 8th, Rob Cunningham 23rd, Daniel Ellis 25th, Dan McKeown (recovering well from injury) 32nd, Steve Murray 49th, Adam Gerrish 56th, Richard Joel 58th, Jeremy Greenwood 79th and Colm McCann 80th.

Excellent conditions for the Coniston Fell Race meant easy navigation if not exactly easy running along the high ridges and summits west of the lake. The route covers 14km and 1,065m of ascent including Coniston Old Man. Jack Gribbin finished 34th, Iain Gibbons 53rd (8th MV50) Kelly Wilby 155th Alison Weston 156th (4th FV50).

Sunday saw the Bluebell Trail Race 10-mile race take place. The route covers 10 miles and 441m of ascent in the countryside south of Halifax. Sole Harrier Jack Cummings stormed round to win in 1:01:51, finishing nearly eight minutes ahead of 2nd place and setting a new course record in the process. 295 ran.

Mark Hall made similarly rapid progress over the 10-mile distance down in Leicester. He covered three laps of the Mallory Park circuit in just 61.59 to earn the V65 title in the British Masters and England Athletics 10 mile-road Veterans Championships. Congratulations to Mark and all our winners in the fell, trail and road categories!

Dave Robson was the solo Harrier representative at the Yorkshire Vets Grand Prix which took place on mixed terrain in Holmfirth over 10km with 254m of ascent. Dave took 19th place of 216.

Parkruns saw Ritchie Williamson make his debut at Centre Vale with a 4th place finish, and 1st MV50. Just behind him in 5th was Steve Gott. Both ran the 5km in under 20m.

Samesh Chotai returned to his home parkrun in Skipton with a fantastic run in 17:21 to claim 1st position. Chevin Forest parkrun appeared to be the most popular with our juniors this week. An excellent run by Alexander Wolfenden rewarded him as first finisher in 18:07, closely followed by George Whittlestone in 20:17 to claim 5th place. Michael Moore had another good run finishing 20th in 22:40 (and first in his age category JM11-15) and Isobel Moore was 5th female finisher (and first in her age category JW10) in 25:14.

Ethan Pickwoad achieved a personal best at Roberts Park, which he completed in 21:54.

Racing continued on the May Bank Holiday with a strong performance at the Milton Keynes Marathon from another lone Harrier; John Jackson finished in 03:43:20 to place 567/1934.

Ilkley juniors were in action again across all age categories at the Coiners Fell Races, with the Moore and the Carter families to the fore. Organised by Calder Valley Fell Runners, Coiners incorporated the Yorkshire U13, U15, U17 and U19 Fell Championships. Archie Hallworth finished 3rd of 29 in the under-9 boys race. Isobel Moore was 15/50 in the U11 girls race. Michael Moore was 3/57 in the U13s boys championship race. Roberts Brooks finished 10th of 26 in the U15 boys championship race. Joseph Bentham beat 16 other runners to the U17 win and championship. In the U19 male race, Oscar Shinn took second place followed by George Whittlestone in 3rd of 9, completing a highly impressive set of results for Ilkley Harrier Juniors.

In addition to coaching and taxi duties, parents Gawain Moore and Rachel Carter acquitted themselves well in the Senior Coiners race, finishing 6th and 23rd (4th lady) respectively. 126 ran. Held on hilly moorland between Mytholmroyd and Stoodley Pike, races varied in distance and ascent from 0.9km/62m for the under 9s to 11km/396m for the seniors.

Coiners Fell Race – Mon 5 May 2025

Mon 5 May 2025

From Rachel Carter…

Calder Valley Fell Runners put on a good day of racing for Juniors and Seniors with a BBQ and cake stall fundraising for the local school. It’s a fast tour of paths, tracks & moorland (including a few bogs), starting in Mytholmroyd and taking in Stoodley Pike. The route (6.9 miles, 1300ft) had been altered to avoid nesting birds with the detour providing an additional climb at mile 6! Gawain Moore and I were the only Senior Ilkley runners, finishing 6th and 22nd (4th female) respectively.

Results

British Masters and EA 10 mile-road British Vets Ch’ships – Sat 3 May 2025

Sat 3 May 2025

From Mark Hall…

A long trip down to Mallory Park motor racing circuit in Leicestershire. I was last here in 1970 when my parents took me to watch the World professional cycling road race championships won by JP Monsere who soon after was killed by a motorist (sadly yet another). I have not returned since yet here I was 55 years later at the same venue, back then I could never have thought I would be competing and winning a British championship running event in the same place, life can be surprising!

The race was 3 laps of the race circuit with 6 tough climbs, dead turns and lots of wind! I managed to win my championship V65 category recording a time of 61.59.

Coniston Fell Race – Sat 3 May 2025

Sat 3 May 2025

[Photo – Alison and Kelly, with Basil wandering out of shot!]

From Alison Weston…

It was a superb day for the Coniston Fell Race (8.7m, 3484 ft) on Saturday with route finding a lot easier than last year in the mist.

The race was won by Jack Wright from Ambleside in 1:14:53. Jack Gribbin from Ilkley had a great race to finish 34th in 1:31:15 and Iain close behind in 1:33:51 and 8th MV50. Kelly and I were close together all the way, with Kelly sprinting away on the road section at the end to finish in 1:56:07 (8th FV40) and me in 1:56:17 (4th FV50).

It’s a low key brilliant fell race with great views from the tops and highly recommended! Full results via the link below.

Results

Ilkley Gazette Report – w/c 28 April 2025

Mon 28 Apr 2025

[Photo courtesy of Suzanne Carter – Ilkley’s Kate Archer (left) with her Fellsman Dart prize]

From Will Worboys & Nicola Budding…

Ilkley Athletes dominate the fells and shine in the big road marathons

A bumper weekend of running was had by Ilkley athletes who excelled to an almost unprecedented level with several huge wins for the green and red vests as well as countless superb performances.

Kate Archer played a part in history on Saturday at the Fellsman races. Both the 60-mile long version and the shorter but still extremely challenging 30-mile ‘Fellsman Dart’ should maybe consider changing the name of the event because they were won by women! Archer had a brilliant run in the Dart to finish in 5:10:51 and join Anna Llewellyn, the winner of the full-length race, in taking the glory and finishing ahead of all their male counterparts for the first time in the race’s history.

The full Fellsman started at Ingleton and snaked its way over some of the highest peaks in the Yorkshire Dales before finishing at Threshfield. The first Harrier to finish in this race was Michael Odell who did very well indeed to come 4th overall and cover the 60 miles in a time of 12:02:22. Next Harrier to come in was Martin Hartley who was 27th of the 261 total finishers in a time of 14:21:33. Then came Peter Shelley who was 74th in 16:54:17 and second claim Harrier Martin Peace was one second behind him.

The Dart followed the same route as the second half of the Fellsman, starting at Redshaw. Kate Archer showed her class throughout, finishing 1st of the 91 finishers comfortably in an amazing time of 5:10:51.

Meanwhile another Ilkley lady was flying the flag too, but this time on the road. Sally Armitage won the trophy for first female at the Blackpool marathon with a brilliant run, often into a difficult coastal headwind, to head off the field and finish in 3:13:25. Sally was the only Ilkley runner at this event which is a two-lap route based at North Promenade and part of the Blackpool Festival of Running.

Back in the Yorkshire Dales, Ilkley’s own national fell champion was showing his class against some very big names at the 70th annual Three Peaks race. Ben Rothery stormed to victory in the classic race in three hours dead, nearly eight minutes ahead of 2nd place Clovis Chaverot and multiple Olympic gold medallist Alistair Brownlee who was 3rd. The race which takes in the peaks of Ingleborough, Pen Y Gent and Whernside is 24 miles long with around 5,000 feet of total ascent and not for the faint hearted; but attracted several hardy Harriers. Rothery was close to the front from the start and stayed tucked in with the leaders before making his move coming down Whernside and then pulling away to create a big lead well away from the chasing pack.

Fellow Harriers to finish included Sacha Jones who was 54th lady and 15th in the W40 category. Alison Weston ran well to finish 13th W50. Charles Wain, Harry Brook-Dobson and Jon McDonald all had superb runs to finish inside the 5 hour mark. Luke Watkeys and Chris Grose also made it to the end in great time.

Still at the Three Peaks, Ilkley’s put out a strong relay team of Ash Winter, Alistair Nash, James Batterley, Charlie Kay, Colm McCann and Paul Disney. Named ‘No Hatters’ the team came 20th of the 48 finishing. The relay was won by Wharfedale Harriers’ team.

Onto Sunday’s London Marathon and some more unbelievable performances in the world-famous event. They was headed by Nathan Edmondson who ran out of his skin to knock a huge four minutes off the all-time club marathon record and finish the race in 2:21:14. Edmondson was 16th overall of the masses which saw a world record number of finishers – over 56,000! Amongst other superb runs were Matthew Thackwray who finished in 2:33:46, Dave Foyston in 3:09:05, Jonathan Turner with a big PB of 3:20:31 and Rachel Streets in 3:47:19. Hilda Coulsey had a great run to finish in 23rd position of her 70-74 age category in a time of 5:04:20. While Derek Oliver came 82nd in his 60-64 category with a brilliant time of 3:20:19. Honourable mentions for other Ilkley finishers include; Sarah Lambert and Colin Williams, as well as members of the Harriers ‘Jeffing’ group Emma Haggas and Jill Roberts, who all overcame the hot weather to perform very well.

Meanwhile, back in the north-west, the Manchester Marathon was also taking place, with plenty of Harrier interest among the 30,000 plus participants. With the hot sunshine creating challenging conditions, Tony Pye was not deterred and led the Ilkley pack, achieving a huge PB of 3:10:37. He was followed by Owen Parker who finished in 3:18:44. Next was Sara McLean who came home in an excellent 3:21:56. Mark Gill was next in 3:26:48, followed by Phil Joyner in 3:32:49. Great endurance and will power were also shown by finishers Iain Young, Jonathan Nelson and Nigel Illingworth.

On to the juniors and another week of sunny running for the young Harriers began on Tuesday evening with the fast and furious Bunny Relays around the quarries of Penistone Hill, where teams of three were competing using the long lap from the Bunny Runs. George Whittlestone, Ollie Holder and Oscar Shinn (collectively known by their team name “Scrambled Legs”) finished in a fantastic 5th place. A great result to end the Bunny Runs for this year.

The first race in the 2025 FRA Junior Championships series, the Duddon Dash, took place on Sunday. Starting from Seathwaite in Borrowdale the various routes took in the local area of Donny Shaw and, depending on the age category, the summits of White Pike and Caw. Robert Brooks was our only Junior in the 5K U15 race and finished in 28th place in 35:58. In the 6.3K U17 race Joseph Bentham finished in an excellent 3rd place in 38:25. Four Juniors representing JIH took part in the 9.4K U19 race with Alexander Wolfenden leading them home in 10th place (56:50), followed by Oscar Shinn in 12th place (58:38) and George Whittlestone in 15th place (1:03:48). Matilda Irvine was 9th FU19, finishing in 1:18:07. Senior Harrier Rachel Carter 2nd lady in the senior race. A great start to the series.

Michael and Isobel Moore took on the demanding Chevin Forest Parkrun on Saturday with both finishing first in their age categories; Michael finishing in 8th position overall (first JM11-14) in 21:59 and Isobel finishing as 5th female overall (first JW10) in 26:29.

Blackpool Marathon – Sun 27 Apr 2025

Sat 26 Apr 2025

From Sally Armitage…

Yesterday I took a deep breath and drove back over for my second attempt at the Blackpool Marathon. This was a free entry as it was my prize for third place last year, in reality I don’t think I would’ve entered it again otherwise. I find this distance quite challenging, and not much fun! Does anyone? I’d ummed and ahhed about doing it up until probably a few days before, though I’d trained and tapered so put on my big girl pants and my vaporflys and lined up on the start line.

It was no more fun that it was last year, this year there was the additional challenge of a headwind in one direction, last year there was miraculously zero wind, almost unheard of for Blackpool! The race begins on the promenade, bang in the middle of the two laps up and down. There’s not much to say about the route, it’s dull and once the half marathon runners finish it becomes a bit of a solo effort as by then the marathon runners are so spread apart you are pretty much running alone.

I set off aiming for the same time as last year, 3hrs 7, which I think I may have managed had the headwind not given me a beasting. I actually felt better in the final 6 miles than I’d felt all race, or maybe that was because I knew I was nearly finished! The fast females didn’t come which was great as it meant my finish time of 3hr 13 was good enough for first place, although sadly this gives me free entry to next year’s event again, hoping I’ll have a good excuse not to run next year!

Results:

1st male Martin Brown (Kilmarnock Harriers & AC) 2:29:14

1st female Sally Armitage (Ilkley Harriers) 3:13:25

The Duddon Dash – Sun 27 Apr 2025

Sat 26 Apr 2025

From Rachel Carter…

The Duddon Dash was the first of the FRA Junior Championship races with a senior race that uses the U19 course albeit setting off 5 mins later to give the youngsters a head start. Given my eldest is now in the U19 category, having driven the two hours plus to the scenic Duddon Valley, it seemed silly not to at least have a go. The race starts on an incline in a boggy field (almost pay-back for the dry cross country season), climbs to White Pike before a very steep and long grassy descent. It then traverses back up to Caw Trig with a few false summits thrown in, The descent off Caw was flagged and a little more technical than the first from White Pike but not as bad as I feared from the race briefing. Needless to say I have very sore quads and arms (I think from flailing them about for balance) today. 30 seniors (and 30 juniors) took part and I finished 2nd lady.

Results

The Three Peaks Race – Sat 26 Apr 2025

Fri 25 Apr 2025

From Alison Weston…

It was a great event on Saturday with Ben Rothery claiming first place in the prestigious Three Peaks race.

It’s a gruelling 24.2 miles with 5,336 ft climbing and a mix of stone paths, bridleways, road and also particularly steep grassy terrain on Whernside (the majority climbing on all fours!) The other major obstacle is the number of Three Peaks walkers to negotiate around, particularly off Whernside.

But nothing got in Ben’s way as he stormed round the route, breaking away from Alistair Brownlee from the top of Whernside to finish in exactly three hours, which was seven minutes ahead of second place Clovis Chaverot, with Alistair taking third.

Charles was second home from Ilkley closely followed by Harry. Sacha had a really great run to come in under five hours as did Jon, then it was Luke, myself and Charles.

For me now it’s a bit of a race against the cut-off times so I was delighted to complete another.

The support as always was fantastic and much appreciated from the Harriers, marshalls and other spectators.

Results

The Fellsman – Sat 26 Apr 2025

Thu 24 Apr 2025

From Peter Shelley..

The Fellsman took place on Saturday, and for some of us part of Sunday too. A bucket list event for ultra runners, it is organised by Keighley Scouts and an army of volunteers distributed across the 98km route through the Yorkshire Dales. They ensure all runners are accounted for, fed and watered at 20 checkpoints and food stations. While not quite free route choice, the event has an element of navigation among its many challenges.

Joining me on this adventure were Michael Odell, Martin Hartley and Martin Peace. Our personal preparation for the event varied, but one common element was gathering the long and quite specific kit list which included goggles (in case the bogs were particularly deep?), a rear red light in addition to a head torch (in case we should have to reverse?), emergency rations and a mug (in addition to the one who entered).

Thankfully we all passed muster and by 8.30am were released in the direction of Ingleborough with 334 other runners and hikers. Care is needed not to go off too fast as the biggest climbs occur in the first third of the route and energy must be conserved for later. I proceeded accordingly, or at least I thought I did.

The Whernside summit is visited on an out and back route which allows for some spectating of front runners already descending and even some of those running the Three Peaks.

The next section enters more remote territory with a big climb out of Kingsdale to visit Gragareth, a summit which somehow conspires to be in Lancashire. There follows the first of many peat bog sections which on the day were relatively dry but can be horrendous. A long descent into our third county of the day (Cumbria) led to what I had identified as the lunch stop at Dent (and another kit check). The organisers kindly supply a menu for the food stations which I had marked up in advance to have something to look forward to in what was already feeling like a long day. Salty savoury food served to combat the onset of cramp.

Conversations with people whose faces began to become familiar as we encountered each other on the route or in the checkpoints helped the time pass agreeably and provided a distraction from the running effort.

I briefly left my poles behind at the Stone House food station. Lesson clearly not learned and brain no longer functioning, I made the same mistake at Cray and Park Rash.

Despite various recces, I was concerned about navigation particularly over featureless stretches like Blea Moor and the final section run at night. My first nav confusion occurred on the descent of Dodd Fell, although there were other runners to confer with and little time was lost.

Feeling ok and sticking to my pace plan, I made progress through the field including along the road section in Langstrothdale. By 75km, it was 9pm, dark and my quads had seized. It started to rain on Buckden Pike, my head torch stopped working and with Great Whernside still to do, I decided I didn’t like this event anymore. Even the promise of a gimlet could not revive me.

Teaming up with Martin Peace at this point was a welcome development. His sense of direction and route knowledge saved me much of the navigational challenge, and we had a nice chat to the finish. Aside from running briefly when I tripped over a rock, we were hiking by this point.

Finishing in 16hr 55m at 1.30am, we placed 75/261. By this time Michael Odell was already at home on his chaise longue after finishing a brilliant fourth! With Martin Hartley surpassing his own expectations in an excellent 27th place, this was a good set of results for four Fellsman novices. It was a day of lady winners with the Fellsman’s first female winner in Anna Llewellyn who achieved a spectacular 10hr 18m and a brilliant victory in the inaugural Fellsman Dart for our own Kate Archer.

Results

Fellsman Dart – Sat 26 Apr 2025

Wed 23 Apr 2025

From Kate Archer…

This weekend saw the inaugural running of the Fellsman Dart. The course follows the second half of the Fellsman route, the slightly easier half but still 30 miles with over 4,000ft of climb.

The full Fellsman had started at about 8:30am and we were starting at 1pm. The day began with a bit of time spent on coaches (from the finish to Ingleton where we were registered, and then to the start at Redshaw) and a bit of waiting around (I think the organisers were worried about getting us there on time with all the other events on at the weekend). On the start line we were informed that the leader of the Fellsman, a woman, was only one checkpoint behind, so the challenge was not to be overtaken.

Aside from a minor navigation error early on where I found myself on the wrong side of a wall and so lost a handful of places, the race went well. I caught up with the leading group before the climb up to Buckden Pike (though I didn’t realise we were in the lead at this point), and we ran together for a while. I pulled ahead on the descent and when I reached the checkpoint at the bottom of Great Whernside I was told I was in first place. Surely some mistake! I looked back and couldn’t see anyone behind. There were still 10 miles or so to go, but with the thought that I could actually win a race, I just ran as fast as my depleting energy would allow. I stopped at the remaining checkpoints only to have my tally punched, so missed out on all the fabulous catering the Fellsman has to offer. I finished in 5:11, and what a feeling to cross a finish line first!

I think only three or four of us made it back before the first runner in the Fellsman, Anna Llewellyn. She had run the second half quicker than all of us running the Dart. It was the first time that a woman has won the race, and in a record time of 10:18, so very exciting to be there to cheer her in!

Results

Ilkley Gazette Report – w/c 21 April 2025

Mon 21 Apr 2025

[Photo courtesy of Ultra Trails – Lynn Donohue excelling at her latest ultra]

From Jill Ezard & Nicola Budding…

Easter spring in the step brings age category successes galore!

