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Latest News and Results ...

Please send any Harriers news or results to news@ilkleyharriers.org.uk for this web site and for the Ilkley Gazette.

Tuesday 18 June

Tuesday evening session: with the tennis club managing their LTA tournament it is unavailable to us. Instead join the summer away run which starts from Skipton - see the detail on the social page. Otherwise meet at the old bridge.

British Masters 5k Horwich, Sun 16 June

From Hilda Coulsey ... Another 5k race for me this week this time at the British Masters event at Horwich. The winners of the age categories are very much in the top few of the respective runbritain rankings and their times are amazing. Chatting before and after was interesting and enjoyable. The course itself is 3 laps of closed road; up then down, then flat and up to the finish.
Results ...

(1  15:36 Mick Hill, Leeds)
118 25:20 Hilda Coulsey  3rd F65
128 completed

Buckden Pike fell race, Sat 15 June

From John Hayes ... I hadn't run this classic fell race before. I mentioned this to Jack Cummings shortly before the start. "Is it brutal?" I asked. "Yes" he replied cheerfully (and it was!)
As we congregated at the start line, I couldn't understand why Jack was standing at the back near to me. And then I realised the race went the other way to what I had assumed. I tried to take up my rightful place, but before I knew it we were off. Early on is an exciting river crossing. And then the race goes up .. and up ... and up. Jack took the lead and soon vanished into the mist. I tried to keep up with Helen (all the while with a nagging feeling that this was over-ambitious on my part). On the downhill section, Helen moved up a gear and I gave up trying to catch her and concentrated instead on not falling over. On the steepest part of the descent, at least one runner overtook me sliding on his bottom!
Results ...

1  36:18 Jack Cummings
21 48:27 Helen Wood (2nd female)
29 50:06 John Hayes
62 ran

Canal Canter Summer Extravaganza, Sat 15 June

From Colin Williams ... I was looking for a marathon to run this weekend and settled on the local "Grim up North, Canal Canter Summer Extravaganza", but as I left it very late to book, the Marathon was full, but there was spaces on the Ultra so I went for that instead. I was lucky with the weather, a lot better than we have been getting for the last week and I finished 10 minutes before the rain started. The ultra and the marathon start together. The course starts in Kirkstall and follows the Leeds Liverpool canal, fist to Leeds the turns and runs back along the canal to past the start to Saltaire then back to the start where the marathon finishes, the ultra continues back to Leeds for one last 6 mile loop. Only about half the ultra runners finished the race, I was pleased to finish in third place in a PB of 4:40:09
Resutls ...

(1 4:09:11 Dave Teggart, Bradford Airedale AC)
3  4:40:09 Colin Williams
8 finished

parkruns, Sat 15 June

Results

York Evensplits 5k, Thu 13 June

From Hilda Coulsey... Having taken part in the Leeds Evensplits 5k series I decided to try York. It is entirely on the cycle circuit at the University of York Heslington East Sport Village, 5 laps of 1k. It's pretty flat and hence its a potential pb course with more than half of the runners on the night under 20 mins.
Results ...

(1 16:17 Thomas Holloway, Rotherham Harriers)
80 24:22 Hilda Coulsey 
91 finished

Otley 10, Wed 12 June

From Rachel Carter... A few of us made the short journey on Wednesday evening to take part in the Otley 10, a long standing road race organised by Otley AC for more than 30 years. It has a fast 3 miles to start, followed by some testing hills crossing the Washburn valley north of the town. Conditions were good with the long hill climb good for distracting from the slight breeze. This year the race was part of the Hilly Running Festival with all finishers receiving a free pair of socks alongside a bottle of beer. Jack comfortably took 1st place, being 40 seconds ahead of 2nd. I was 4th lady and 1st FV40.
Provisional results ...

1     54:46 Jack Wood
41  1:07:12 David Foyston
59  1:09:55 Rachel Carter
118 1:17:56 Stephen Newell
186 1:24:28 Michael Ho
244 1:32:07 Clare Boyle
288 1:41:49 Janet Smith
310 finished

Settle Saunter, Sun 9 June

From Ben Sheppard... As its name suggests, the Settle Saunter is your typical "old man's walking race" - a 23 mile trundle (10k and half marathon versions are available) along trails, trods and lanes in the Dales, chewing the cud and admiring the views between food stations with fellow stroller Dan McKeown. Map, directions and GPS on my watch notwithstanding, we managed to make a couple of 'navigation' errors in the latter stages to add to the fun. Dan and I ran round together almost the whole way until we got lost in the woods and ended up separated, after which Dan got misdirected onto the 10k course for a little extra distance at the end while I made directly for the pie and peas and mug of tea, finishing in around 3 hrs 35. Nice to see some friendly Ilkley Harriers faces at the finish having done the 10k or half marathon courses, including Jayne Norman and Chantal Busby.
From Jayne Norman ... I did the 13.1 mile option, a great course, which does need some navigational schemes, but compared to other races this is more social run without the competitive nature, making it a fantastic race for new (or experienced) half marathon runners. Excellent value for money as free pie and peas, and cups of tea/coffee at the end. I finished in 2hrs 40 (beating my PB by 12 mins)
Results

Catforth 10k, Sat 8 June

We hear Beth Massey was 1st F45, 3rd lady. Awaiting results.

Man vs Horse, Sat 8 June

Jack may have been 4th, but he was the first runner, 9 minutes clar of 5th place.
Results ...

4 2:23:39 Jack Wood
767 finished

parkruns, Sat 8 June

From Petra Bijsterveld ... Results ...

Oxford
(1  16:45 James Eve, Headington RRC)
14  19:13 James Ryder
103 24:43 Jo Foster
311 ran

Bradford
(1  18:47 Martin Fillingham, Saltaire Striders)
22  22:06 Dave Reynier
173 28:56 Paula Reynier
338 ran

Skipton
(1  16:26, Joe Hudson, KCAC)
5   19:57 Kate Archer 1st F
167 ran

Selection news, Thu 6 June

From Steve Brennan ... Euan Brennan took third place on Sunday at the Trial Race for the European Mountain Running Championships.
The trial was held on a wet and windy course up Skiddaw with 660 metres of elevation over 5.2 km.
British Athletics announced today his inclusion in the GB & NI U20 team that will compete at the European Mountain Running Championships to be held on an Uphill Only course in Zermatt, Switzerland on 7th July 2019.
Euan was part of the winning GB team from last years European Championships in Macedonia.
Link to BA announcement.

Blencathra fell race, Wed 5 June

From Jann Smith ... 7.6miles / 2864 ft Englands 9th highest mountain was wet and clagged in for this summer evening race, a lovely circular route approaching from the village of Mungrisedale in the East and touching the summit.
Results ...

(1  1:01:10 Brennan Townsend, Keswick)
137 1:36:03 Jann Smith  1st F50
179 finished

Otley Chevin fell race, Wed 5 June

Results ...

1   17:26 Jack Wood
4   18:16 Jack Cummings
18  20:50 Dan Mckeown
36  21:58 Lucy Williamson
41  22:18 Jonathan Turner
43  22:23 Kate Archer
64  23:32 Richard Joel
73  24:26 Bob Hamilton
106 27:07 Alison Weston
127 29:09 Helen Waddington
160 finished

HDSRL 2, Ripon, Tue 4 June

From Caroline Howe ... Racing in monsoon conditions for the second Harrogate Summer Race League event at Ripon. A mainly off-road course across fields, farm tracks and through woods around Studley Park, the torrential rain meant we we were literally running through rivers, mud, and ankle deep puddles for the entire course. All in all conditions made for a very memorable evening, helped by great hosting by Ripon Runners who put on a great spread and awesome bunnage afterwards! Great performances from the 19 Harriers who made the trip... Jack Wood won the race by almost a minute; Sarah Pickering and Sally Armitage were in the top 10 female finishers; and Malcolm Pickering was first V65. The next race at Yeadon is a Harriers league counter so looking forward to a good turnout!
Results ...