Easter started early with the third race in the Bunny Run series on Tuesday evening. Starting at the Old Sun Inn in Haworth, the race sees participants take on a three-mile course split into a small loop – the Egg Stage – and a longer loop. Oscar Shinn was the winner of the Egg Stage and came tenth overall in 17:18 behind Samesh Chotai in fourth place in 16:45. Junior Harrier Ollie Holder was first in his age category in 18:45 with Rachel Carter the first female Harrier over the line in 20:43. Oscar Shinn and Harry Brook-Dobson are currently sitting in the top ten of the results overall for the men’s series with Rachel Holder in the top five for her age category.

It was a busy Easter weekend with races across the country attracting Harriers looking to burn off the chocolate! Taking advantage of the Bank Holiday racing started on Friday. Alison Bennett decided that sitting and relaxing on holiday was not for her and signed up for the Good Friday Caldervale 10-mile race in the Forest of Bowland, 19 years after her first attempt. It turns out the hills in this beautiful countryside undulating but tough race had not flattened out in that time but this did not deter Alison who had a great race finishing in 1:23:19, taking second place in her age category.

Whilst Alison was tackling the hills, four Harriers ventured to Salford for the fast and flat two lap 10k race starting and finishing at the Salford Sports Village. Mark Hall had a superb run taking first place in his age category in an impressive 36:45. He was followed by Harry Sime, taking third place in his age category in 41:50. Helen and Dick Waddington were next to finish with Helen crossing the line a second ahead of Dick in 47:12.

Choosing to play on the trails, on Saturday Lynn Donohue headed to the Yorkshire Wolds to take part in the 50km Wold Rangers Ultra trail largely following the Wold Rangers Way. An undulating route with 894m of elevation, and stunning views from start to finish, participants worked their way through the picturesque villages of Huggate, Fridaythorpe, Thixendale, Fimber and Wetwang. It was a great event for Lynn, fast becoming a long distance regular, who completed the race in 6:25:51, taking second place in her age category and 19th female overall.

Sunday was busy! Martin Stubbs was the only Harrier to head to Brighouse for the 10k race, a counter in this year’s Club Race League. Earning valuable points on this undulating road race, Martin flew the flag for the club with a great finish in 45:60, taking second place in his age category. Of course the lure of a free bottle of beer and chocolate bar for every finisher, with a short travel time to the start, may explain why eight Harriers chose to do the Guiseley Gallop instead. This fantastic local race sees participants follow a two-lap undulating route on the trails through Esholt Woods. There were a hat-trick of age category placings: first over the line for the club was Tony Pye in 43:24, securing third place in his age category; Robert Budding was next in 47:21 taking second place in his category; and Adela Reperecki was the first female Harrier home in 1:02:55 taking third place in her age category. David Singleton, Matthew Snow and Will Worboys all finished within the hour with John Marshall and Sue Williamson also having great races.

Over in North Yorkshire, Jaysson Sawyer, continuing his run of form, headed to Helmsley for the 10k multi-terrain challenge. Starting on the sports ground in the town, this stunning hilly race takes competitors on roads, forest tracks, trails and footpaths through fields affording great views throughout. Jaysson had a great run out completing the race in 39:00 and taking third place in his age category.

In the final race of the weekend, Monday saw Harrier Kirsty Hicks travel to the US to take part in the iconic Boston Marathon, one of the World Marathon Majors. A point to point race, participants start in Hopkinton, Massachusetts and take a scenic journey through the outskirts of the city to the famous finish line at Boylston Street in the centre. Kirsty ran a fantastic race coming over the line in 3:20:24, a personal best time for a marathon!

And it was a busy parkrun week with over 50 Harriers taking part leading to some top ten finishers, a fantastic PB and seven Harriers hitting the 80+% age grading! Finishing in the top ten: Robert Budding seventh at Bedgebury Pinetum; Junior Harrier James Lee at Chevin Forest; Samesh Chotai first at the Cliff Castle event; Tom Adams first, Harry Brook-Dobson eighth and Jaysson Sawyer ninth at Fountains Abbey; James Horrex ninth at Gunnersby; Nathan, Dominic and Stephen Coy third, fourth and sixth respectively at Heslington; and Andrew Overend ninth at Lister Park. Age grading results were driven in part by the Saturday morning efforts group testing their progress at the Fountains Abbey event. Hitting the heady heights were: Tom Adams 87.57%; Jaysson Sawyer 80.65%; Jonathan Turner 81.09%; Hilda Coulsey 82.25%; Steve Coy 80.99%; Geoff Howard 85.74%; and Alison Bennett 85.21%. And completing the great results, Hattie O’Looney had a great run at Sewerby posting a Personal Best time and first finisher in her age category. Well done everyone that took part in an event.

Ilkley Harriers is a friendly welcoming club, open to all. If you would like to try us out, please register first on the training page

Guiseley Gallop – Sun 20 Apr 2025

Sun 20 Apr 2025

[Photo courtesy of Jonathan Moon]

From Will Worboys…

Before the start when chatting to other Harriers there was an unofficial competition to find out who had gone longest since last running the gallop. I think I was winning with 10 years last I heard!

In between these discussions before the race, I changed my road shoes to trail and then back to road… twice (nervous energy). Then put an extra layer on as it seemed colder than expected. After the 10 minute walk into the woods to the start, the sun suddenly made an appearance and we were in glorious warmth for the rest of the morning. The woods were looking stunning with the bluebells out as we set off on the 6 mile undulating woodland race.

The route is slightly different from last time I did it, with 2 laps of the woods rather than the longer loop of olden times.

The first lap was fairly pleasant as I was taking it quite steady with my lack of running and a persistent hip injury. Plenty of downhill and flat in the first mile, lulling into a false sense of security. Then came the uphill sections, tough in places.

On the second lap, my legs were shot after the first round of hills and it was really hard work. I was glad to see reach the downhill on the second lap with just the sting in the tail to come. The last section is a nasty climb to the finish and I had pretty much ground to a standstill. I managed to crawl to the top and stumble over the line just inside the hour, which I was happy with in my present state.

Some great runs from other Harriers, not least Tony Pye who smashed out a brilliant time and was first Harrier home and was 3rd M50.

Results:

(1 Andrew Humphries, Aire Centre Pacers, 35:24)

17th Tony Pye 43:24

25th Rob Budding 47:21

32nd David Singleton 48:21

49th Matthew Snow 51:25

107th Will Worboys 59:38

126th John Marshall 1:02:09

133rd Adela Reperecki 1:02:55

167th Sue Williamson 1:10:27

Ultra Trails Wold Rangers Way Ultra – Sat 19 Apr 2025

Sat 19 Apr 2025

From Lynn Donohue…

I lined up early Saturday morning for this 50km ultra in the Yorkshire Wolds following much of the Yorkshire Wolds way. There were four checkpoints visiting the picturesque villages of Huggate, Fridaythorpe, Thixendale, Fimber and Wetwang. Good running weather with a chilly breeze at times but quite welcome. It was very hard underfoot with all this dry weather and the route follows many field margins and through fields of Oil seed rape – pretty to look at but not so easy to run through when you are short! A very well organised event with friendly volunteers and marshalls; good signposting so really no need to navigate and to top it off excellent free cakes and tea at the end at Field house camping and coffee barn. I was really pleased with my run and time and would recommend this race and Ultra Trails especially if you are thinking about your first ultra – generous cut off times and sufficient checkpoints to keep you fuelled and watered.

Results:

1. Runar Saethar 3:47

61. Lynn Donohue 6:25 [2nd FV60 19/67 females]

165 finished

Good Friday Caldervale 10 Mile – Fri 18 Apr 2025

Fri 18 Apr 2025

From Alison Bennett…

The last time I was on the start line for this race was 19 years ago. I entered again as I was staying in the area, and after a phase of only short runs, decided I needed to stretch myself and rebuild confidence to race over an increased distance. I had a vague memory that the course was hilly, and sure enough the hills hadn’t gone away. The race was on quiet lanes which started with 2 miles of gentle descent followed by 4 miles of steady climbing designed to test the legs. Mile 7 had a lovely swooping descent before an uphill slog at mile 8. Despite not doing this distance for a while, I managed to pace it reasonably well. All finishers received an attractive glass coaster and post-race refreshments were available in the village hall.

Results:

(1 Michael Osinski-Gra – 0:56:44)

(2 Emily Simm – 1:01:48)

60 Alison Bennett – 1:23:19

154 ran

Ilkley Gazette Report – w/c 14 April 2025

Mon 14 Apr 2025

[Photo courtesy of Abbie Rothery – Ben Rothery storming to victory at Newlands Memorial Fell Race]

From Will Worboys & Nicola Budding…

Harriers’ Endurance Achievements and Rothery Wins Again

There have been some brilliant performances from Ilkley runners over the past week. Though none can be more impressive than the stunning feats of two Harriers completing the epic ‘Northern Traverse’ race. The multi-terrain 300km route, yes you heard correct, that’s over 186 miles, was completed by both Ritchie Williamson and Petra Bijsterveld. Starting from St Bees in Cumbria, on the west coast, the route takes in 6,500 metres of ascent while heading through the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors before finishing on the east coast at Robin Hood’s Bay. The race was won this year by legendary ultramarathoner Damian Hall, with Ilkley’s Ritchie Williamson finishing in 32nd place and 6th in the VM50 category in a stunning time of 66 hours and 43 minutes which was a full 7 hours ahead of his target time. Meanwhile Petra was also running to plan and put the ghosts of a difficult previous attempt to rest, after finishing in 92 hours and 33 minutes in 107th place and a superb 2nd FV60. While this was going on another Harrier, Andrew Merrick was taking part in ‘the Dales Traverse’. Taking in the Yorkshire Dales section of the above event only; from Kirkby Stephen to Richmond. Still a very tough 55KM to complete, Andrew finished in 7:53:12 and was 3rd in the MV60 category.

Meanwhile in Cumbria, the Newlands Memorial race took place at the weekend. The 2nd counter in this year’s English Fell Championships attracted some top fell contenders including 12 Harriers. The race formerly known as ‘the Anniversary Waltz’ is a tough 11.5 mile with 3,600 feet of climbing in the Lakes. It was won in fine style by Ilkley’s Ben Rothery to make it two out of two in this year’s English fell counters. The Harrier had been in behind rival Finlay Grant all the way round before taking the lead near the finish and winning by nine seconds in a time of 1:30:52. The next Harrier home was Sam Bentham who had a great run to finish in 6th place in 1:35:50. Following on in 10th was Oli Murphy in 1:36:36. Next came Kate Archer who had an excellent run to finish in 4th in the FV45 category. Other Harriers to finish the race were James Bentham, Duncan Cooper, Kelly Wilby, Jann Smith, Dick Waddington, Shaunna Burke and Alison Weston, who all had very good runs.

Elsewhere on the fells, the second Bunny Run of the series took place on Tuesday evening with dry and sunny weather for all those competing. Jack Cummings just two days after his epic battle at Baildon Boundary Way, won the race in a time of 15:22. Junior, Oscar Shinn had a great race finishing in 16:44 giving him 6th place overall with Ollie Holder following in 18:34 – 25th place overall and 2nd BU17.

On to much flatter surroundings and there was a remarkable run by Jaysson Sawyer to smash his PB and finish the Boston marathon (the one in Lincolnshire) in a time of 2:55:07. Jaysson was 49th of 863 total finishers as well as coming 8th in his age category of V45. The Harrier has been going from strength to strength of late and is now targeting even quicker times and a ‘good for age’ place at the London marathon.

For the juniors, the West Yorkshire Track and Field League began on Sunday at Thornes Park, Wakefield where a full range of disciplines was on offer. Rosa Crolla took part in the U13 Girls 70m Hurdles, High Jump and Discus (0.75 kg) where she achieved a fantastic distance of 15.46m earning her 2nd place. Meanwhile her sister Heather Crolla chose the U15 Girls 200m, 75m Hurdles and Discus (1 kg) where her throw of 20.85m rewarded her with 1st place. Ethan Pickwoad took part in the U13 Boys 200m, Long Jump and 75m Hurdles which he ran in 16:99 to give him 6th place.

In the weekly 5K parkruns on Saturday, there were some good efforts from Ilkley runners. At a competitive Skipton event, Samesh Chotai was 3rd in a fantastic PB of 17:11 in what was also his 100th parkrun! Fellow junior Megan Snow ran a parkrun PB at North Yorkshire Water Park on Saturday finishing as 25th female in 27:46. Meanwhile at Bramley parkrun in Leeds, Forest Hamilton was 4th finisher in a time of 18:51. While down in the West Country Oscar Stapleton had a cracking run to finish 2nd at Exeter Riverside in 16:47. Last but not least, Kate Williams proudly reached her landmark 100th parkrun event which she completed at Penrith.

Cueva Negra Trail Fest – Sat 12 Apr 2025

Sat 12 Apr 2025

From Diane Kitchen…

So…I am going on a climbing holiday to Asturias and wonder if there might be a little race I could do while I am there.

Some friends send me a link to the local races and the nearest is cancelled but there is another one … a new event, ‘Cueva Negra Trail Fest’. There is a short course of 13K with some 600m of climbing! It is advertised as a trail race so I imagine it’s a bit like a PECO and pack my trail shoes. I am nervous about getting lost though, so when we get to Santander we drive to the village where the event is taking place and see a poster in a bar. The landlady gives me the phone number of one of the organisers, so I give him a call. ‘Ánimo’ says Juan. ‘No you won’t get lost and you will get free beer and paella at the end, but there are only 5 places left so if you want to enter do it now!’ We order another coffee and enter – me in the short course and Andy in the walk. Perfect!

What a fantastic event. There was something for everyone; a long course, a short course, a walk, a children’s race and a ‘race for all’.

I am no fell runner and ran in a long-sleeved T shirt (unheard of for me as you all know). I carried a full change of kit (as per the last minute instructions that came the night before) because storms were forecast. However, when I looked around at the runners on the start line I soon realised that I had far too much stuff in my bum bag. What I didn’t have were poles though! Hummmm would they really be necessary? I was really nervous and terrified of getting lost despite Juan’s assurances. The route took us over three huge peaks with spectacular views of the Picos de Europa and the sea below. It was so tough though! I thought I would never get to the drink station at 4.7k but finally it came into view. Wow! What a healthy feeding station – water, chocolate, sliced oranges, apples, strawberries and nuts! Amazing.

Next up was another peak followed by a steep downhill and another peak with a steadier descent and finally an oak forest and a wonderful riverside path which took us through four or maybe five river crossings! I lost count. I was delirious. Andy’s walking route coincided with the short course on two occasions and he had managed to explain in his best Spanish that his wife was running so that when I went by there was a huge cheer. ‘Ánimo, campeóna, brava!’ It felt a bit like the Chevin Chase all over again with cow bells ringing out and plenty of applause. The finishing funnel was just as good as the first drink station with fruit and nuts, as well as tortilla, empanada, kikos and nutella sandwiches. Maravilloso! Maravilloso! I finished in 2 hours 13 minutes. The race was won in 1 hour 8 minutes. Obviously he had poles! 300 entered and 272 finished.

Back to race HQ where I collected my goody-bag – socks with the race name on them! Hurray what an ingenious momento. There was also a bottle of the local cider, cake and a jar of honey. Muchas gracias!

While we waited for the beer and paella, we watched the prize giving. Suddenly I heard my name! I had come 2nd FV55. How did that happen? Más sidra, un sombrero, chorizo y, queso. Muchísimas gracias.

A fantastic event. Paella y cerveza deliciosas. It was really friendly with a terrific post-race atmosphere and I would definitely recommend it. Maybe we should have a club trip next year? Full details here.

Newlands Memorial – Sat 12 Apr 2025

Sat 12 Apr 2025

From Alison Weston…

Ilkley Harriers had a fantastic turnout at the Newlands Memorial race on Saturday with a team running for both men and women. The route starts from Stair and ascends Robinson, Hindsgarth, Dale Head, Highs Spy and Catbells before a steep descent back to the start -12.50 miles and 3,609ft climbing .

Another outstanding win for Ben in 1:30:52, and amazing 6th place for Sam (and 2nd under 23) and 9th for Oli.

Kate had a storming run too to claim 2nd V45 prize and a big well done to Shaunna too on her first fell race …talk about jumping in at the deep end!!

Results:

Ilkley men:

1st Ben Rothery 1:30:52

6th Sam Bentham 1:35:50

10th Oli Murphy 1:36:36

348th Jamie Bentham 2:30:57

391st Duncan Cooper 2:37:11

442nd Dick Waddington 2:43:41

Ilkley women:

201st Kate Archer 2:08:42

408th Kelly Wilby 2:39:13

415th Jann Smith 2:40:20

457th Shaunna Burke 2:46:50

467th Alison Weston 2:48:101

Ilkley Gazette Report – w/c 7 April 2025

Mon 7 Apr 2025

[Photo courtesy of Tony Pye – Jack Cummings and Tom Adams were locked together the Baildon Boundary Way]

From Peter Shelley & Nicola Budding…

Offroad victories for the Harriers and an epic inter-club battle in perfect springtime conditions

Tuesday evening saw the start of the annual Bunny Runs Series on the hills and around the quarries of Penistone Hill outside Haworth. Tom Adams came in 2nd for Ilkley Harriers behind Calder Valley fell runner Martin Howard. Oscar Shinn was 13th, Harry Brook-Dobson 19th, George Whittlestone 23rd, Richard Joel 65th, Rob Budding 88th. 184 ran.

On Saturday Oscar and George were racing again in the Pendle Fell Race along with a number of Ilkley Harrier juniors targeting points in the junior race league. Starting in Barley and scaling the steep western reaches of Pendle Hill to climb 440m in under 7km, the race incorporated the Lancashire Fell Race Championship. An in-form Oli Murphy took a decisive win and with it the champion’s trophy. Ollie Holder finished 34th, George Whittlestone 38th and Rachel Holder 150th of 216.

Prior to the senior race, a full set of Junior Races were held with Archie Hallworth competing in the U9 Race and finishing in a fantastic 1st place.

Baildon Boundary half-marathon took place on Sunday. Organised by Baildon Runners, this is a popular race among Ilkley Harriers and a regular fixture in the club’s annual race league. The course is highly varied, passing through woods, fields, moorland, along the Leeds-Liverpool canal and through Saltaire World Heritage Site. The current dry sunny but cool weather eliminated any risk of the mud which can be a feature of the course, setting the stage for some fast times. Among the club’s entries were two previous winners, Tom Adams having taken the honours in 2010, 2012 and 2016 and Jack Cummings the winner in 2023 and 2024 respectively. The form suggested that this year’s race would be hotly contested between these two, but who would prevail?

Relishing the battle, Jack and Tom quickly dropped the rest of the field and ran cheek by jowl for most of the route, each pushing the other on and keeping spectators in suspense. Despite taking a full five minutes off his previous best winning time Jack couldn’t quite hold onto Tom in the final stages and slipped 15 seconds behind him. Tom won in 1:16:43, a remarkable time for a multi-terrain half marathon. It was a stellar display by both athletes and a great race for Ilkley Harriers!

Harry Brook-Dobson underlined his current form with a commendable 7th place followed by Justin Phillips in 28th, Paul Carman 50th, Daniel Fazackerly 63th, Ash Winter 68th, Kate Prior 85th (2nd lady vet 40), Colm McCann 90th, Peter Roll 91st, Emma Shepherd 106th, Steve Clarkson 115th, Adam Gerrish 121st, Richard Robinson 124th, Paul Disney 157th, Geoffrey White 195th, Lucy Lowe 242nd, Clare Boyle 251st, Paul Atkinson 264th and Nigel Illingworth 322nd.

Further north, in the Lake District, Samesh Chotai took on the second hardest parkrun in the UK on Saturday – Whinlatter Forest. The hilly route follows trails through the forest and offers views of Derwentwater and the Lakeland Fells. Samesh finished in 2nd place with a fantastic time of 19:30. Sub-20 parkruns were also achieved by Stephen Coy in Halifax, Steve Gott in Halifax, Rhys Jones in Helsington, Mark Hall in Lister Park, Andrew Overend in Roberts Park, Rob Cunningham in York and Jonathan Turner in Tyne Green. Paula and Dave Rayner went the furthest, running in Albert Park parkrun Melbourne.

Further southern hemisphere action took place in the Two Oceans Marathon. Bex Young ran the ultra-distance event (56km) on a route around South Africa’s spectacular Cape Peninsula where the Indian Ocean meets the Atlantic finishing in 6:07:47 to place 5068/10767.

Dales Traverse – Sun 6 Apr 2025

Sun 6 Apr 2025

From Andrew Merrick…

After the exploits of Ritchie and Petra, I feel rather unworthy writing about a run that used less than a fifth of their route…..

As a result of a number of circumstances, I found myself signed up for the Dales Traverse in early April, and running it with my daughter Sophie which was rather a change to the original programme.

Neither of us had managed much training, but we both decided we were up for the adventure so headed off early on a sunny Sunday morning to the start at Kirkby Stephen courtesy of a kind friend.

My experience of Ourea is that they are well organised and care about runner safety so it was no great surprise that they were very focused on whether we had sufficient warm layers when we got to the head of the registration queue, our kit as many runners’ in a bag for life for ease of access…. We had arrived just after the coaches ferrying participants from the finish at Richmond so a bit of a wait in the chilly school playground before we got to discuss layers.

Whilst waiting, Ritchie wandered across to say hi, looking as if he had also travelled by coach to get to Kirkby Stephen from St Bees ….. Petra also very kindly had found a mid-race moment to wish us luck.

Our chauffeur had to endure some high quality pre race faffing before Soph and I were ready for our adventure – 2 long sleeve layers a hat and buff in my case, Soph had gone early with the waterproof.

It did warm up a bit as we set off on the longest climb of the race up to Nine Standards at which point we were 25 mins or so inside the notional cut-off and still hadn’t felt the need to de-layer.

Our route across the next section was made slightly easier by a number of newly arrived flags, although it was boggy enough in parts for one runner to be separated from his trail shoe at one point and had to go back into the bog to dig it out…

As we descended gradually towards the centre of England or at least the crossing point of the Pennine Way and the Coast to Coast just outside Keld, I had decided I was warm enough in a reasonably fresh easterly to remove my hat and buff – my two long-sleeved layers remained on for the rest of the race.

It is a lovely section of the Northern Traverse route, made even more beautiful by the glorious weather, the slight challenge being that the only check point is 2/3 of the way into the race (ca. 22 miles) at Reeth, with no obvious refuelling point en route prior to then. Soph had played safe with a bladder, but given the chilly weather I found a litre of Tailwind was plenty.

After Keld, there are two more decent climbs, in and out of the lead mines, prior to which we bade the Yorkshire Shepherdess good morning (the level of make-up was a clue) as we jogged past. Both climbs required some effort and the descent in between required a level of concentration (only one fall for the record). We stuck with the no stopping on the hills plan and overtook a few people en route to Reeth, where suddenly I seemed to be leading about 10 of us towards the Dales Bike Centre – a highly recommended cafe. We adopted the Petra plan here and just had some soup and a loo stop and a quick call with Soph’s sister who was happy that we would be in Richmond before it was dark – I suggested 6:30 but Chloe seemed to think 6pm was a better plan….

We cracked on, passing the almost aptly named village of Marrick before we started our final climb (most of the climbing is done by the time you get to Reeth) and the last 10 miles of our adventure. We continued to make progress and overtook a few more people including some full NTers using a combination of marching and jogging on the flats and downhills, until we could see the welcome sight of Richmond in the distance. The final mile or so is all gradually downhill on road, we could see a gang of 4 in the distance ahead of us which encouraged us to jog to keep them in sight; I was also conscious it was quite close to 6pm so we had a further incentive. Happily, the finish at the football ground (unlike the previously used rugby ground) is very central and involved limited navigation (again unlike the previous route) so we were able to meet the 6pm challenge and I almost immediately literally bumped into a runner who Petra and I had run for a while last year before I bravely bailed at Shap. She was due to do the full NT again this year, but a calf injury meant she had kindly volunteered to marshall instead.

We were looked after at the finish before having a family meal and compulsory beer in Richmond.

It was lovely to do a race with Soph, and we were both happy to finish in just under 8 hours despite the lack of training, aided by a scenic route and beautiful weather. A lovely day out, the positioning of the checkpoint being the only (unavoidable) imperfection.

Northern Traverse – Sat 5 Apr 2025

Sat 5 Apr 2025

From Ritchie Williamson…

A 300 Km route across the North of England from St Bees on the West coast to Robin Hood’s Bay on the East coast. The route can be broadly broken into 4 sections, the mountains of the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales Nation Park, the Vale of York, the North York Moors and a final jaunt along the coastal path. Also known as Wainwright’s coast to coast route there is an estimated 6500m of ascent although my watch measured 8400 (I know which one my legs think it is). There is a mixture of terrain road (20%), track (24%), trail (54%), and pathless sections (2%). Along the route there are a number of support points, 4 of which you can get access to your drop bag and also sleep in tents provided. There are also cafés and pubs along the route where you can refresh and refuel should you arrive during opening hours. This was my second attempt at the Northern Traverse having tried in 2023 and retiring at Shap (94 Km).

So, with a new plan (everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth), I set off with 188 other runners (including Petra Bijsterveld, also making a second attempt) from St Bees at 08:30 am on Saturday the 5^th April. I had planned for a 74hr total time. The first section takes you over the Lake District and there are a few less fun sections on this part, the path along Ennerdale Water, the descent from Kidsty Pike and the path along Haweswater are fairly unpleasant/difficult to move at pace for different reasons, although it was a treat to see the sunset from the climb up to Kidsty Pike. I was ahead of schedule by about 2 hrs when I made it to Shap. The section from Shap to Kirkby Stephen is less interesting and so it was a good section to run through the night (mostly farm tracks and fields). The clear skies and sunny weather of the day had turned into a very cold night and it was a reminder to keep moving. I arrived at Kirkby Stephen (130km) at 07:00 am (still 90 mins ahead of schedule), I refuelled and manged a 20 min nap followed by more fuel. My original plan was to make it through to Richmond (185km before sleeping). I then hooked up with a runner I’d ran with before on other events and we took a more relaxed pace (or at least it felt that way) to Richmond with a good 45 minutes cafe stop at Dales bike centre. This section which takes you over Nine Standards Rigg has a reputation for being boggy and slow, but the sunny dry weather and recently laid paving slabs meant it was less challenging than expected. We eventually arrived in Richmond 14 minutes behind schedule and just after the sun had set. I opted to have a good sleep here and avoid another cold night as I planned to not sleep again until finish. I slept for 6 hours and left Richmond before sunrise and took a quick march with the runner I’d hooked up with at Kirkby Stephen, unfortunately his knee problems flared up just before lunch and so I decided to push on. Just as you start your descent to the support point in Lordstones you get your first glimpse of the North Sea, the end is almost in sight. I arrived at Lordstones (234km) 1 hr ahead of schedule, had a big meal and headed out for the final 66km to the finish. I stopped for 45 mins in Glaisdale for a cup of tea and a cheese and mango chutney sandwich then headed out at around 10pm. I phoned home for a bit of company, put on some music and ran as hard as the body would allow for the final 31km. There is still a large amount of climbing in this last section (600m) and the path through Falling Foss is newly laid and rough underfoot. I’m also convinced those woods are haunted, but that may be the auditory hallucinations that were beginning to make themselves known. 2km from the finish I get an encouraging message off Petra, she is also making good progress and as far as I could tell was also running to plan.

I eventually finished at 03:13 am Tuesday morning in Robin Hood’s Bay after 66 hrs and 43 mins. 7 hours ahead of planned schedule and in 32^nd place. The event itself is organised by Ourea events. The Support points are brilliantly staffed by a mixture of volunteers and event staff, all the food is vegetarian and there is plenty of it. In between support points I fuelled with a gel every 40 mins. You can volunteer on the events and gain credits for entering the following year, it is also a good way to gain insight into the logistics of the event, I did this last year and found it invaluable.

I was delighted to finish after running some amazing trails and seeing a number of sunrises and sunsets out on the route. Sometimes that punch in the mouth never comes!

From Petra Bijsterveld…

As Ritchie has written above, for both of us it was a second crack at the Northern Traverse following a DNF. I attempted the race in 2024 and got as far as Richmond (200km) when increasing back ache and the ultra-runners’ lean thwarted my progress until I ground to a painful halt and had to be picked up from the roadside. Since then I have had two more episodes of back problems and/or leaning sideways on multi-day races so I went into the event mentally prepared for potentially not making it to the other side. However, I had also done a lot of work to try and improve my chances of success, including much more strength training focusing on my back and core and lifting heavier, quite a few visits to the osteopath, and a new (slower) race plan which involved resting (i.e. lying down and not carrying that pack) as much as possible.

I had written a roughly 90 hour schedule which involved sleeping at every one of the four main checkpoints (Patterdale, Kirkby Stephen, Richmond and Lordstones). I made myself stick to it regardless of whether I particularly wanted to sleep, as lying down on my back would always be beneficial. At the support points that were not sleeping places I ensured I had a quick lie down to do my back mobility exercises, I even did them on the floor of the A19 services in the middle of the night! All this worked very well for me and to my delight I had no back ache whatsoever during the event.

What did hurt were my feet and I also got some painful blisters, which I normally do not suffer with. After the prolonged period without rain the ground was rock hard (or frozen at night), hardly a square inch of mud or bog to provide relief. Added to that there is a lot of work being done on the path now that the Coast-to-Coast is a National Trail, this involves laying slabs across moorland and also quite a few stretches are now ‘paved’ with hardcore and rubble. This is good for erosion control but was torture on the feet. As Ritchie mentions above, the path through Falling Foss was a particular low-light. I had only been there about 3 weeks ago when it was still a nice woodland path and now it was like running on concrete.

Having had to deal with Storm Kathleen last year we had a total contrast this time around. Daytimes were sunny though the wind was often chilly, and the nights were very cold indeed with temperatures below freezing. Coming off Nine Standards, normally a total bogfest, the ground was frozen which did make for good going. Later that night the water in the tops of my soft flasks had even frozen. As the race went on we all had to wear more and more clothes at night, because the increasing fatigue and calorie deficit (despite eating really well) messes with your thermoregulation. And I never moved very fast of course: start slow, get slower. The huge swings in temperatures required good planning ahead, as you could leave a checkpoint (and thus your drop bag) in warm sunshine but you needed to carry basically full winter kit for the night ahead. I think a few runners did come a bit unstuck here, despite warnings from the event organisers.

There were a number of amazing sunsets and sunrises to enjoy along the way and we also had a nice waxing moon to look at every night. I had to cover the last 19 mile stretch from Glaisdale in the dark which did make that fourth night feel very long, but I was lucky to reach the finish in Robin Hood’s Bay at 5 am when the first streaks of orange light were just appearing over the sea, which was beautiful. I received my medal, then threw my little pebble which I had carried all the way from St Bees into the North Sea. I wish I could say it felt like a fantastic spiritual experience, but it didn’t really, I was mainly just very tired in that moment. I actually think the two portions of pasta bake I ate in the Fylingdales Village Hall were more of a high!

I finished at 5:03 am on Wednesday, in 92 hours and 33 minutes. I was 107^th out of 138 finishers. 49 participants had retired, including one of my friends who fell victim to the lean between the Lion Inn and Glaisdale i.e. only about 25 miles from the end. She too had to be ‘rescued’ from the roadside. I felt very sad for her, and very grateful that I managed to avoid it on this occasion.

I will be writing a much longer blog post in due course for those who are interested in reading more.

Results

Ilkley Harriers 0-5k beginners course

Tue 1 Apr 2025

Ilkley Harriers’ latest 0-5k course starts on Tuesday 6th May, where complete beginners to running will be taught the basics and work up to a distance of 5km.

The programme takes place over six weeks and will take anyone who would like to go from 0 to 5km using a mixture of walking, jogging and then running – it is completely free, everyone very welcome.

It will be led by England Athletics registered coach Jane Bryant, who will be assisted by other coaches and leaders in running fitness as well as plenty of experienced club members, some of whom started their own running journey by doing this same 0-5k course.

So if it’s something you’ve always wanted to try then please sign up via the link here and we’ll be in touch with more details.

Once you have signed up please also complete this form so we have your contact details.

Jane says: “Running can be a daunting prospect at first. We want to give you the confidence to run and enjoy it, with our support.”

Deadline for signing up is 22nd April so that we can send you a pre 0-5km plan.

Ilkley Gazette Report w/c 31 Mar 2025

Mon 31 Mar 2025

From Jill Ezard and Nicola Budding…

Podium dominance on road and age category success across the board!

Racing started early this week with four Harriers taking part in the popular Evensplits 5k event in Leeds. These monthly races held from February to November at the University of Leeds Brownlee Centre, provide a great opportunity to focus on your 5k and improving that over the months. Samesh Chotai set a blistering pace and finished third overall in 16:26, followed by Kyle Bethell finishing in the top 50 and fifth in his age category in 19:21. Claire Mcloughlin was the first female Harrier to finish coming third in her age category in 22:23, with Emily Butterworth just behind in 23:54. A great start to the week for the club!

On Saturday two Harriers ventured into the lakes to take part in separate races. Jean Sullivan was the sole Harrier in the Coniston 14 event. Starting and finishing in the centre of Coniston the race takes participants on a scenic hilly route round the lake, providing fantastic views of the surrounding fells. Jean had a great race completing the event in 2:01:01 and taking seventh place in her age category. Further north Dick Waddington was tacking the Coledale Horseshoe, a seemingly reasonable 13.7km race. Starting and finishing in Braithwaite near Keswick the route takes in Grizedale Pike, Crag Hill, Sail and Barrow giving it a total and therefore brutal elevation gain of nearly 1000m. In tough windy conditions Dick put in a great run completing the round in 02:04:03.

It was back to road shoes on Sunday with three Harriers taking part in the Vale of York ten mile event. With a distinct lack of hills it is a fast race on closed roads through the villages to the west of York and east of Leeds. And it was definitely a fast race for each of our three competitors. Jack Cumming had a superb outing winning the race in 51:56 over a minute faster than the second place finisher! He was joined on the podium by Matthew Thackwray in third place having come over the line in a fantastic time of 53:36. And it was wins all round as our third runner, Jaysson Sawyer took first place in his age category completing the race in 1:01:05. An impressive set of results.

Whilst road shoes were obvious for York there was the annual “road or trail shoe” debate before the Keighley 10k and 5k races on Sunday. Twelve Harriers headed over the hill to take part in the challenging events both of which follow circular routes around Keighley and take in a section of the Leeds to Liverpool canal towpath. In the 10k event, Kate Prior was the first of nine Harriers home taking second place in her age category in 45:58. Derek Oliver followed shortly behind in 46:56 taking third place in his category. And it was age category success for the third Harrier, Joanne Williamson who placed fifth with her time of 48:22. In the 5k event it was Junior Harrier Ben Richardson who led the club home in a fantastic time of 20:54 finishing fifth in his age category. Alice Hewitson, one of our jeffing (run, walk, run) group, had a superb event posting a Personal Best time of 35:11, with Carole Cunningham following closely behind in 36:29. Great representation from the club at a popular local event.

Saturday’s windy conditions didn’t deter the parkrunners this weekend with 42 Harriers taking to paths and trails across the country. Of course the ongoing inter-club parkrun league with our friends at Baildon and Saltaire may well still be having an effect. There were some fantastic achievements all round. There were loads of top ten finishes: George Whittlestone, Time Ashelford and, in a Personal Best (PB) time, Junior Harrier Michael Moore at the Chevin Forest event; Jaysson Sawyer clearly prepping for his Vale of York success at the Fountains Abbey event; Robert Carter achieving a PB at Lister Park; Alex Foyn in PB form at Mole Valley; Steve Coy at Pontefract, Tom Mountain at The Pastures; and Harry Brook-Dobson with a PB at York. The beginning of Spring had definitely put a spring in our members’ steps with event PBs being achieved by several more members: Junior Harrier Isobel Moore at Chevin Forest; Maddie Morris at Harrogate, Andrew Overend at Roberts Park, Wendy Lockwood at Skipton; and Alan Travis at Woodhouse Moor! And finally two impressive age gradings: Geoff Howard achieved a grading of 81.02% at the Myrtle event; and Hilda Coulsey hit the heady heights of 84.10% at the Skipton event. Some fantastic contributions across the board for the inter-club league! Congratulations to everyone who took part in an event.

Coniston 14 – Sat 29 Mar 2025

Sat 29 Mar 2025

From Jean Sullivan…

Having not raced since early in 2024, I thought it was time to add a race to my diary! Using the criteria of; hilly, road, somewhere scenic and a challenging distance (for me at least!), the Coniston 14 seemed to fit the bill nicely.

Described as ‘probably the most beautiful road race in Britain’, it certainly delivers. The route involves running round the perimeter of Coniston Water, with stunning views along the course. It is very well organised by the villagers in Coniston, with funds raised being distributed to about 30 local charities and causes. All finishers receive a lovely slate coaster, having crossed the finish line to the sound of a lively local band.

A few weeks before the race I felt like my road shoes weren’t delivering. When I checked, I had actually purchased them in 2021, so VERY remiss of me not to have replaced them! New shoes were duly purchased, but after a few runs they seemed to be hurting the side of my foot. Despite shoe lace adjustments (thanks Clare & Iain for the advice), changing socks etc the ache continued. For some reason I decided to look at the actual shoe & realised there was a fault in the foam cushioning at the top & there was a big chunk of foam pushing into my foot! A quick trip to the running shop late on Friday afternoon (where the customer service was excellent!) saw me emerge with another pair of the same shoe. I know it’s far from ideal running a race in new, never-worn-before shoes but luckily it paid off! Running shoes have definitely come on over the last few years; the cushioning & bounce in my new shoes seemed to cope very well with the Lakeland roads, and my feet remained ache free throughout!

I really enjoyed my run (despite having to give myself a talking to on a few of the hills!). The excellent Tuesday winter club road runs organised by Jane & Becky definitely helped massively too, thank you both!

Results

[1 Daniel Connolly – 1:12:11]

528 Jean Sullivan – 2:00:41

1228 finishers

Ilkley Gazette Report w/c 24 Mar 2025

Mon 24 Mar 2025

From Will Worboys…

Photo credit Woodentops

English Champion Rothery Wins Again

It was another successful weekend of running for Ilkley runners and yet again it was Ben Rothery leading the way. The reigning English fell champion added to his already substantial stack of 1^st place prizes, this time at the Edale Skyline on Sunday. The gruelling 21 mile classic race in the Peak District is the first of this year’s Championship races and the Ilkley runner could not have got off to a better start in his bid to defend his title. This first event included over 4,000 feet of climb and is a category A event; certainly not for the faint hearted.