1   29:55 Jack Wood
47  36:58 Jonathan Turner
114 40:57 Sarah Pickering
115 41:06 Sally Armitage
155 43:00 Caroline Howe
209 45:22 Tom Lally
210 45:24 Paul Stephens
213 45:29 Jane Bryant
218 45:57 Emily Elmes
230 46:34 Malcolm Pickering
240 47:05 Geoffrey White
274 48:53 David Ibbotson
341 53:36 Dawn Turner
350 54:20 Anna Pickering
352 54:28 Sally Pickering
385 57:35 Amelia Miles
398 58:42 Sue Verspyck
413 62:39 Tracy Russell
423 68:35 David Millson
433 ran

Trail des Paccots, Sun 2 June

From Petra Bijsterveld ... I looked for an Alpine race to fit in with my holiday plans, and this event in Switzerland just north east of Lake Geneva appeared to fit the bill just perfectly. Given the options of a 17k, 27k or 42k course I immediately chose the longest, thinking that more than 8000 feet of ascent to add to the distance can't be too bad if you say it quickly enough! Training had gone well and I had the benefit of spending my final tapering week in the Alps so could do my last runs at greater altitude. As the day approached the weather got hotter and a forecasted 25 degrees made me worry about heat exhaustion, so a last minute purchase of a bright white baseball cap ensued, which I think helped as I possibly suffered less from the heat than normal. Race morning saw a collection of very fit looking alpine mountain runners assemble at the start in Les Paccots. No fun runners here! From the entry list I had gleaned that 98% of runners were fairly local, but I had previously made contact with a Dutch compatriot, Mieke, and I was pleased to see her at the start. As it turned out we would meet each other many times during the race.
The course is a mixture of trails through forests, meadows, along (or up) steep mountain sides, across a few snow fields, and there were 2 river crossings. To add a bit of stress there were 3 time cut-offs and I was worried about having to travel back on the bus of shame (thankfully this did not happen)! 8247 feet of ascent obviously means a lot of climbing, what I had not expected was the steepness of 2 of the long climbs which felt almost vertical, the first one at mile 8 had me near fainting and I had to sit down 3 times on a rock with my head down. Many calls of 'ca va?' and 'courage' from passing runners ensued. After taking in some more calories, despite feeling very nauseous, this thankfully did not happen again. At mile 9 the 27k course parted from the 42k and I found myself entirely alone. Thankfully the course was well marked, and at least I did not have to keep stopping now to let faster 27k runners go past. I caught up with Mieke and a French woman runner at the 13 mile feed station and together we climbed the long ascent (5 miles) to the top of Le Moleson (2000m), where we met 3 male runners who had reached the top just ahead of us. The two sweepers had caught up with us and as I am the world's worst descender I then knew I would be the last finisher. Being last, and still worrying about being timed out at the final cut-off, were my only stressors, apart from that I managed to enjoy the final miles despite increasing fatigue, occasionally meeting Mieke at water stations as she was only just ahead, and calling out encouragement in Dutch. The only part which made me really unhappy was an additional uphill stretch of tarmac to make up the distance whilst the finish was actually in sight and along the flat. Like the final lap around a field but ten times worse. Still I did not cry!
I was indeed the 162nd and final finisher in 9 hours 10 minutes, but pleased to see that the 5 runners I had been with on Le Moleson had arrived no more than 10 minutes ahead of me. 20 runners had abandoned the race. I met up with Mieke once more as we tucked into the generous free meal we were given.
I loved the entire experience and could not fault the event organization. Such friendly marshals and volunteers (benevoles) at the feed stations and also friendly local and tourist support along the course. I felt obliged to thank all marshals more profusely as I was last! Excellent provisions at the feed stations including Gruyere cheese (my body really craved salt) and flat Coke. Encouragingly this race was almost entirely plastic free and every runner had to carry their own cup. Despite being last I would do this race, or a similar Alpine event, again as soon as the opportunity arises! Perhaps with less heat I could even be a little faster......
Results ...