Rothery had a thrilling encounter with Finlay Grant of Dark Peak with the lead interchanging several times between the two runners. The Ilkley Harrier was eventually victorious in a time of 2:36:01, just 22 seconds ahead of his rival. Harrier Oli Murphy was another Ilkley runner having a superb run, finishing in 6^th place in a time of 2:41:33. Sam Bentham was the next Harrier home in 2:57:49, finishing in 28^th place and taking 3^rd place in the U23 category. Two other Harriers managed to complete the endurance event in great style. Katie Poulter finished as 19^th F40 and Alison Weston was 11^th F55.

On the road slightly further north, the Spen 20 was taking place. Another classic race which is often used as a final race practice event for those taking part in Spring marathons. The route is a tough, hilly two loop affair, starting and finishing on the athletics track at Cleckheaton and heading out over Hartshead Moor. Sally Armitage had a storming run to finish 2^nd female and 1^st in her category in a time of 2:23:16. Clubmate Phil Joyner wasn’t far behind in a time of 2:26:24 to finish 5^th in his category and 30^th overall. The other Harrier to take part Derek Oliver, was also successful, finishing as 1^st M60 with a time of 2:39:05.

Back off-road, 8am Saturday morning saw Kate Archer set off for the epic ‘Hardmoors 55’. A 55 mile route in the North York Moors that follows the Cleveland Way from Guiseborough to Helmsley. The ultramarathon includes an incredible 7,000 plus feet of climb, including peaks such as Roseberry Topping. Kate had a brilliant run round in 10:08:31 to finish 2^nd female and 28^th overall of 237 total finishers.

Another endurance event saw another Ilkley lady finish 2^nd. Rachel Carter had a fantastic run at the ‘Blubberhouses Moor 24 Challenge’, finishing in a time of 3:55 and 8^th overall. Martin Hartley also ran the event, which tours landmarks such as Swinsty Reservoir and Lippersley Pike, finishing 5^th in 3:42.

In Saltaire on the canal towpath, Hattie O’Looney was 3^rd female to finish the ‘Sir Titus March Mayhem Half Marathon’. The event run by ‘It’s Grim Up North’ offers various distances along the Leeds to Liverpool waterway. Hattie finished in a time of 1:49:34 and was followed by fellow Harrier Rumana Chowdhury in 2:10:39.

Meanwhile in Otley the best named local race took place on Saturday morning. ‘We need to talk about Chevin’, is advertised as “the worst possible scenario when touring the Chevin”. The fell race includes several climbs to the top and back down again and is over 9 miles long with more than 2,000 feet of ascent involved. Ilkley’s Ash Winter finished in a time of 1:27:10 to be 3^rd M45, whilst Colm McCann followed on in 1:30:33 and was 4^th M50.

Away from the north, Two Ilkley runners made the trip to Gloucestershire to take part in the Forest of Dean Trail Half Marathon. The scenic race which unsurprisingly was predominantly on tree lined trails, had a large field including Helen and Dick Waddington. Helen finished in a time of 1:55:10 and was 11^th in her category, while Dick achieved a time of 1:43:38 and was 16^th in his age group.

Ilkley’s Learning Disability group started last year by Caroline Tong had a great morning at Roberts Park parkrun. Every member of the group finished the 5K event. Finn, Dewni, Stef, George and Arron along with volunteers lit up the place with their running and cheerleading!

The Junior Harriers also had some great results at parkruns. Ethan Pickwoad paid a visit to the location of the original Parkrun – Bushy Park, which is the busiest parkrun around with a huge field of 1,412 runners this weekend! Ethan ran the course in 22:48 and was 169th male finisher. Closer to home, Heather Crolla was 8th female at Skipton Parkrun finishing in 25:51 and at nearby Cliffe Castle Parkrun, Archie Hallworth ran a PB of 27:42. Finally, it was an Ilkley Harriers 1-2 at Chevin Forest Parkrun for Oscar Shinn and George Whittlestone finishing in 19:01 and 19:54 respectively (and a Chevin Forest PB for Oscar).

Edale Skyline Fell Race – English Fell Running Championship – Sunday 23 Mar 2025

Sun 23 Mar 2025

From Katie Poulter…

Photo credit Richard Bee

Sunday saw the English Fell Running Championship kicking off with the first counter race, which was a long one to start with. Edale Skyline is a 21 mile round with 4500 ft ascent, most off which is felt in tired legs on the pull up Win Hill. In fell running terms it is on quite civilized terrain, including some trail and flag stones, and a higher level of tourist traffic to negotiate, but still with plenty of opportunity to get muddy.

Our luck ran out with the recent glorious weather and the clag descended onto the summits, ensuring this competitive field got a bit of a mix up, with some taking unhelpful misty wanderings. It seems Ilkley Men did not have any navigational errors and they all had fantastic runs. Ben Rothery battled it out with Finlay Grant of Dark Peak, finally pulling ahead on the final descent to take a very well-deserved win. Oli Murphy had a brilliant run in what was a fast and furious field of runners to come in 6th place with Sam Bentham also in the top pack taking 3rd U23, ensuring them a 2nd Mens team position.

This was the first Edale for me, despite a frustrating navigational mishap early on, it went pretty well considering this is my longest race for some time and I was quite happy with my 04:18 time. Alison Weston used her years of endurance and navigational experience to get round the tough course in a great time, on a day that had a significant number of DNFs.

Well done everyone!

Results

Ben Rothery – 02:36:01

Oli Murphy 02:41

Sam Bentham 02:57

Katie Poulter 04:18

Alison Weston 04:52

Blubberhouses Moor – Sun 23 Mar 2025

Sun 23 Mar 2025

From Rachel Carter…

The Blubberhouses Moor 24 Challenge is an event organised by Nidderdale Long Distance Walker Association so has a combination of runners and walkers. It’s a very well organised low key event that starts at Norwood Village Hall in Bland Hill – a hamlet above Swinsty Reservoir. The first few miles take you along the paths of Swinsty, and Fewston reservoirs, then follows the River Washburn to Thruscross Dam. After that there is a 3 mile steady climb to Rocking Hall shooting Hut before a descent to Bolton Abbey. The elevation lost in quickly gained again by a short sharp climb up to Storiths, followed by a longer drag up Beamsley Beacon. From here it’s a traverse across the exposed (and on Sunday wet and windy) moor to Round Hill, Lippersley Pike and then Ellacarr Pike – made all the more boggy by Saturday’s heavy rain. The final few miles take down you to Timble, then Swinsty before a final half mile climb up the fields to the finish inside the hall where you are served hearty food by LDWA volunteers. Martin Hartley and I ended up running most of the first 2/3rds together which was enjoyable and helped the miles pass but he had more in his legs for the final 3rd than me so left me on the climb up Beamsley. Martin finished strongly in 5th (I think!) in a time of 3hr 42min with a 20 min PB on his previous attempt in 2023. Having nipped in front of the 2nd lady at Rocking Hall checkpoint I was pleased to retain this position to the finish (8th overall I think, 3hr 55min) with the first lady being Emma Hopkinson of Wharfedale. There were others from Ilkley but I haven’t seen an formal results yet to include them here. So definitely one I’d recommend (whether you fancy to walk or run) for it’s short commute, friendly vibe, checkpoint support and a meal at the finish all for £8.

PS I just read that some walkers bumped into Gareth Southgate walking his dogs – so maybe an opportunity for that in the future too!

I assume results will get published here in time

Spen 20 – Sun 23 Mar 2025

Sun 23 Mar 2025

From Sally Armitage…

Starting and finishing at the Princess Mary Athletics Stadium in Cleckheaton, Spen 20 is another 20 mile ‘marathon prep’ race involving 2 loops around the hilly roads of the Spen Valley.

This was my second run around this race, and after a disastrous, poorly paced run last year I was determined to run it better this year. Which I did! I set off at a fairly reserved (appropriate) pace with the lead women, there were actually 5 of us running together which was lovely. Then at perhaps the 12 mile mark a couple dropped back and I lead for a few miles, I was then overtaken by the amazing Treena Johnson at mile 16 and another runner, Helen Ansell, minutes later. I managed to stick with them though and the 3 of us finished within 30 seconds of each other.

I was really pleased with how I ran, I’d paced it better, tweaked my fuelling and changed my shoes and it all came together. An extra bonus was meeting a fellow Harrier, Phil Joyner, on the start line! Derek Oliver was also there but I didn’t manage to spot him.

Results:

1st male Johnathan Hull East Hull Harriers 1:56:28

1st female Helen Ansell Stadium Runners 2:22:49

26th Sally Armitage 2:23:16

30th Phil Joyner 2:26:24

45th Derek Oliver 2:39:05

90 ran

Forest of Dean Trails Half Marathon/British Trail Running Championships – Sun 23 Mar 2025

Sun 23 Mar 2025

From Dick Waddington…

The Forest of Dean Trails Half Marathon is a twice yearly event that has been the venue for the UK Trail Running Championships for the last few years. It’s very well organised with plenty of homemade cake and flapjack available at the start (very important). The course is entirely through woods, which gives a distinctive feel. The first couple of kilometers head down hill to the lowest point followed by five kilometers of climbing, never too steep, leading to a lumpy second half that climbs to the finish. Underfoot the trails are good, with a bit of tarmac, making it very runnable.

Results:

(1) Lee Gratton Rugeley Runners 1:09:45

(1) Chelsea Baker Bristol & West AC 1:19:24

240 Dick Waddington 1:43:45

437 Helen Waddington 1:55:34

1081 ran

Hardmoors 55 – Sat 22 Mar 2025

Sun 23 Mar 2025

From Kate Archer…

A 55-mile race that follows the Cleveland Way from Guisborough to Helmsley. This was my first Hardmoors race, but hopefully won’t be my last. The whole event was so well organised and friendly. At 6am runners were coached from Helmsley market square to the race start. It seemed a long drive and I was wondering why I had thought this was a good idea. The race started at 8am, in the rain. The first section is a long climb up to Roseberry Topping, where there is an out and back and the chance to see the lead runners, then on to the first proper checkpoint at Kildale at 11 miles. I picked up a few snacks for the long stretch over the North York moors. Not the most interesting section and seemed to go on forever. Despite being damp and windy, I was getting quite hot and wished I had packed a t-shirt. Then there are three hills, ‘the three sisters’, to contend with. I had been holding back until this point but felt strong going over the hills and started picking up a few places. Another checkpoint in the beautiful village of Osmotherley at 30 miles, this time there was hot soup and rice pudding. I was told I was in third, so no hanging around. A long pull up, during which I passed the lady in second, and that’s most of the climb done (at least that’s what I’m telling myself at this point). A few miles along a ridge to Sutton Bank, then runners are diverted from the Cleveland Way for a loop of the White Horse. Slightly cruel as it means a steep climb back up to the path. At the diversion point I saw the lady in first, so she was about 30 minutes ahead, no chance of catching her. I enjoyed the final leg, mostly downhill but with some muddy tracks and paths through some woods, back to Helmsley. I was pleased to arrive before it got dark, and before the heavy rain set in, which must have made those last few miles unpleasant for runners still on the course. I

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finished 24^th (of 237 finishers), 2^nd F, in a time of 10:09.

Hardmoors 55 – Sat 22 Mar 2025

Sat 22 Mar 2025

From Kate Archer…

We Need to Talk About Chevin – Sat 22 Mar 2025

Sat 22 Mar 2025

From Ash Winter…

With the Three Peaks Relay on the horizon, I was on the lookout for races with a healthy amount of elevation. Colm McCann delivered by pointing me in the direction of the ‘We Need to Talk About Chevin’ race by Great Owl Running and, once I put aside the adoption of a pretty dark story for a fell race title, I signed up for the 9-mile version. I then had to browbeat Colm into signing up for the same distance (there is a shorter version) and after a concerted campaign, he relented.

An email arrived the night before saying the Race HQ was now the Start/Finish line, as the Black Horse toilets had backed up. An auspicious beginning. The morning arrived and Colm and me, jumped on the X84 (inspired by Jasmine Paris’ Green Runners) and headed to Otley. I gave Colm 50p for the toilets in Otley town centre and then we registered, dabbled with the Otley Bypass in an extremely risky warm up jog, then lined up to start.

Then we were off. An extremely steep climb to Surprise View was followed by a giddy run across the tops. Too giddy it turns out, as a bunch of us missed the turning for the first descent. I missed the slither of tape hanging forlornly off a branch is one story I had, but in reality, I was too excited to run fast in a relatively straight line. A little free-wheeling, off-trailing later, all was back on track, and we were ascending again. I waved to Colm as I started the long grind up the Chevin again.

After the initial two climbs, we settled into a lovely undulating trip over the east part of the Chevin, noting some of the shared trails with the Chevin Chase. There was one last climb to do to Fells Plantation, over the tops to the Top of the Chevin, then a mad plunge back to Otley and the start finish line. I finished in 01:27 and Colm in 01:30, for which we patted each other on the back. A brief stop to chat, harass other runners with Pete Shields and Trail Race flyers, we made our way to Yorkshire Runner to deposit said flyers. I also bought shorts.

One last dash was required to get back to the bus, our creaking legs responded with enthusiasm, suggesting we had not in fact, given our all during the race. A great day out, 100% recommend to those who enjoy running up hills.

Roberts Park parkrun – Sat 22 Mar 2025

Sat 22 Mar 2025

From Dawn Turner…

Saturday morning saw Caroline’s running group travelling to Roberts Park, Saltaire to participate in their inaugural away parkrun.

The initiative begun last spring by Caroline and with help from volunteers has grown from strength to strength and has progressed from run/walking to a 5km parkrun.

It was an early start as Caroline, Ruth, Steph, George and myself caught the train from Ilkley & Burley, arriving in good time for a coffee at the park cafe. The gang were complete when Dewni, Aaron and Finn joined us. Will and Dylan were also taking part. It was a somewhat relaxed start, much chattering about our plans for the rest of the day. Will did his best to encourage us to go for a warm up or get to the start in good time but it was quite difficult to take him seriously as he was resplendent in 70’s fancy dress, complete with a curly wig and Tom Selleck ‘tache! Your guess as to what happened – no warm up and a dash to the start line, with seconds to spare!

There were over 500 runners taking part so it was a steady start picking our way through the crowd as Finn, George and myself ran the first of the two laps. We probably went off a bit too quickly and hats and layers were soon shod and we did jeff a bit too.

The design of the course is such that you can see fellow runners en route so it was good fun waving across to the others as we passed them. And great that Finn’s mum, Carmel, was there to act as team photographer. The support from fellow runners and marshals was fantastic and the team spirit is so strong with Dewni, Aaron and Steph getting a fabulous reception at the finish. It was truly a privilege to be involved today and by far the most fun I have had at a parkrun.

10k next? Who knows – there’s no stopping this super group.

Ilkley Gazette Report w/c 17 March

Mon 17 Mar 2025

From Peter Shelley and Nicola Budding…

Club records tumble on the road and track while endurance specialists rack up the off-road miles

On Friday 14th March Evensplits York 5k saw Helena Coy finish 68/197 and 2^nd female of 59 setting a fabulous new personal record of 17:19 in the process. Matthew Lambe finished 158/197 in 20:44.

Coy family momentum continued on Saturday as Helena’s brother Dom ran in the Elite B at the Podium Festival race in Leicester, finishing 6/68 in 14:16, beating his previous best of 14:25 and setting a new club record. Daniel Fazackerley ran in the one-mile race at the festival finishing in 4:39.

Slow twitch muscles were to the fore as endurance runners gathered in Wharfedale for the Punk Panther Welcome Way Ultra. The event comprised a choice of half-marathon, 21-mile, 34-mile and 50-mile routes visiting local byways and high points along the Welcome Way circular long distance hiking route including Burley Moor, Baildon Moor and Otley Chevin.

In the 21-mile event which featured 2,315 ft of ascent Steve Ladhams was first Ilkley Harrier to cross the line taking 7^th place of 75 in a time of 3:41:29. Having run the route in training, Sarah Hayes, Clare Boyle, Lynn Donohue, Nicky Liptrot, Andrew Smith, Keith Wood and Alex Lewis ran as a group finishing within 4:30 in joint 41st, Lynne Donohue taking the prize for 1^st FV60. Sarah Lambert followed them home in 60^th in 5:12:23.

Alan Travis completed the 34-mile route (4,255 ft ascent) in 6:45:09 placing 21/61 while Ritchie Williamson took on the 50-mile route (6,050 ft ascent) finishing 13/32 and 1st MV50 in 9:48:23.

Further south Petra Bijsterveld added the Centurion Hundred Hills to her ultra CV. She covered the 50km route in the Oxfordshire Chilterns which featured 1,347m of ascent in 6:27:43 picking off all but one of her V60 category competitors.

After several months of training Harry Brook Dobson took to the broad boulevards of Barcelona for the city’s marathon which took place on Sunday 16 March. Starting in the city’s Eixample district and passing the Sagrada Familia before heading to the sea front, the Villa Olimpica and via Poble Nou to the finish at the Arc de Triomf, the 42km course took Harry just 2:53:58, a new personal marathon best which placed him 1065^th of 21,660 runners. The event was won by Ethiopia’s Tesfaye Deriba and Kenya’s Sharon Chelimo who set new course records to take the men’s and women’s titles in 2:04:03 and 2:19:33 respectively.

There was more stellar running as club records fell at the Thirsk 10 miler on Sunday. Nathan Edmondson won the event in 50:10 setting a new outright club record for the distance. The M65 10-mile club record was broken by Mark Hall who finished in 1:00:01 and 56^th place. Mark was also first of 91 finishers in the M60 age category. Jaysson Sawyer followed Mark home in 1:00:28 and 59^th place. Madeleine Morris finished in 1:26:39 and 537^th place of 919.

The English Schools XC Championships took place on Saturday. Three of our juniors had been selected to run for their school county and made the journey down to Sussex to take part. Well done on your selection and for representing your school county: Matilda Irvine and Alexander Wolfenden for West Yorkshire and Sam Bentham for North Yorkshire.

This weekend saw the final race in the Wharfedale Schools XC League – the Nell Bank Relays. It was great to see so many teams taking part and such a good event to finish off the league. Results are now on the JIH website.

As the XC season draws to a close, we can look forward to more junior athletics action with the Track and Field season and Fell season. The West Yorkshire T&F League starts on Sunday, 13 April 2025.

Nearer to home, Oscar Shinn and George Whittlestone took part in Chevin Forest parkrun coming home in 1st and 3rd places respectively. Samesh Chotai had another good run at Skipton parkrun also coming home in 1st place. James Horrex was 2^nd at Fountains Abbey. There was yet more Coy running action at Thorpe Perrow as parents Stephen and Gaenor Coy finished 1^st and 35^th in the parkrun.

Rome Marathon – Sun 16 Mar 2025

Sun 16 Mar 2025

From Bob Hamilton…

Forrest pulled the trigger by running 2:49:18 in the Abingdon Marathon last October, nailing a qualification time for the Boston Marathon in 2026. I will be a V70 by then and it occurred to us both that it would be cool if I was able to qualify too. I’m not a great spectator at races (to be honest, it’s not exactly exciting, even when it’s your own offspring, is it?), so thought it would be a lot more fun if I could run the marathon myself. It was only a tentative thought at first but I found myself thinking about it more and more, looking for a suitable race early this year. I found that Rome had a marathon in March, which was reasonably flat, likely to have ideal weather, and obviously scenic. It fitted the bill perfectly. I forked out for an entry and was committed. Being able to tack on a holiday meant that even if it went tits up, I should still have a good time. And I genuinely did think it was likely to go badly wrong. I did my last marathon in 1984 and had a rough experience. Forty years is a long retirement.

I was going to need to run around 4.15 to qualify for Boston, which I thought was well within range. It was less a matter of pace and more a question of whether my aging joints could handle the training and the distance on the day. I’ve barely raced on the road a couple of times during the last thirty years. I stick to the trails and fells. How would the legs handle all that pounding on hard surfaces? The answer has been surprisingly well, almost certainly helped by modern shoe technology. The training went to plan, the boredom relieved by doing all my long runs on the canal, getting the train to various points up the Aire Valley and running into Leeds. Why has no one told me that running on the flat is so much easier than running up and down hills? What have I been doing killing myself all these years in the mountains?

By the beginning of March, the long runs had been navigated without injury, except for some tightness in the adductors after the final 20 miler. That never went away. Then a couple of days before race day I felt a sore throat and started sniffling. I was coming down with a cold. What with travelling from Bologna the day before, getting to the hotel and then trekking across the city and back to pick up my race number, the step count for the day had reached almost 20,000 by the time I’d got back from my evening meal. My whole body was feeling weary. And then I remembered that same feeling from the days when I ran ultras, the body trying every way to convince the mind that running these crazy distances really wasn’t a sensible thing to do. It never worked. The mind always won out.

I was a little worried by the warm sunshine as we waited at the start next to the Colosseum, but the moment I crossed the line the clouds came in and it stayed overcast for most of the race, remaining relatively cool and even providing a welcome shower at around 15 miles, just when it was most needed. The first few miles passed very comfortably at 8.30/mile pace. The theory was that I was going to be creaky towards the end whatever pace I ran, so I might as well get to that point as quickly as fitness allowed. I only slowed gradually as I got near to the 20 mile mark, the adductor tightness actually easing off by that point, at which I realised that unless I blew up badly I should easily get under 4 hours. The fuelling strategy seemed to be working well. The fact that I had time to spare gave the body some license to give in to the tiredness and run a bit more conservatively. The last few miles were hard work but it was in the bag. And then, with half a mile to go, I caught my foot on a bit of rough cobble and went flying. I landed it pretty well and was soon back up and walking, dripping blood from the elbow on which I landed, trying to get the legs moving again. I looked at the watch and it seemed like a few minutes had suddenly been lost. It felt inevitable that there had to be some jeopardy at the death. The fear of missing out on a sub four soon got me running quite quickly and I crossed the line in 3.58.51. I was over the moon with that.

It was an amazing way to see one of the great cities of the world. Rome has apparently now entered the top ten of most populous marathons in the world. I can certainly make a recommendation. Having recovered pretty well. I have some belief that there’s more to come, and having run my very first marathon in 1978, only a few minutes quicker than this one, I’ve set myself the challenge of trying to get under four hours again in 2028, fifty years on from the first occasion. I’ve put that out there now. There’s nothing like having a stated goal to keep one honest.

Thirsk 10M – Sun 16 Mar

Sun 16 Mar 2025

Several long standing club records for the 10 mile distance tumbled at Thirsk on Sunday.

Nathan Edmondson won the race in an astounding 50:10, thereby setting new club records in both the MOpen and M35 categories. These records had stood for 35 years, having been set in March 1990 at Clitheroe by Jack Brown (51:49 MOpen) and Kevin O’Hara (54:36 M35).

Mark Hall has also recently attained a new age category and is now competing in the M65 category. His time of 1:00:01 is also a new club record, improving on Geoff Howard’s record from 2011 (1:05:17).

Jaysson Sawyer continues his amazing comeback from illness and ran a rapid 1:00:28

Finally Madeleine Morris ran an excellent 1:26:39 placing her in the top half of her FOpen category.

Well done all!!

Results

Centurion Hundred Hills 50k – Sat 15 Mar 2025

Sat 15 Mar 2025

From Petra Bijsterveld…

The last year I have spent a lot of time on the Pennine Way, either recceing or racing. I basically covered the whole of it twice over, that’s more than 500 miles of ploughing through endless bogs and muddy fields carrying a heavy pack. Mainly hiking to be honest. I decided I had done more of enough of that for now, it was time for something different, something more runnable, but still on the trails. So my attention turned to Centurion Running, with a solid reputation for staging ultra races in the South. I decided to start with a ‘short’ one, the 50km Hundred Hills in the Chilterns (Oxfordshire), which nicely fitted into the rest of my schedule. And so I found myself on the start line on Saturday morning in Stonor Park, an old stately home in beautiful grounds, with 420 other runners.

I had done some homework already: there were six F60’s on the entry list including me. Four looked beatable if I pulled my finger out. However, upon checking the fifth woman I found she had some smokin’ fast times, including a 1:36 road half marathon only 2 weeks earlier. OK, assuming she turned up (she did) I would aim to be 2^nd F60 then. I am glad I checked in advance, so I didn’t spend 50k pointlessly dreaming of taking an age category trophy home.

The race is called Hundred Hills for a reason. With 4400ft of elevation it is decidedly hilly, there are not quite 100, but when you study the elevation profile there are about 15. And they are pretty steep too. Apart from the climbs the course is very runnable, even I, who is possibly the worst descender in the universe, could run down the descents here at a good pace. A lot is in woodland, interspersed with paths through fields. There were quite a lot of gates and a few stiles, but most were easy to negotiate. The race was fully flagged so there was no need at all to use the gpx. We were very lucky with the conditions, mainly bone-dry underfoot, and no rain all day other than a light shower just before the start when I was still sitting in the car. There was a chilly breeze so stretches out of the sun were cold, but the weather really was perfect for running. The previous two editions of this race had been very wet as well as muddy underfoot, so I lucked out here.

Lots of friendly runners, I had a couple of brief chats on the way, but was mainly concentrating on moving forward at the best pace I reckoned I could maintain for 50 hilly kilometres. Though I did manage to take in and enjoy the views too. There were 5 checkpoints, though I hardly stopped, I just grabbed fluids and fuel and continued on my way. I did note though how well organised they were and all the volunteers were ace. As in a marathon things were getting a little tough in the later stages, there was about a mile and a half along a road at mile 24 where I was beginning to question my life choices, but I managed to keep running. As the finish became nearer my watch indicated an estimated time of 6:30 and I was keen to stay below that so I gave it some extra welly. This was helped by overtaking a woman in the last mile who looked like she could be 60 (she turned out to be an F50) and I was super keen to stay ahead of her, so I managed to find another gear.

I was delighted to cross the finish line under 6:30, as 2^nd F60, and 40^th woman out of 108 who finished. The medal is lovely, I received a can of alcohol-free beer, and there was free hot food for all finishers too. I met up with a woman I had recently got to know at a Tea&Trails event so I even had someone to talk to before tackling the drive home. I am sure I will be back to tackle some more races in the Centurion calendar.

Results

1. 3:42:54 Joe Turner (new CR)

22. 4:37:00 Karla Borland (1st F)

220. 6:27:43 Petra Bijsterveld

402 finished

Punk Panther Welcome Way – Sat 15 Mar 2025

Sat 15 Mar 2025

From Sarah Hayes…

Photo credit: Mark Limon Punk Panther Endurance Events

Several Harriers tackled various of the Welcome Way Punk Panther events on Saturday. There were four courses to chose from:

Half Marathon, 20 miles, 34 miles and 50 miles. Seven of us, Clare Boyle, Lynn Donohue, Nicky Liptrot, Andrew Smith, Keith Wood, Alex Lewis and I entered the 20 mile event. We had done various recces together and planned to have a sociable race, running as a group.

Billed as 20 miles the final distance was in fact 21.3 miles!

We also enjoyed the company of a fellow runner from Northampton (who made it on to our finishing team photo!). He joined us in the early stages and stayed with us for the rest of the race. He was grateful for our local knowledge of the route. We were grateful for well needed support from various Harriers in Ben Rhydding and Burley. Thank you!

In the last few miles I sensed the pace picking up as Clare realised a vet placing was possible for one of the team but did they succeed? (See later…)

We stayed together and all crossed the finishing line within a couple of minutes of each other.

The 20 mile event (ahem 21.3 miles) is a great local route from Otley to Ben Rhydding via Askwith and Denton, then on to Ben Rhydding Drive and down to Burley. On to the Chevin to the top of Pool Bank and then back through the fields to Otley.

The last few miles were tough. Especially the last 1.3 miles!

A prize was achieved within our group as Lynn was placed first VW 60 in 4 hours 25 minutes.

Sarah Lambert also complete the event and is clearly well on track for her fast approaching London Marathon.

Alan Travis completed the 34 mile event in 6hrs 45 mins.

Ritchie Williamson completed the 50 mile event in 9 hour 48 minutes and was 1st VM 50. Congratulations Ritchie!

Results

Evensplits York 5km and Podium Festival Leicester 5km – Sat 15 Mar 2025

Sat 15 Mar 2025

From Gaenor Coy…

Two Harriers ran in Friday’s even splits York 5km.

Helena Coy finished 68th overall and 2nd female in 17:19, a big PB for her.

Matthew Lambe also finished in 20:44

On Saturday, Dom Coy ran in the Elite B at the Podium Festival race in Leicester, finishing in 14:16 (beating his previous PB of 14:25 so a new club record).

Looks like Daniel Fazackerley also ran in the 1 mile race with a net time of 4:39 (finish time 5:15, women had a 30 sec head start)

Results York

Results Leicester

Ilkley Gazette Report w/c 10 Mar 2025

Mon 10 Mar 2025

From Jill Ezard…

Photo credit Sprint Finish Photography

Yorkshire Cross Country Team representation and Club Record results!

On Saturday six intrepid Harriers ventured over to Haworth to take part in the 51km Haworth Hobble, an event that sees participants traversing gritstone moors around Haworth, Todmorden and Hebden Bridge with 1340m of ascent/descent. It’s a tough race being so early in the year and conditions can be challenging. Although most years it’s not warm weather that’s usually the challenge! Forrest Hamilton had a great run finishing in the top 50 in 5:12:02, just ahead of Ben Sheppard, also in the top 50, finishing in 5:13:48. Martin Hartley was next in 5:33:45 followed by Peter Shelley in 5:49:59. James Dobbing was the fifth Harrier in 6:01:28 with Mark Hickabottom finishing in 7:33:04. Well done to all!

Further afield, Samesh Chotai made the journey to Wollaton Hall and Deer Park in Nottingham to represent Yorkshire in the U20M Cross Country Team in the UK National Inter-Counties Cross Country Championships. The weather was unusually dry and warm with very little mud. Nonetheless, as you would expect of a National level competition, the 8K course was demanding with steep inclines, switchbacks and a fast downhill finish. Samesh completed the course in 28:35 and was the third of four counters in the team result.

Whilst Saturday was all about off road skills, Sunday was very much a road focused day with some fabulous results. There was a good showing of red and green at the Cambridge Half Marathon with five Harriers completing the course. Starting and finishing in the city, the course is pretty flat, taking competitors through the contrasts of University college grounds out to the countryside and back, with the opportunity for fast times and personal bests. And Tom Adams took full advantage of that, running a blistering race and finishing in 1:08:07, taking 12^th place overall, first place in his age category and setting a new club record for the distance to boot! Daniel Fazackerley was next over the line, again taking first place in his age category and finishing in an impressive 1:15:16. Alex Foyn completed in 1:23:06, Helen Waddington in 1:45:05 and Natalie Gravett-Foyn in 2:00:23. Well done to all that took part.

Unable to resist the draw of Lancashire, Sally Armitage headed over the border to compete in the Trimpell 20. Billed as a good spring marathon training event, like the Cambridge Half, the race combines city and country views with a route through the historic centre of Lancaster and out through the picturesque Lune Valley and back. Despite a (relative) slow down mid race Sally picked up speed towards the end finishing in a fantastic 02:24:06 taking second place in her age category, just 36 seconds outside first place! Well done to Sally for persevering.

And finally, as if Lancaster and Cambridge weren’t exotic enough, Steve and Gaenor Coy went all the way to Portugal to take part in the Lisbon Half marathon. Starting on the famous Ponte 25 de Abril bridge, the views from the start of the race are legendary leading to a scenic course along the edge of the river. Steve completed the course in a superb 1:23:38, finishing in the top 500 of a race with over 35,000 competitors, and Gaenor came over the line under two hours in 1:58:59.

The sun, and perhaps the small matter of an inter-club parkrun league with our friends at Baildon and Saltaire, brought the Harriers out in force with 42 Juniors and Seniors taking part in the weekly 5k events across the UK and abroad. There were some fantastic achievements all round. For the seniors there were plenty of top ten finishes: Robert Cunningham at Druridge Bay; Matthew Thackwray at Fountains Abbey, James Horrex at Hampstead Heath securing a Personal Best (PB) at the same time; Mark Hall at Lister Park; Steve Gott at Roberts Park; and Alex Foyn at Storey’s Field. There were also some impressive age grade performances with four Harriers going over the 80% level: Hilda Coulsey 80.81%; Alison Bennett 82.62%; Matthew Thackwray 85.94%; and a whopping 88.17% for Mark Hall! In addition to James’ PB, Andy Shinn also achieved a PB at the Chevin Forest event, with Emma Moore doing the same at Roberts Park. For the Juniors, Michael and Isobel Moore both came away from Roberts Park Parkrun with PBs; Michael was 12th in 19:50 with Isobel tenth female in a time of 23:02. Oscar Shinn had a good run at Chevin Forest finishing second in 19:16 also a PB for that event. James Lee was second finisher at Lister Park in 19:35 and finally Heather Crolla was 12th female at Skipton finishing in 25:30. Congratulations to all who took part in an event.

Trimpell 20 – Sun 9 Mar 2025

Sun 9 Mar 2025

From Sally Armitage…

Today I headed west again, this time for a 20 mile road race. Another of the Lancaster Race Series events. Similarly to Spen 20, Trimpell 20 is a renowned ‘marathon prep’ race in advance of the spring marathon season. Unlike Spen, this race is flat, which suited me well on the little training I’d managed to get in prior to the race! Starting on a riverside path there were almost 3 out and backs from the start, all in different directions. It worked well, though the start was congested and I’d started too far back, almost tripping another runner up trying to squeeze through, but a few kilometres in everyone had spread out enough to settle into their own pace.

I was feeling good until around mile 13 when I started to struggle, I think I was just undertrained, by mile 16 my pace had started to drop. However at around mile 18 I managed to mentally glue myself onto a passing gentleman which led to a speedier final few miles. I finished just over my target time and even bagged an age category prize for finishing 2nd F45, more race vouchers!

Results

1st male 1:54:00 Benjamin Coop, Bury AC

1st female 2:16:42 Chloe Elliott, Sale Harriers

96th Sally Armitage 2:24:06

417 ran

Ilkley Gazette Report w/c 3 Mar 2025

Mon 3 Mar 2025

From Will Worboys

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and Nicola Budding…

Photo credit Will Worboys

Rothery Wins Again as Ilkley Dominate the Fell Race

Ilkley Moor was alive with the sight of runners this weekend with the annual Ilkley Moor Fell Race taking place on Sunday morning. Perfect conditions saw 229 finishers enjoy (or endure) the challenging 5-mile course and take in over 1,300 feet of climbing. A strong contingent of Harriers were present with 42 finishers; one of whom, Ben Rothery won the race in impressive style for the third year running.

Rothery, the current English fell champion showed his class, winning in a time of 36:25; ahead of Sam Bentham in 2^ndwith 37:48, who had a great battle with Tom Bell of Nidderdale and fellow Harrier Jack Cummings. There were only 8 seconds between the three and it helped Ilkley win the team prize, with 9^th placed Alex Wolfenden being the other contributor. The next Ilkley runners to finish were Michael Odell in 17^th, then youngsters Oscar Shinn and Samesh Chotai in 19^th and 26^th place.

The first lady to finish the event, which takes in moor landmarks such as the Cow and Calf, the Pancake Stone and the Badger Stone, was Amelie Lane of Wharfedale who finished in 43:34 and won the race for the second time following her victory in 2023. Ilkley’s first female was Sacha Jones in 55:56 who also came 2^nd in the F40 category. Notable performances came from Peter Shelley, Richard Joel and Jim Ryder who were 5^th and 6^th and 7^th in the M50 category. Youngster Matilda Irvine had a great run to finish 2^nd in the FU19 and she was followed by Kate Prior, Katie Poulter and Sara McLean who were 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th in the F40 category.

The Junior Fell races were held first, with the U9’s running a short lap of 0.5 miles, the U11 and U13’s running a 1 mile lap and the U15, U17 and U19’s running two laps. It was great to see that the Harriers had representation in every race and there were some great results with some top three finishers in several races. Archie Hallworth was 2nd in the U9 race, Hugo Haigh 3rd in the U11 race, Heather Crolla 3rd Girl in the U15 race and Joseph Bentham 3rd in the U17 race.

Away from the Yorkshire fells, there were plenty of other Ilkley runners taking part in events around the UK, with half marathons being the main distance of choice. Two Harriers made a trip to Anglesey in North Wales. Jonathan Turner dipped just inside his target time to finish the Half Marathon in a time of 1:29:58. The undulating coastal route crosses the Menai Bridge and boasts views of Snowdonia, inspiring Jonathan to a brilliant run finishing 3^rd in the M50 category and 59^th overall of the 795 runners. Meanwhile Dawn Turner was taking part in the 10K and also had a very good run to finish in a time of 57:12 and coming 13^th in her age group.

Sticking with half marathons; another Harrier, Tony Pye put in a storming performance to achieve a 3 minute personal best at the North Lincolnshire Half. The event which is based in Scunthorpe is ideal for those who are training for spring marathons and offers a fast, flat and scenic course. Tony whizzed round in a time of 1:27:34, finishing 13^th in his category and 242^nd overall of 1,849 total finishers; a perfect preparation for a busy season in which he hopes to complete the Leeds, Manchester and Dublin marathons!

Meanwhile in the North East, two more Harriers took part in the Middlesbrough Half Marathon. This event is a town centre race which takes in the docks and the Riverside stadium and is again advertised as fast and flat. Heidi Hoad and Lucy Lowe ran well to finish the race in times of 1:58:10 and 1:58:27, coming 52^nd and 53^rd in the V40 category. 2,646 runners completed the race in total.

With the fell race happening, the attendance at the rearranged PECO cross country was understandably a little down on Sunday morning. However, it still attracted eight dedicated mud loving runners from Ilkley who completed the event at Stockeld Park. Diane Kitchen once again excelled, winning her category, whilst Alison Bennett finished 3^rd in hers. The highest placing male was Steven Gott who finished 5^th in his category and 62^nd of 334 overall. In addition, Isobel Moore competed in the one-mile Junior Race finishing in 11th place. Amelia Nichols and Lily Singleton both competed in the two-mile Junior Race.

With fell running, road, and cross country all covered, Lynn Donohue completed the set by participating in a trail race. The inaugural Tibthorpe Loop took place in the Yorkshire Wolds and was a 14+ mile race. Lynn had a successful run in the cold but sunny conditions and finished in a time of 2:42:01 to make 2^nd FV60 and 17^th of 101 overall.

It’s been an exceptionally busy weekend for the Juniors, some competing for both their club and school. The last race in the Wharfedale Schools XC League took place on Saturday with Ashlands Primary School playing host. There was a great turnout of runners and results will appear on our website in due course.