(1  4:19:30 Remi Francais, Ski-Club Les Diablerets)
162 9:10:02 Petra Bijsterveld 
162 finished

Coniston Lakeland Trails Marathon and Half Marathon, Sun 2 June

From Helen Waddington ... Great to see two other Ilkley Harriers at this event. Paul Sugden and Nicky Liptrot took on the half marathon Challenge event which takes in the first 17 km/1200 ft of the full marathon course as far as Tarn Hows before returning to Coniston. I completed the full Marathon which is a full circuit of Coniston with just shy of 3,000 feet overall ascent and all the usual Lakeland terrain boxes ticked including forest trails, moorland bogs, rocky tracks and a lovely run in along the shoreline before a lap of the finish field thrown in for good measure, which we always enjoy don't we . . .
Results ...

Half Marathon Challenge
(1  1:33:16 Ian Roberts, Liverpool  and Sefton Harriers)
32  1:59:04 Nicky Liptrot (4th lady)
232 2:34:09 Paul Sugden
344 ran

Marathon Race
(1  3:03:20 Joel Jameson, Team Jameson)
156 5:12:16 Helen Waddington
210 ran

Runforall Hull half marathon, Sun 2 June

From Hilda Coulsey... I ventured east on the M62 to run the Hull half marathon. I believe I was the only Ilkley Harrier, not surprisingly as the Wharfedale half usually attracts me and is more attractive in many ways! It was well organised and friendly, as expected from the Jane Tomlinson Runforall events, and I hadn't done this one before so I felt it was worth a shot. I'm disappointed with my time I have never experienced the drop off the in pace I did today to achieve my personal worst road half marathon performance. I have to blame the weather, it was hot and humid, and talking to others afterwards I wasn't the only one finding it hard. Others might say I ought to train more however I did manage 2nd in my age category! Grassington will be in the diary for me next year, however the Hull half is definitely a good race to do - it's fairly flat with lots of support.
Results ...

(1  1:08:41 Mohammad Aburezeq, Altringham)
721 2:06:45 Hilda Coulsey 
1289 finished

Huddersfield Marathon, Sun 2 June

From Colin Williams ... A few months ago I signed up to run the Huddersfield Marathon, how hard could it be to run a marathon the day after the Wharfedale Trail Half and the same week as the Ilkley trail? Well know I know, pretty tough. The Huddersfield road marathon and Half marathon run on a 13.1mile route around Huddersfield, the Marathon runs the same route twice. The route has a lot of climb, I clocked 3,406 ft according to my Garmin, 400 ft of that in the last mile. The organisers say it is one of the toughest road marathon in the UK, and having run the Langdale marathon last year, who also say that, I would have to agree. The winner Simon Courtney had a fantastic race, beating the second place runner by nearly 40 mins. A small event (130 ran the half and 58 the full), but very friendly and well organised, give it a go next year, but not after running the Wharfedale half.
Results

(1 3:14:23 Simon Courtney)
7  4:19:50 Colin Williams
58 finished

Wharfedale Trail Half Marathon, Sat 1 June

Results

(1  1:25:15 Phil Marsden, Horwich)
26  1:43:25 Dave Robson
36  1:45:30 Rachel Carter
40  1:46:20 Jonathan Turner
44  1:47:25 Colin Williams
79  1:54:45 Derek Oliver
113 2:01:21 Peter Roll
126 2:03:53 Paddy Hagan
134 2:04:51 Peter Ferguson
136 2:05:02 Oli Street
254 2:24:12 Jill Ezzard
286 2:29:20 Jayne Norman
320 2:39:45 Fiona Schneider
366 2:52:48 Penelope Coulthard
367 2:52:51 Jo Pattinson
378 2:57:14 Sue Williamson
405 finished

Duddon Valley fell race, Sat 1 June

From Will Buckton ... Duddon Valley fell race was the first of this year's Lakeland 'super long' races, starting from the village of Seathwaite near Coniston. There were six major climbs including Little Stand and Swirl How which are relentless. The 2019 race was run in low visibility which led to navigational errors for the three Ilkley Harriers but we all got round in respectable times.

(1 2h59:15 Rhys Findlay-Robinson Dark Peak)
18 3h48:36 Jack Wood
75 4h48:56 Roy Ruddle
77 4h49:22 Will Buckton
117 finished 10 dnf

parkruns, Sat 1 June

Results

Apperley Bridge Canter (ABC) 10k, Thu 30 May

From Dawn Turner ... Jonathan and I were the only Harriers at this very enjoyable 10k, which is based at Woodhouse Grove School. Organised by Horsforth Harriers, it's a multi-terrain race heading up through the woods and looping back round along tracks, gravel paths, roads and fields. A very well organised, friendly event - parking and facilities are excellent - I'd highly recommend it for next year.
Results ...