GSAL in Leeds was the location for the English Schools XC Cup Final which had been postponed due to bad weather from its original date in December. Various teams from Ilkley Grammar School, Ermysted’s and GSAL had qualified for the final. As usual with the ESAA Finals, we saw some great racing and the Senior Boys Team from Ilkley Grammar School came away in 3rd Place.

The North East Regional Sportshall Athletics Championships returned on Sunday. Nine of the Juniors made the journey to Middlesborough to compete for the Yorkshire Team. The Boys U11 Team, including Ethan Pickwoad, Michael Moore, Henry Hirst, Barnabus Carr, Wilfred Overend and Louis Razazan, claimed 1st Place and the U11 Girls Team, including Millie Houlbrook, Rose Weston and Holly Wilkinson, finished in 3rd Place.

With so much going on this weekend it’s hardly surprising that there was only one Junior who ran in a Parkrun this weekend, but nonetheless a fantastic run for James Lee at Chevin Forest who was the first finisher with a time of 20:18.

PECO XC #5 Stockeld Park – Sun 2 Mar 2025

Sun 2 Mar 2025

From Alison Bennett…

With so many races happening on Sunday, including our very own Ilkley Moor Fell race, it was inevitable that the rescheduled Peco XC race would have fewer club participants. However, the 8 Harriers who arrived at the park were treated to a well organized event. The mixed terrain around the undulating course across fields, mud, tarmac and track mentioned in the pre race details may have caused some footwear conundrums as the only shoe that could be ruled out was spikes.

A staggered start saw the men complete 2 laps of the field before the ladies began their laps pursuing them into the Enchanted Forest and beyond.

With Spring in the air and a spring in her step, Emma Moore led the ladies home whilst Steve Gott did the same for the men. Diane Kitchen ran strongly and finished first in her age group.

Results

Ilkley Moor Fell Race – Sun 2 Mar 2025

Sun 2 Mar 2025

From Peter Shelley…

Photo credit Nick Hellewell/Woodentops

Ilkley Moor Fell Race enjoyed calm dry conditions on Sunday with the juniors in action from 10.30 across all age categories (see Nicola Budding’s report on the Juniors Facebook page). The seniors set off at 11.30. A mere 36:25 later Ben Rothery had finished, confirming why he is English Fell Running Champion. To say that he was flying is more than a metaphor. In one of Dave Woodhead’s photos he is airborne somewhere over the Backstone Beck descent with no evidence of a parachute. The remaining top five places were closely contested with under 23 Yorkshire Champion Sam Bentham second in 37:49, Tom Bell of Nidderdale Fell & Dale turning cycling prowess into fell speed in 37:52, Jack Cummings 4^th in 37:56 and Pudsey & Bramley’s Joe Baxter 5^th in 38:12. In a casual pre-race conversation while queuing for our race numbers Michael Odell and I picked out all top five finishers. Where was Betfred when needed?

Further standout performances came from Alexander Wolfenden who took four minutes off his 2024 time to finish 9^th in 40:21 and Oscar Shinn 19^th in 43 minutes.

Amelie Lane of Wharfedale Harriers was first lady home in 43:34 in 22^nd place. Some way ahead of the competition and the current women’s record holder on this course, Amelie has made this race her own. Katie Walshaw of Holmfirth Harriers was second lady in 45:21 and Molly Browne of Wharfedale Harriers third in 46:00.

I was pleased to finish 77/229 M50 4/44 in 51:27. Having only ever managed sub-50 minutes on one of fourteen attempts at this race, I can only imagine the work and skill required to run sub-40. Credit to all those who got round. For such a short race, the route is physically and mentally demanding like no other. Murderous climbs are repeatedly followed by frightening descents where your limbs and eyesight refuse to be marshalled. The terrain is changing continually requiring you to place your feet with precision and take endless decisions. Pacing is very difficult as places gained slowly on the climbs are lost again to downhill specialists who appear to be immune to the laws of physics. The welcome cheers of supporters are met with a silent grimace as that’s all your brain and face can manage.

Despite (or because of?) all this the race attracts great participation from clubs and individuals far and wide. It’s wonderful to see so many friendly faces participating or giving their time to organise, marshal, time, flag or sweep the races. Thank you all for another great Ilkley Moor Fell Race!

Results

From Rachel Carter…

2025 was the 20th Junior Ilkley Moor fell race having first been held in February 2003. 134 juniors (aged from 6 years upwards) from more than 10 local clubs (and a few unattached) took part with many parents and carers present to support. The race routes vary in length by age group but all include a run up towards White Wells, followed by a traverse across the moor before a fast final muddy descent to the finish opposite Darwin Gardens. The U11 course records for both girls and boys were broken by Olivia Pedley (Bingley Harriers) and Billy White (Keighley and Craven) respectively. All runners received a treat at the finish with an Easter Egg being awarded to the top 3 in each category. Many thanks to all the volunteers who gave up their time to help.

Results

Ilkley Gazette Report – w/c 24 February 2025

Mon 24 Feb 2025

[Photo courtesy of Dave Woodhead – Sam Bentham was crowned 2025 Yorkshire under 23 Fell Running Champion]

From Peter Shelley & Nicola Budding…

A great week for Ilkley Harriers with early season wins, titles and personal bests on the roads, trails and fells

Following competitive showings in the Northern Cross Country Championships a number of Harriers headed to London for the English National Cross Country Championships taking place at Parliament Hill on Hampstead Heath on an iconic course with panoramic views of the capital. Running against professional athletes and club runners from across the country on a route that became ever muddier and churned up under thousands of runners’ feet, the Harriers held their own across several race categories; Alexander Wolfenden was an impressive 57th of 319 in the under 17 men’s race. Ed Hobbs claimed an outstanding 9th of 191 in the junior men’s race. In the senior women’s race Rachel Carter placed 228th, Diane Kitchen 631st and Alison Bennett 697th of 830. Charlie Kay was Ilkley’s sole representative in the men’s senior race finishing 920th of 1,781.

Saturday saw the running of the Flower Scar Fell Race. The incorporation of the 2025 Yorkshire Senior and under 23 Fell Running Championship in the race ensured good attendance and a highly competitive field. Starting in Todmorden town centre, the route covered 13km of moorland including tracks and unmarked technical sections climbing and descending 660m in an anticlockwise circuit. Oli Murphy was first Harrier home in 5th followed by Sam Bentham. Sam’s 6th place was enough to crown him under 23 champion and add to a prodigious run of recent fell successes. Jim Ryder finished 72nd, Kate Archer 80th and James Bentham 97th of 184. The race was won outright by Doni Clarke (Todmorden Harriers) and with it the men’s Yorkshire Senior Champion title.

The Snake Lane 10 proved popular with those seeking an early season road fixture. 1,573 runners took to 10 miles of closed roads north of Pocklington in East Yorkshire on a flat route conducive to personal best times. Ilkley Harrier Jack Cummings converted his dedicated training program into a fabulous win in 52:04. A new personal best at this distance, Jack’s time is just 15 seconds outside Ilkley Harriers’ 10-mile club record which stands from 1990. Harry Brook-Dobson finished 55th, Jaysson Sawyer 58th and Sally Armitage 408th.

Penny Coulthard took on the North Downs Ridge Ultra completing 50km with 900m of ascent in the Surrey Hills in a time of 7:50:00, raising valuable funds for Ilkley and District Good Neighbours.

A number of juniors started their weekend at 9am on Saturday morning by taking part in one of the local parkruns – Harrogate, Skipton, Chevin Park and Roberts Park being the locations of choice this week.

Samesh Chotai continued his excellent form as first finisher at Skipton parkrun with a time of 17:32. In Harrogate Heather Crolla finished first in her age category JW11-15 with a time of 25:44. James Lee ran at his local parkrun – Chevin Forest – finishing in a fabulous 4th place in a time of 20:26. Michael Moore and Ethan Pickwoad ran at Roberts Park with Michael finishing 14th in a time of 20:39, followed by Ethan in 22:35.

Among the seniors Mark Hall, fresh from his five-mile club record at Wombwell the week before, continued to feature at the top of his age category and close to the top of the timesheets in an 18:48 run to third place at Crichton. Jaysson Sawyer also topped his age category finishing 5th in 18:36 first VM45-49 at Fountains Abbey.

If you have been inspired by any of our achievements this week, why not take part in the Ilkley Moor Junior or Senior Fell Races next Sunday, 2nd March 2025. The races are very friendly and loads of fun. Details on the IH website.

English National XC Championships – Sat 22 Feb 2025

Sat 22 Feb 2025

[Photo courtesy of Graham Smith – Ed Hobbs claims 9th place in the Junior Men’s race]

From Rachel Carter…

This event is the oldest National Cross Country Championships in the world, having first been run in 1876 and is open to all athletes who are members of registered running clubs. I’ve run at the Nationals a couple of times before but never at the iconic Parliament Hill venue so decided to make it a family outing at the end of half term. Other Ilkley entries included Alison Bennett who had had her arm twisted by Diane Kitchen to ‘make a weekend of it’, Dan McKeown (who sadly couldn’t run due to injury but came to provide great support (quietly!), first time ‘cross-countrier’ Charlie Kay, and Ed Hobbs in the Junior Men.

The course is hilly and this year was very muddy everywhere – the only saving grace was that it wasn’t cold or raining! In the U17 men Alex Wolfenden finished a credible 57th of 319, and Ed Hobbs had a great race in the Junior Men’s race – working his way up the field over the laps to finish an amazing 9th of 191. Having clocked 17,000 steps walking the course and chasing around supporting my kids, my actual warm up was a bit lacklustre. Alison said she’d warmed up well but then realised a bit too early by thinking the senior women’s race started 20 mins earlier than it did! Di, Alison (who succumbed to the mud twice) and I all had a good race finishing in 631st, 697th and 228th respectively of 830. Results aren’t broken down by age category but the bias towards the more youthful senior women is apparent on the start line which can be un-nerving!

We stayed to watch the start of the men’s race which is a sight and sound to behold as nearly 1,800 men make their way up the start hill. Charlie Kay, having never run a cross country before, had a good taste of muddy conditions and finished in 920th.

So all in all a good time was had a by all – it’s a great atmosphere, the support on the start hill and at the lap changeover points was like something out of the Tour de France. So would I go to London again for the Nationals in the future? Yes probably, though I would feel very unlucky if the conditions were as tough going again!

Results

Ilkley Gazette Report – w/c 17 February 2025

Mon 17 Feb 2025

[Photo courtesy of Dave Woodhead – Martin Hartley and Peter Shelley at the Gathering Fools Winter Relay]

From Jill Ezard & Nicola Budding…

Fell race podium finishes and age category successes

After a couple of quiet racing weeks the Harriers were back in action on the track, fells, trails and road this week with some impressive results. Two Harriers enjoyed a Valentines night with a difference running a 5k round the University of York race track. It was the first of the 2025 5k race series with the opportunity to set some personal best times on the flat and fast course.

Charlie Kay was the first Harrier over the line in a great time of 19:20 followed by Harry Sime in 20:13 securing second place in his age category.

It was a huge win on Saturday for Sam Bentham in the fifth race in the Kong Winter Series – the BB Kong. The five mile and 2500ft ascent race is billed as “not for the faint-hearted” with a tough climb up the stunning Doddick fell to reach Blencathra summit, super-fast ridgeline running to Blease Fell then a steep technical descent back. Sam led from the front reaching the summit of Doddick fell first, and came over the line nearly a minute ahead of the second place finisher in 45:50. James Bentham, wearing the Ilkley vest for the first time, was the next over the line in 1:12:53 with Alison Weston, taking sixth place in her age category, finishing in 1:19:28.

Closer to home on Saturday, eight Harriers took part in the delayed Gathering Winter Fools Relay. Normally held in December, but cancelled due to the weather, this informal social race sees four pairs tackle legs of varying lengths on paths and lanes around Keighley. The attraction for the “Ilkley Inclined to madness” team may have been the changeover points outside pubs but they seemed to manage to stay focused taking sixth position overall! Well done to Kate Archer, Colm McCann, Peter Shelley, Martin Hartley, Alison Bennett, Paul Stephens, Nicky Liptrot and Wendy Lockwood.

Staying on trails, on Sunday two Harriers ventured to the outskirts of Leeds to take part in the Temple Newsam Ten, a race over ten (and a bit) miles of beautiful on and off road running on the Temple Newsam Estate. Kay Pearce was first over the line in 1:20:41 taking fifth place in her age category followed by Charlotte Smithson in 1:46:37. In contrast on the roads around Salford on Sunday, two Harriers were taking part in the Media City Half Marathon. The route features two scenic laps, around Salford and Eccles and on footpaths around Salford Quays and is a closed road race. Steve Newell was first over the line in a great time of 1:31:20 taking fourth place in his age category. Rachel Streets was only a few minutes behind finishing in 1:37:21 in the top ten of her age category. Well done to all.

If you’re not sure about taking part in more competitive events but fancy soaking up the atmosphere why not try one of the weekly parkrun events held across the country. This week saw 28 Harriers and Junior Harriers join the events with some great results. There were several Harriers and Juniors finishing in the top ten: Jayne Norman at Cliffe Castle; Sally Armitage at Lister Park; Steve Gott and Junior Isobel Moore at Roberts Park; Alex Foyn at Roundhay; and at Skipton, Samesh Chotai was the first finisher with Robert, Julian and Rachel Carter also all finishing in the top ten! There were also a clutch of Personal Best times: Junior Harrier Ethan Nicholson and Emma Moore at Roberts Park; Maddie Moore at Woodhouse Moor; and Samesh Chotai and Robert Carter at Skipton. Some fantastic personal results all round! Congratulations to all who took part in an event.

Gathering Winter Fools Relay – Sat 15 Feb 2025

Sat 15 Feb 2025

From Paul Stephens and the whole team…

“Ilkley Inclined To Madness” was our Team Name for the 2024 Gathering Winter Fools Relay postponed from last December when Storm Darragh hit the UK. In fact the forecast wasn’t much better apart from the wind. It was a cold, grey and damp day, but that didn’t dampen our enthusiasm or commitment.

Superb running by each of our four teams saw Ilkley finish 6th out of the 21 teams competing and each pair finishing their leg before the cut-off and mass start. We would have been first mixed team home and we did have 4 men and 4 women. But the rules state that each pair has to be mixed and ours weren’t. How fair is that!

It was a relay so we had to have a baton and ours was a tube of Love Hearts. Appropriate given the date.

So, 4 legs starting and finishing at Carlton Academy with a mix of footpath, moor, canal towpath and road. Legs 2, 3 and 4 start at a pub. I was tempted by the Goose Eye in the Busfield Arms at East Moreton, but wisely I resisted. Thankyou to Kate for organising our team, and to Keighley and Craven AC for the event.

Here’s a summary of each leg:

Leg 1. Carlton Academy to White Lion, Kildwick – 8.6m (Kate and Colm). Colm writes:

The day started with a few positives. The forecast sleet and snow didn’t happen. The sign-in area was inside Carlton Academy, the same place as the track sessions, which was warm and spacious.

As soon as the race leaves the school grounds, it’s straight into a hill, which is a common theme for the next four miles, through some cracking little villages like Laycock and Goose Eye. We cracked on through bogs and muddy lanes but unfortunately the fog obscured the views of this part of Aire valley.

The route took in some great trails heading towards Sutton which we found out has a lovely stone arch. We followed a scenic path along a beck to Cross Hills, which itself is nothing to write home about. At this stage my legs were starting longing for the end but Kate who was carrying the team baton, wasn’t slowed down by the weight of a packet of love hearts.

When we got to Kildwick we were greeted by the smiles of Peter and Martin who set off with love hearts on board. Kate and I jogged on to catch a bus pretty much back to the start. Then into the school for a brew with pie and peas. Great finish to a great morning.

Leg 2. White Lion, Kildwick to Busfield Arms, East Moreton – 9.6m (Peter and Martin). Peter writes:

Leg two wasn’t any easier on the second acquaintance (I ran it with Jeff Green in 2019). The route profile is like a reclining ‘P’ shape – 3km on a canal towpath followed by 300 metres of ascent, a muddy traverse of Rombalds moorland and plantation ending in an exciting descent to East Morton at 15km. That’s quite a demanding route for a leg that starts and ends in a pub but otherwise fails to live up to most people’s concept of a pub crawl.

With apparently little effort on the canal section Martin set a lively pace which my wheezing told me was somewhere between demanding and unsustainable. We caught and passed a Bingley ladies pair, one of whom I recognized as Jo Buckley, a fell runner not to be underestimated as became clear when I started to struggle and the pair came back past us. A cautious approach was needed on Murder Mile which proved true to its name, levelling out a few times only to turn a corner and resume climbing. Hats and gloves removed earlier on the flat section were put back on as we hit the tops. The temperature was around zero, but no wind thankfully. The only evidence of the ‘freezing rain’ suggested by the weather forecast was on the stone stiles which a pair of male Skipton runners warned us were slippery. Somewhat to my surprise I was feeling more lively at this stage so we thanked the Skipton pair by taking a place off them and set about trying to catch the Bingley ladies who were just about visible ahead in the low cloud. Irritatingly, they sped up in much the same way we did. They may have been better handling farm gates with cold hands (maybe they practised it). Despite our best efforts converting gravity into momentum on the slippery rocky bridleway (at the cost of control in a few places, it should be said) we couldn’t quite reel them before reaching the Busfield Arms.

We didn’t eat any of the sweets in the tube of Love Hearts which served as a baton. Nor did I remember the baton was in my pocket as we raced to the line. Our handover to Alison and Paul was less than slick as a result (sorry!). We enjoyed the leg and were pleased to come in slightly quicker than our estimated time and contribute to a strong team performance. Top marks to Ilkley Harriers and to Martin for relay partnering!

Leg 3. Busfield Arms, East Moreton to Fisherman’s Arms – 5.7m (Alison and Paul). Paul writes:

The short leg, and not much climbing (which didn’t suit me – that’s my excuse). I certainly had to be committed to keep up with Alison on the flat and downhill. It was as hard as the Saturday morning efforts. A mix of footpath, track and road to Micklethwaite and round the edge of Eldwick. A little muddy over some of the footpaths but nothing horrendous. A long downhill – the length of Shipley Glen and then a fast 2km along the canal from Saltaire towards Bingley.

Leg 4. Fisherman’s Arms, Bingley to Finish – 7.1m (Nicky and Wendy). Nicky writes:

Wendy and I enjoyed a leisurely cuppa in the Bingley rugby club bar after registration, then took a gentle jog down to the start at the Fisherman’s Inn. Luckily for us the rain had just about stopped by the time we started, for which we were grateful! Leg 3’s Alison and Paul sped round and handed over 5 minutes earlier than we were expecting and before the mass start, so there was a flurry of us grabbing the baton (a pack of love hearts), taking off our waterproof jackets and stuffing them in our packs while setting of running. The leg started with a nice flat mile along the canal, but then we had a rude awakening with the brutal climb up Altar Lane through the woods coming out of Bingley. Getting that out of the way was a good feeling and after that we were treated to a mile or so of downhill and a bit of nice scenery to enjoy. The rest of the leg is relatively flat, so we were able to motor on and then meander through the scenic streets of Keighley to our final destination, Carlton Academy. Hot pies and another cup of tea awaited. Wendy and I thoroughly enjoyed the day!

Results

Blencathra and Blease Fell race – Sat 15 Feb 2025

Sat 15 Feb 2025

[Photo courtesy of Alison Weston: Sam receiving one of his many prizes!]

From Alison Weston…

Sam Bentham had an amazing race, leading from the start to win the Blencathra and Blease Fell race in an incredible time of 45 minutes and 50 seconds. The route goes up via Doddick fell with a ridge run along to Blencathra summit and then on the Blease Fell. It was a bit misty but very atmospheric with the summit ridge covered in snow and verglas. The descent was a bit tricky with plenty of slipping and sliding (at least for me) to finish along a narrow footpath with steep stone steps but everyone got down safely and enjoyed the hot drinks at the end.

Sam won first under 23, winner overall and fastest up to the top!

Jamie Bentham has a great run and finished in 1:12:53 wearing his Harriers vest for the first time and I finished in 1:19:23.

Ilkley Gazette Report – w/c 10 February 2025

Mon 10 Feb 2025

[Photo courtesy of Nigel Pepper – Diane Kitchen amongst the runners winning her category at Roundhay]

From Will Worboys & Nicola Budding…

Ilkley runners going well at Cross Country

The main running event of the weekend was race number four in this year’s PECO Cross Country series. Taking place at Roundhay Park in Leeds and hosted by Chapel Allerton, the senior race was an approximately 4.3 miles course around the scenic park; attracting a good number of Ilkley Harriers.

Amongst some excellent performances, Diane Kitchen headed the way, being the only one of 13 travelling Harriers to win their category. Diane won the veteran F65 category in good style finishing in a time of 38:27. The quickest Ilkley lady overall, as is often the case, was Rachel Carter. She had another superb run to finish 16th overall of a total 336 runners and 3rd in her category (F45) in a time of 30:28. Sally Malir also put in a very good showing to finish 4th of the F60 runners.

In the Men’s race, the first Ilkley athlete to finish was youngster Oscar Shinn, 29th overall (of 412) in a superb 25:57. Next came Gawain Moore who came 2nd of the M45’s in 26:14. He was followed by Steven Gott who was sixth in the same category in a time of 28:03. Race 5 of the series is scheduled for March 2nd at Stockeld Park and will be hosted by Wetherby Runners.

In the junior PECO, Michael and Isobel Moore both took part in the one mile race; Michael finishing in 3rd place with a time of 6:56 followed by Isobel with a time of 8:00. Amelia Nichols ran in the 2 mile event finishing in 15:34.

Meanwhile in Lancashire, Ilkley’s Sally Armitage excelled in the Williamson Park half marathon. A challenging route through the Lune Valley, incorporating 452 metres of climb in addition to strong winds, was no deterrent to the Harrier finishing 2nd lady and 5th overall in a brilliant time of 1:34:38.

Harriers were also busy on Saturday morning at the 5K parkruns. Jack Wood was the only first finisher this week, which he managed in a time of 17:50 at Hockgraben in Southern Germany. James Horrex ran well a little closer to home in Sheffield and came 4th in 18:14. At Myrtle Park in Bingley, Nicola Budding was 5th female home; while Gaenor Coy was 12th at Cliffe Castle. The highest age grading was Hilda Coulsey who posted an impressive 82.15% while getting a time of 27:33 at Portrush in Northern Ireland.

Many Harriers were busy doing their own thing this weekend with spring marathons and half marathons on the horizon; plus of course the Ilkley Moor Fell Race which is now less than three weeks away, taking place on Sunday 2nd March and starting at 11:30, with the shorter junior races getting underway at 10:30.

Williamson Park Half Marathon – Sun 9 Feb 2025

Sun 9 Feb 2025

From Sally Armitage…

Yesterday I drove over to Lancaster for a hilly road half marathon, part of the Lancaster Race Series of events. I needed to use some race vouchers I’d won early last year that were due to expire soon, and this race coincided well with where I’m at with my training right now (trying to claw back some fitness after a rest spell throughout December!) I love the events from this race organiser because you can enter any of their races on the day, the downside is that they’re never on closed roads which can often be a little scary, a number of cars whizzed past me less than an arms length away yesterday.

Starting in Williamson Park and winding through (and up and down!) the beautiful Lune Valley countryside before returning to finish back at the park. I’d looked at the elevation profile and was well aware it was hillier than I’ve ever raced before over the half marathon distance, 452m in total, which, in hindsight, made me run the first half a little over cautiously, though this paid dividends in the second half when I still had plenty of kapow in the bank. The second half was also wind powered which made it even more fun after fighting a gale head-on AND ridiculous climbs in the first half! My prize was more race vouchers! Which are actually really useful, I’m planning on using them for Trimpwell 20 in 4 weeks time, wish me luck!

Results

[1st female – Belinda Houghton, Flyde Coast Runners, 1:28:08]

[1st male – Stuart Atkinson, N/A, 1:29:11]

5th – Sally Armitage (2nd female), 1:34:38

80 ran

Brian Sweet Predictor results – Tue 4 Feb 2025

Tue 4 Feb 2025

Well done to everyone who took part in the Brian Sweet Predictor, great to see pretty much all the different groups represented.

The results are in and congratulations to our three winners:

1st Martin Campbell

2nd Andrew Overend

3rd Mark Gill

Name / Actual Time / Predicted Time / Difference

1 Alex Wolfenden 36:20:00 38:30:00 2:10

2 Samesh Chotai 36:38:00 37:17:00 0:39

3 Alex Foyn 38:30:00 39:00:00 0:30

4 Jonny McKenna 39:21:00 40:00:00 0:39

5 Jon Denniss 40:41:00 43:27:00 2:46

6 Rob Cunningham 43:05:00 41:10:00 1:55

7 Justin Phillips 43:16:00 47:00:00 3:44

8 Julian Carter 43:17:00 50:30:00 7:13

9 Oscar Smyth 44:17:00 44:44:00 0:27

10 John Jackson 45:34:00 44:45:00 1:11

11 Luke Watkeys 45:36:00 45:00:00 0:36

12 Andrew Overend 45:41:00 45:30:00 0:11

13 Peter Ferguson* 46:31:00 59:00:00 12:29

14 James Driver 47:21:00 54:36:00 7:15

15 Sacha Jones 47:38:00 51:15:00 3:37

16 Martin Stubbs 49:02:00 50:00:00 0:58

17 Mark Gill 51:07:00 51:30:00 0:23

18 Ash Winter 51:09:00 51:34:00 0:25

19 Matilda Irvine 51:25:00 55:00:00 3:35

20 Wendy Lockwood 51:36:00 53:00:00 1:24

21 Richard Inman 51:47:00 55:00:00 3:13

22 Lisette Dupre 51:58:00 62:00:00 10:02

23 Sue Westerman* 52:14:00 60:07:00 7:53

24 Karen Thornton* 52:15:00 65:00:00 12:45

25 Lucy Hayes 52:28:00 51:00:00 1:28

26 Geoffrey White 52:37:00 54:00:00 1:23

27 Christine Airey* 52:40:00 71:00:00 18:20

28 Jackie Hammond* 52:40:00 70:00:00 17:20

29 Alan Travis 53:25:00 53:53:00 0:28

30 Andrew Smith 54:19:00 57:44:00 3:25

31 Martin Campbell 54:27:00 54:30:00 0:03

32 Louise Nash 54:53:00 56:00:00 1:07

33 Simon Jenkins 54:54:00 57:00:00 2:06

34 Keith Wood 54:56:00 59:00:00 4:04

35 Jean Sullivan 55:06:00 56:45:00 1:39

36 Sophie Cromack 55:40:00 57:00:00 1:20

37 Vicky Rutherford 57:01:00 57:35:00 0:34

38 Daniel Inman 57:43:00 58:58:00 1:15

39 Paul Stephens 58:05:00 58:48:00 0:43

40 Gaenor Coy 58:17:00 58:49:00 0:32

41 Alice Hewitson 58:19:00 70:00:00 10:41

42 Emma Haggas 58:29:00 66:00:00 7:31

43 Jill Roberts 58:30:00 70:00:00 11:30

44 Paul Sugden* 58:33:00 70:15:00 11:42

45 Esmaeil Zadeh* 58:34:00 65:00:00 6:26

46 Shadi Nezhad* 58:35:00 68:00:00 9:25

47 Rachel Dawson* 58:42:00 68:00:00 9:18

48 Jo-Ann Pattinson* 58:44:00 57:00:00 1:44

49 Ashley Hargreaves 58:47:00 50:00:00 8:47

50 Tom Lally 59:27:00 60:00:00 0:33

51 Emma O’Looney 68:17:00 75:00:00 6:33

52 Carolyn Stone 68:19:00 75:00:00 6:31

53 Alessandra La Via 69:25:00 75:00:00 5:35

Ilkley Gazette Report – w/c 3 February 2025

Mon 3 Feb 2025

[Photo is Tom Adams on his way to an emphatic victory at the Rombalds Stride]

From Peter Shelley & Nicola Budding…

Ilkley Harrier victories on and offroad in an active weekend of racing for seniors and juniors alike

On Saturday 40 Harriers took part in the Rombalds Stride, a popular midwinter fixture organised by the 15th Airedale Scout group and now in its 43rd year. Runners and walkers took on a 35km clockwise route with over 1,000m ascent from St. Oswald’s School in Guiseley via Esholt, Baildon Moor, Rombalds Moor, Menston and Otley Chevin before returning to school for pie, potato and peas.

Ilkley Harrier Tom Adams came home first, ten minutes ahead of second place, in a time of 2:32:31 which (subject to confirmation) is a new course record.

Michael Odell finished fourth in 2:47:42, Nick Kealey 12th and first MV50 in 3:05:00 and Forrest Hamilton 22nd in 3:16:05. Robert Green was next up, 24th in 3:20:50. Kate Archer was 32nd, 3rd lady and first FV45 in 3:23:39. Alison Weston was 1st FV55 in 4:19:15 and Adela Reperecki first FV60 in 4:40:36. 33 further Harriers made it to the finish all comfortably within the 10-hour limit.

Over in Lancashire the Pendle Way in a Day ultras took place. Runners had a choice of 48k and 70k routes. Martin Hartley opted for the latter, which took him over 2,000m of ascent including Pendle Hill which is saved until the final 10km. The weather was relatively benign, but the terrain challenging and muddy in places. Martin managed the conditions and pacing well to come home in 8:42:13, 21st of 113 and first MV45.

Dewsbury’s annual 10k took place on Sunday on a flat course conducive to fast times. Jo Sagar of Leeds City Athletics Club won in 30:06. Ilkley Harrier Jack Cummings was 4th for the third year in a row in a time of 31:09. Mark Hall finished 206th and first MV65 in a remarkable time of 36:21, two minutes ahead of his nearest age category competitor in what was a new club record. Also finishing in the top 10 of their age categories were Helen Waddington (7th FV55) and Sally Malir (7th FV60). Nine further Harriers featured among the 2,650 finishers.

Another Sunday event was the Loughrigg Silverhow Fell Race. Starting and finishing in Ambleside, the race climbs 879m over rough terrain in just 14km visiting Loughrigg and Silverhow summits before returning via Lily Tarn. Sole Harrier representative in a field of 120, reigning English Fell Champion Ben Rothery made it count, winning in 1:06:10.

Wharfedale Harriers staged Runners and Riders, an 8km offroad event climbing 270m over the fields and moors to the north of Appletreewick. Competitors choose whether to compete on a mountain bike, gravel bike or on foot. The event was won by a cyclist, Sam Watson of Hope Factory Racing, with Tom Bell the first runner home in 4th. Iain Gibbons was first Harrier home, 9th cyclist and 15th overall. Oscar Shinn finished 7th runner and 16th overall. Having run the event before, Jeff Green opted to ride it this time and stayed upright to finish 15th cyclist and 28th overall. Junior George Whittlestone ran to 33rd place, Martin Peace rode to 52nd and Alastair Barlow ran to 83rd respectively.

Ilkley Junior Harriers were out in force on Saturday representing either their school or District. The fourth race in the Wharfedale Primary Schools Cross Country League took place at Ben Rhydding Primary School with runners up to Year 6 competing for individual and team places.

Having already been selected through previous cross-country performances, some of the older juniors (Years 7 to 13) were competing for their District (either Bradford or Leeds) in the West Yorkshire Schools XC Championships at Leeds Grammar School. There were some outstanding performances and as a result several of our juniors will now represent West Yorkshire in the English Schools Athletics Association Championships in March.

Unsurprisingly, with so many Juniors occupied by the XC’s on Saturday, just three took part in the weekly parkruns. Samesh Chotai had another good run at Skipton finishing in 2nd place with a time of 17:40. Roberts Park was Ethan Pickwoad’s choice this week finishing in 24:16 whilst Harry Leijssen opted for Chevin Forest finishing in 24:53.

Among the seniors, Steve Gott finished fifth in the Chevin parkrun while Jaysson Sawyer finished 9th at Fountains Abbey. Alex Foyn was 2nd in Harrogate, Harry Brook-Dobson 4th at Lister Park and Stephen Coy 6th at Queen’s in Glasgow.

Notice of the club’s 2025 AGM

Sat 1 Feb 2025

As is required in our Club Constitution we must hold an AGM within two months of the end of our financial year, which is now 31st December. This year our AGM will be at Ilkley tennis club at 8.30pm on Tuesday 25th February.

We must have an AGM with a quorum of members and the committee would appreciate it if as many of you as possible could attend to hear what we 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.

The draft agenda, with links to the minutes from the last AGM (Sept 2023) and last year’s EGM (Sept 2024), was emailed to all members on Monday 3rd February. If you would like to to raise any points to go on the agenda, please get in touch via the address on that email.

Over the next few weeks we will prepare reports and audited accounts for both the seniors and juniors and these will be circulated with the final agenda the weekend before.

And please remember that the committee is open to – and represents – everyone so if you are interested in joining us then please let me know.

We look forward to seeing you in a few weeks.

Kind regards,

Jonathan and the committee

Annual Harriers Awards – all the winners!

Sat 1 Feb 2025

Thankyou to Nick Kealey, Kate Archer and Jean Sullivan for organising a fantastic awards evening.

Congratulations to all the winners and everyone shortlisted!

(Winners in CAPITALS and bold)

Female runner of the year – Kate Archer, Sally Armitage, Alison Bennett, Petra Bijsterveld, Rachel Carter, Hilda Coulsey, Jacqui Foster, Sarah Hayes, Diane Kitchen, Sally Malir, JANE McCARTHY, Alison Weston

Male runner of the year – Tom Adams, Jack Cummings, Nathan Edmondson, Mark Hall, Ed Hobbs, Geoff Howard, Oli Murphy, BEN ROTHERY, Ritchie Williamson, Jack Wood

Most improved female runner – Sally Armitage, Petra Bijsterveld, Helena Coy, Sarah Hayes, Ruth Kitchen, SARAH LAMBERT, Claire McLoughlin, Emma Sheppard, Helen Thurston, Jacqui Weston

Most improved male runner – Sam Bentham, Harry Brook-Dobson, Archie Budding, Forrest Hamilton, John Hayes, Nick Helliwell, Ed Hobbs, Nigel Illingworth, TONY PYE, Peter Shelley, Harry Sime, Matthew Thackwray, Alan Travis, Christos Tzelis, Ritchie Williamson, Iain Young

Female endurance runner – Kate Archer, Rachel Carter, PETRA BIJSTERVELD, Jane McCarthy, Jann Smith, Alison Weston

Male endurance runner – Forrest Hamilton, Gavin Lamb, Richard Joel, Oli Murphy, Ben Rothery, Peter Shelley, RITCHIE WILLIAMSON

Emerging male talent – SAM BENTHAM, Archie Budding, Ed Hobbs, Oscar Shinn, Matthew Thackwray, Christos Tzelis

Emerging female talent – Helena Coy, KATIE POULTER, Beth Rogers

Over 50 male – Jeff Green, MARK HALL, John Hayes, Geoff Howard, Peter Shelley, Marc Westerman, Ritchie Williamson

Over 50 female – Alison Bennett, Petra Bijsterveld, Hilda Coulsey, JANE McCARTHY, Jann Smith, Alison Weston

One-off stunning performance (joint winners):

Ruth Kitchen – sub-18 at Cheshire

GEOFF HOWARD – Top ranked MV80 in UK thanks to Abbey Dash display

FRA LV40 WINNING TEAM (Katie Poulter, Rachel Carter/Kate Archer, Alison Weston/Jann Smith, Helen Thurston)

Alison Weston – Valencia Marathon

Alison Bennett – parkrun league winner

Ritchie Williamson – Winter Spine

Ed Hobbs – Guy Fawkes record

Dave Foyston – sub 3hr Leeds Marathon

Nathan Edmondson – 10k club record

Kate Prior – Three Peaks

Forrest Hamilton – Abingdon Marathon

Jack Wood – Malaga Half

Archie Budding – Scottish U20 2000m steeplechase champ

One-off contribution:

NEIL CHAPMAN – Pete Shields 10k

Vince Gibbons – Pete Shields 10k

Jeff Green – Christmas Relays

Peter Roll – Ilkley Moor Fell Race

Caroline Tong – New run group

Newbie writing team for the Gazette

Contribution to club female:

Petra Bijsterveld

Jill Ezard

Jean Sullivan

CAROLINE TONG

Dawn Turner

Helen Waddington

Rebecca White

Contribution to club male:

NEIL CHAPMAN

Vince Gibbons

Nick Helliwell

Dan McKeown

Jonathan Turner

Dick Waddington

Will Worboys

Iain Young

Male captain’s pick: WILL WORBOYS

Female captain’s pick: RACHEL CARTER

Ilkley Gazette Report – w/c 27 Jan 2025

Mon 27 Jan 2025

From Jill Ezard…

Photo credit Mick Hall photos

Northern Athletics Cross Country Championships and the build up to the Fell Race

After last week’s full race calendar there was limited racing this weekend but some great performances. Despite Storm Éowyn making course set up extremely challenging, the Northern Athletics Cross Country Championships took place on Saturday at Tatton Park in Cheshire. With exceptional athletes in all age categories this is a fantastic opportunity for the Harriers to pit themselves against the best of the north and every Harrier put in a great performance. In the under 17 category, Junior Harriers Alexander Wolfenden and Oscar Shinn had excellent runs over the 5.8km course. Alexander came over the line in 18:54 taking 20^th position with Oscar just behind in 20:37. In the under 20s races, Helena Coy was the sole female Harrier taking part but had a strong race taking 17^th place in 22:48 over the 5.8km course. Meanwhile, Ed Hobbs and Christos Tzelis battled it out in the men’s under 20 race with Ed having a superb run to finish fifth in the 7.9km race in 25:05 and Christos, also in the top 20 in 26:03. In the senior races it was Rachel Carter in the 7.9km women’s race and Steve Coy in the men’s 11.75k event representing the Harriers. Rachel came over the line in 33:21 taking sixth place in her age category, with Steve completing the race in 46:16. Well done to all for representing the club!

Back closer to home, Geoffrey White was the sole Harrier to brave the aptly named St Aiden’s Winter Beast. A hilly 6.66mile race around RSPB St Aiden’s Country Park, the run takes participants on paths and trails throughout the park with some great views at the top of the climbs if you dare to look up! Geoffrey had a good run completing the run in 58:28.

And if reports of Harriers’ race experiences pique your interest why not think about entering the next race in the Harriers’ own race calendar – the Ilkley Moor Fell Race taking place on second March 2025. You can enter by following the link on the Ilkley Harriers’ website. Not sure whether it’s quite your thing? We’re hosting a recce of the course on Sunday 9th February at 10:30am. It will start from Darwin Gardens in Ilkley and everyone is welcome. If you’re interested, check out the details on Facebook and X.

If shorter events are more your thing, then you could follow the lead of the 22 Harriers and Juniors who took part in the parkrun events at home and abroad this weekend. There were a poetic ten top-ten finishes this weekend: Junior Harrier James Lee was fifth at the Chevin; James Horrex was sixth at Fountain’s Abbey; Mark Hall was fourth at Lister Park bagging an eye-watering 87.02% age grade along the way; Gawain Moore was the first finisher at Roberts Park with Isobel Moore in fifth place and Emma Moore in tenth, making it a real family affair; Jann Smith was eighth at the same event; Samesh Chotai was the third finisher at Skipton; and two Harriers, Sam Angus and Maddie Morris, travelled overseas to finish in the top ten in the Donaupark event in Vienna! There were also Personal Bests for Gawain and Emma Moore and Geoffrey Howard continued his age grading form with a fantastic 85.15%. Congratulations to all who took part in an event.

Northern XC Championships – Sat 25 Jan 2025

Sat 25 Jan 2025

From Rachel Carter…

A few of us headed across the Pennines to the Northern Athletics Cross Country Championships at Tatton Park, Cheshire. After the wind and storms of Friday, Saturday was a still, cold but sunny day showing Tatton Park’s magnificent trees and lakes in all their glory. Organisation was spot on with parking just a few minutes walk to the tent and start area, and importantly plenty of toilets!. The course was largely firm and runnable with a section of slightly rougher ground, a handful of bogs and a short sharp incline amongst a few much shallower ups and downs. Senior Men ran three laps and women two. Medium and small laps were in the mix for younger categories.

Steve Coy (217th) was the only Senior male finisher and I (76th) the only Senior Woman. Ed Hobbs had a great run to finish 5th in the Junior men with Christos Tzelis around a minute behind in 17th. In the Junior Women, Helena Coy finished strongly in 17th and in the U17 Men’s Alexander Wolfenden was 20th and Oscar Shinn 70th. Full results.

For anyone still considering a trip to Parliament Hill, London on 22nd February for the National Cross Country Championships the closing date is 31st Jan.

Ilkley Gazette Report w/c 20 Jan 2025

Mon 20 Jan 2025

From Will Worboys…

Harriers Dominant on the Fells

Ilkley athletes have been dominating the fells, with several wins and podium finishes posted on a successful weekend for the Harriers.

Ilkley’s English fell champion Ben Rothery continued his winning streak, finishing first and breaking yet another course record in the process. Rothery was up against a strong field in the third race of the ‘Kong Winter Fell Series’ at Clough Head near Keswick. An extremely tough five-mile route incorporating 1870 feet of climbing did not deter Rothery from posting a brilliant time of 35:09, just ahead of rival Finlay Grant. Fellow Ilkley runner Sam Bentham was not far back in 6th place and a time of 37:30, again demonstrating that a big future lies ahead for the young Harrier. Two other Harriers also travelled to the lakes and put in very good performances. James Bentham finished in 56:33 and Alison Weston made it back in 1:01:04 and was 5^th placed in the W50 category.

Closer to home at the Stanbury Splash, Jack Cummings had another brilliant run. He finished 33 seconds ahead of the second placed runner in 38 minutes dead, to win the race for the second year running. The race, which is organised by Wharfedale Harriers, is part of the annual series of fell races based at Penistone quarry near Haworth and as the name suggests includes some stream crossings in addition to navigating plenty of rugged moorland terrain. It attracted a good number of Harriers who were happy to get their feet wet, maybe due to it being the first event of the 2025 club race league. The Ilkley ladies also excelled at the race, winning the team prize. This was helped by Rachel Carter being second female in a time of 1:02:07, followed by Kate Archer who was 3^rd female in 1:03:36. Katie Poulter was the other contributor to the team prize by finishing as 6^th female. There were plenty of other superb runs in very cold conditions. Kelly Wilby was 7^th female, Paul Carman was in 29^th place overall and Alistair Barlow, Peter Roll, Ash Winter, Paul O’Looney, Paul Disney and Colm McCann all finished well inside the first half of runners to complete the race. At the same venue in the junior 3K quarry runs, Oscar Shinn finished 2^nd overall (1^st U19), followed by George Whittlestone in 4^th place.

Meanwhile in the Pennines, Ilkley’s own endurance specialist Petra Bijsterveld attacked the monstrous Montane Winter Spine Challenger North. Starting at Hawes and finishing 160 miles north, all the way up in Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish borders. This amazing attempt in wintry conditions had Petra’s clubmates glued to the live map ‘dot watching’ for athlete number 507’s progress. After setting off on Monday morning Petra battled through all the way to Friday and a painfully close 7 miles from the finish before she unfortunately succumbed to a painful back problem and had to pull out. An amazing achievement to get so far in what is one of the toughest endurance races there is.

On the road on Sunday was the classic ‘Brass Monkey’ half marathon, which is based in York and takes participants out into the countryside and back. The race always attracts a strong field due to its flat route and PB potential and this year was won by ex-Harrier Laurence McCourt, now of Morpeth. Several current Harriers made the trip including Helen Waddington who put in a very good performance to finish 5^th in her category in a time of 1:42:59. Justin Phillips in 1:26:51 and Phil Joyner in 1:28:31 headed the way for the Ilkley men. They were followed by Dick Waddington and Alan Travis who both ran very well. Paula Reynier was pleased to dip under two hours with a superb run and then Sarah Lambert in 2:16:18.

One Harrier made his way to Cheshire for a half marathon after missing out on a Brass Monkey place. Harry Brook-Dobson completed the Four Villages Half Marathon which tours somewhere between 3 and 5 villages on pleasant country lanes. The lone Ilkley runner will have been glad to have made the trip as he bettered his nine year old PB by over three minutes to finish the race in 70^th place of over 1400 finishers and a time of 1:21:13.

More success was had in the 5K parkruns on Saturday morning. At Chevin Forest James Horrex was first finisher in a time of 19:24. Junior Harrier James Lee was 3^rd at the event in 20:05. At Roberts Park, in addition to his 1^st place at Bradford schools XC earlier in the week, junior athlete Alexander Wolfenden was first finisher in a time of 18:13. Rachel Carter was 1^st female at the same event, while junior Ethan Pickwoad came first in the JM10 category in an excellent 22:34. Ruaridh Mon-Williams came a brilliant 1^st at Holyrood in a time of 16:23. At Skipton Harry Sime continued his superb 5K form to finish 8^th in 21:53. While at Myrtle Park Nicola Budding was 7^th female in 26:31. At Lister Park Mark Hall was 6^th finisher in 18:53 and Ethan Carpenter was the only junior Harrier there finishing in a time of 27:02.

Four Villages HM – Sun 19 Jan 2025

Mon 20 Jan 2025

From Harry Brook-Dobson…

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Photo credit: Mick Hall Photos

Being as disorganised as I am, I missed the ballot for the Brass Monkey so made the trip to Cheshire for this race on the same day which still had entries available into December. The course transpired to be more ‘sporting’ than the advertised 200ft of elevation and the organisers were forced to delay the start by 20 minutes after being let down by the bus company who were supposed to ferry everyone from the car park to the start. This l meant I finished warming up about 45 minutes before starting the race and by the time we got going I felt I’d already had the full ‘brass monkeys’ experience… The course was on the pleasant lanes between Helsby and Chester and had enough undulations and changes in direction to keep you focused. I was the only Harrier to take part, finished in 70th place, and was delighted to beat my 9 year old PB by over 3 minutes. I would do the race again but will resolve (and likely fail) to plan ahead and try to get into Brass Monkey next year as it’s a local one I haven’t run.

Four Villages HM – Sun 19 Jan 2025

Sun 19 Jan 2025

From Harry Brook-Dobson…

Photo credit: Mick Hall Photos

Stanbury Splash – Sun 19 Jan 2025

Sun 19 Jan 2025

From Rachel Carter…

It was a tad chilly up on Haworth Moor for Stanbury Splash fell race but no rain or wind. Despite the freezing conditions, and knowing that the course involves ‘splashing’ through streams, Kate and I opted for shorts – independently concluding that cold wet legs were preferable to cold wet leggings! In the end, despite some pre race indecisiveness about how many layers to wear, I felt my choice of one base-layer, hat and gloves was about right, with the rest of kit carried! The course is an undulating mix of track, technical path , fields and bog (mainly just within the last half mile today and when your legs least need it) and includes a very short section of Pennine Way – from chat at the end I wasn’t the only one thinking of Petra today when the racing got tough!

15 Harriers took part with Jack Cummings taking the win by over 30 seconds. Ilkley Harriers won the ladies team prize with myself 2nd, Kate Archer 3rd and Katie Poulter in 6th, and Jann Smith won the LV50 prize. Prizes as ever involved a lot of chocolate, wine and beer!

Ilkley Gazette Report – w/c 13 January 2025

Mon 13 Jan 2025

[Archie Budding, the Northern Athletics U20 Indoor 1,500m Champion]

From Peter Shelley & Nicola Budding…

Archie flies at 1,500m Champs while winter conditions test race organisers and runners alike

The Institute of Sport in Sheffield staged the Northern Athletics U20 Indoor Championships over the weekend. Building on his 2nd place finish at the Yorkshire XC Championships a week earlier, Archie Budding took the championship 1st place in the U20M 1,500m, a great start to his indoor season following a very successful outdoor season last year.

Snow and ice played havoc with the week’s outdoor running fixtures and training, but a number of Harriers mastered the conditions in the events which were able to go ahead.

Postponed from December due to Storm Darragh, the Leeds Country Way Winter Ultras took place on Saturday and Sunday 11th-12th January. Competitors tackle two point-to-point ultra-marathons on consecutive days circumnavigating the city of Leeds via local footpaths and bridleways. Ilkley Harriers Chair Jonathan Turner chose this event to make his ultra running debut. Frozen ground and sheet ice posed not only a challenge to running but to navigation as plunging temperatures caused Jonathan’s phone to stop working. His watch followed suit, and the micro spikes attached to his shoes snapped on the 56km southern segment of the circular route. Overcoming these challenges and his own doubts at the end of a tough day one, Jonathan persisted on day two to complete 50 more km and finish the event in 15 hours 29 minutes and 12th place overall, a fabulous achievement.

James Horrex finished 4th in 21:23 at Roundhay, one of the few local parkruns to take place. Sam Angus was 73rd in 24:55, Will Worboys 325th in 31:22 and Natalie Gravett-Foyn 346th in 31:48. 690 ran.

Tom Lambe’s 20:52 placed him 7th in Heartlands parkrun in Cornwall, while Amanda Newham was 32nd in Southall in 31:29.

Leeds Country Way Winter Ultra – Sat/Sun 11/12 Jan 2025

Sun 12 Jan 2025

From Jonathan Turner…

It felt a bit like out of the frying pan and into the fire when the Leeds Country Way Winter Ultra finally got under way on Saturday – the original dates in early December were cancelled because of Storm Darragh and rescheduled for the second weekend in January.

So wind and rain was replaced by lots – and lots – of snow and ice and on balance we probably had it a little easier. However it definitely added to the challenge for the 35 miles on the Saturday and then 30 on the Sunday. Those who have done legs of the LCW Relay will know most of the route well, though the southern half was markedly different in places.

Micro studs helped until they snapped early on Saturday afternoon. The phone died soon after because of the cold and then the watch, which made navigation tricky in the final section. I had a battery charger which got things back on track but it all gave me massive appreciation for the challenge Petra and others all had to come in the Winter Spine Race, a completely different league.

I made my way to the finish at Farsley Celtic FC around 5pm on Saturday, effectively the halfway point for the weekend, but I think the cold conditions had taken their toll as plenty of people were unsure about whether they’d be back for part two in the morning.

I was 50/50 at that point – I had good excuses as I’d been drawn out of the club ballot during the week for the London Marathon so that had suddenly become the running priority and I also knew the second half really well, so it was less a voyage into the unknown.

However a quick dash to a nearby outdoor shop to replace the broken Yaktrax-type footwear things probably gave a good indication of what was going to happen the next day.

And I was so glad I did go back. I made a conscious effort to exit the start right at the back and just make Sunday all about getting to the finish. It was completely new territory – Saturday had been my longest-ever run, and now I had 50k/30 miles to negotiate the day after.

But it couldn’t have worked out better. I joined up with two others before the halfway point near Harewood and we pretty much chatted all the way from then on.

It became obvious that lots had bailed before the Sunday so a very limited field by this point and we were now the last group but embraced it – and it was fantastic not worrying about time or position. Running with others also meant the constant looking out for black ice could be put on hold for sections – whoever was at the front would shout a warning – but to be honest the runnable sections were very limited.

I’ve realised that ultrarunners are definitely a different breed – one of the two I ran with had recently completed 130-miles plus at a Backyard Ultra – and it was good to get plenty of advice for the future.

Ritchie W and Petra had told me to set off steady and keep eating, which I tried to follow, but running with others was the game-changer for me – that turned it from a battle with the bad chimp on your shoulder telling you to quit to a really enjoyable experience.

Obviously it’s very, very early days for me but hopefully this is the first of many ultras and I’d definitely recommend Great Owl Running who organised this. A small company but they handled the initial cancellation well and the rescheduled event ran smoothly. Check points / food stations were great and friendly and they are now doing the LCW ultra all in one in September, starting at midnight. Think I might be tempted…

Ilkley Gazette Report – w/c 6 Jan 2025

Mon 6 Jan 2025

From Jill Ezard…

Photo credit: Woodentops

New Year successes off road

Snow and ice may have stopped play at the weekend with both the third race in the PECO cross country series and several parkruns being cancelled, but it was still a good week for the Harriers off road and at the parkrun events that could be held.

On New Year’s Eve 13 hardy Harriers clearly wanted to see 2024 out in style, taking part in the Daleside Auld Lang Syne race. A 6.7 mile race with a challenging 1000ft of ascent, participants set off from Peniston Hill Country Park, heading up towards Top Withens, taking in the upper reaches of Ponden Clough and Stanbury Moor. Jack Cummings had a great race taking second place in an impressive time of 46:10. Martin Hartley was the second Harrier home in 55:52 followed by Thomas Mountain in 58:56. Kate Archer was the first Ilkley lady home and sixth lady overall, taking fourth place in her age category in 59:15, just pipping Paul Carman to the line in 59:20. Both Kelly Wilby and Jann Smith were in the top ten of their age categories completing the race in 1:05:26 and 1:08:26 respectively. Well done to everyone that took part and represented the club.

In a completely different challenge, John Hayes took part in The Drop, Leeds. In this event competitors are taken blindfolded by bus to an unknown location outside Leeds and, without the aid of any tech or map and compass, must find their way back! Relishing the opportunity to go old school, relying on the sun, road signs and local landmarks, John took on the longer 15 mile event. Getting dropped of somewhere between Keighley and Halifax, John found find his way back, running 17.6 miles in the process, but managing to win the event in 2:18:42, over 20 minutes ahead of the next finisher. A great result!

Just squeezing in before the snow took hold, several Harriers across the senior and junior clubs, travelled to North Yorkshire to take part in the Yorkshire Cross Country Championships at Lightwater Valley. The undulating lap based course, offering a variety of distances across the age groups, was in good condition despite the rain during the week. All participants, regardless of the distance had to tackle some steep climbs with a fast level finish. Five Juniors ran with some excellent results: In the U13 Boys race Thomas Greenwood was 31^st in 10:51; Ben Stacey ran in the U15 Boys race coming 39^th in 18:39; and Alexander Wolfenden had a top ten finish in the U17 Boys race in 22:44.

Three of our Younger Harriers took part in the U20 races: In the women’s race Helena Coy had a great run finishing the 6.3km race in the top ten in 28:31; Archie Budding took a fantastic second place in the men’s 8.2km race in 28:06, followed by Samesh Chotai in 30:26 taking seventh place.

And in the senior races, the Coy family were battling it out in the men’s race with some impressive times across the 10k course: Dom took family bragging rights coming over the line first in 35:37; Nathan was next in 39:33; and keeping the boys in sight and the last member of the family over the line was Steve in 42:06. Katie Hickling was the sole female Harrier at the event finishing the 8.2km senior women’s race in 47:13.

Blowing away the cobwebs and starting the year with parkrun fun, there were two opportunities to take part in the free 5k events across the country this week with 28 Harriers joining the events on New Year’s Day and 16 on Saturday. New Year’s Day saw some great top ten finishes across the country: Alex Foyn and Natalie Gravett-Foyn at Barnstead Woods; Oscar Shinn at the Chevin Forest event, securing a Personal Best on the first day of the year; Jaysson Sawyer at Fountains Abbey; James Horrex at Gunnersby; Adam Gerrish at Nottingham; and Samesh Chotai and Harry Sime at Skipton. Special mention to the Moore family who all ran in the Chevin Forest event with Juniors Michael and Isobel both taking age category first finisher positions. The weather meant many of the local events were cancelled at the weekend but there were still some great top ten finishes across the country: Rob Cunningham at the Eden Project; James Horrex at Harrogate; and Alex Foyn at Moel Valley where he also finished in a Personal Best time.

Congratulations to all who took part in an event.

The Drop Leeds – Sat 4 Jan 2025

Sat 4 Jan 2025

From John Hayes…

One of the things I enjoy about longer races is the navigational element. Running with a map and compass in hand is second nature to me. Take them away, and I’m like a young child who has had their comfort blanket confiscated. In a nutshell, this is what happens in The Drop. You can have no map, no compass, no phone and no Garmin watch or other such gadget. You can carry the gadgets but they must be started and then sealed in a non-see-through bag at the point you board the bus. And when you have taken your seat in the bus, you MUST wear a blindfold. You are then driven to the start. This means for the first hour or so, your Strava trace shows you moving at about 30-60 mph. One of the most important jobs at the finish is to edit your run (to remove the bus journey) before your followers start querying your astonishing PBs. But I digress. What about the run itself? Well, when the bus stops you remove your blindfold. Unless the bus is dropping off the 10 mile runners and you have entered the 15 mile event. Then you MUST keep the blindfold on until you get dropped off at the 15 mile location. You then have to work out where you are and try and pick the best route back. This is not easy. They tend to drop runners off in obscure locations. The position of the sun, road signs and bus stops are all useful. Following other runners is definitely NOT advisable, especially those who set off fast and uber-confidently. This year the 15 mile drop off (which I entered) was somewhere between Keighley and Halifax. I spent a good few minutes running in circles and trying to work out where the sun should be if I was where I thought I was. I managed to get myself back to Leeds via Thornton/Bradford/Pudsey/the canal/Kirkstall. I must have taken a fairly good route (or everyone else must have got lost!) because I won the 15 mile event, running about 17.6 miles in the process. This race is great fun, and certainly different!

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Results 15 mile

Keswick New Year’s Day parkrun – Wed 1 Jan 2025

Wed 1 Jan 2025

From Paul Stephens…

My second parkrun, 15 years after the first, was a last minute decision on New Year’s Eve before we’d started on the wine and whisky. Keswick is a fast out and back course, and it was popular: 450+ runners. Only one other Harrier, Helen Thurston (with her daughter) who I think had driven up from Ilkley. I was staying in Threlkeld, so easy. I know parkruns are not races but I was concerned that I posted a reasonable time. I was 2nd in my age category. That was ok. Thank you to the Saturday morning efforts.