(1  35:03 John Hobbs, Valley Striders)
35  40:28 Jonathan Turner
310 58:28 Dawn Turner
462 finished

Ilkley Trail Race, Mon 27 May

Full results and photos on the Trail Race page.

(1  41:18 Matthew John, North Leeds Fell Runners)
2   41:58 Cameron Reilly
3   42:12 Jack Cummings
8   44:46 Dan McKeown - 1st MV40
9   45:02 Martin Archer
11  45:46 Ben Shepherd
20  48:05 Paul Castle
25  48:40 Dave Foyston
31  49:09 Rachel Carter - 1st lady
32  49:23 Will Buckton
34  49:27 Jonathan Turner
39  49:58 Jonathan Sinclair
40  50:14 John Hayes
42  50:43 Colin Williams
50  52:08 Nick Helliwell
54  52:59 Michael Abrams-Cohen
57  53:21 Michael Duffield
63  54:12 Sally Armitage
69  55:12 Sally Malir - 1st FV50
85  57:06 Mark Judkowski
88  57:24 Geoff Howard - 1st MV70
91  57:29 Craig Berry
111 59:36 Abi Swales
115 59:59 Caroline Howe
150 65:26 Helen Doyle
163 68:36 Donna Jackson
168 69:37 Alex Stanley-Hyde
185 73:55 Karen Lambe
191 75:14 Paula Reynier
192 75:15 Dave Reynier
194 75:21 Amanda Newham
202 80:13 Sue Williamson
203 80:27 Sue Verspyck
214 finished
*Ilkley won both the men's and women's team prizes*

Austwick Amble fell race, Mon 27 May

From Jann Smith ... The village is closed and the fell race is run in conjunction with the street festival so a great atmosphere. The route climbs up through limestone pavements to meet the 3 Peaks race route on the gnarly bit down to Sulber Nick then heads back down to Austwick. The field was quality due to cash payments being offered for the course records to be broken.
Results ...

(1   48:41 Tm Stratton, City of York)
14   56:33 Paul Carman       
93 1:10:24 Jann Smith        
169 ran

Edinburgh Marathon, Sun 26 May

From Kate Archer ... I decided to enter Edinburgh marathon last minute. Starting in the city centre, the first couple of miles are downhill (finishing 7 miles from the start means you don't have to run back up the hill), then it's an out and back course along the coast. Nice to run by the sea and with a breeze on the way out the pace seemed easy. Then at mile 18 we turned back towards the city and into a brutal headwind. From then on it was a battle to maintain any sort of pace. But still a PB for me. I crossed the line in 3:09:57. The race was won by Dan Tanui in a time of 2:30:13.

Edinburgh Marathon
(1   2:30:13 Dan Tanui)
247  3:09:57 Kate Archer
2342 3:59:13 Michael Ho
7301 finishers

Edinburgh Half Marathon
(1   1:07:40 Karl Darcy)
4056 1:58:31 Sheena Pickersgill 
10,964 finishers   

Northallerton 10k, Sun 26 May

Results ...

(1  32:47 Callum Elson, Roundhay Runners)
429 58:39 John Marshall
838 finished

Ras Y Moelwyn, Sat 25 May

Jack Wood won this British Championship fell race in 1:21:03. 252 ran. Results ....

Jura fell race, Sat 25 May

From Alison Weston ... - managed the Jura fell race in 5 hrs 31 (winner Tim Morgan in 3 hr 20!) only 16 miles but pretty tough with seven tops including the 3 Paps and 7500 ft climbing. Despite the wet and misty conditions a really great event with a tremendous atmosphere.

parkruns, Sat 25 May

Results

Berghaus Dragon's Back Race, Mon 20-Fri 24 May

Two Harriers have just tackled what is billed as the toughest five-day mountain running race in the world - the legendary Dragon's Back Race which follows the mountainous spine of Wales from north to south, covering 315 kilometres and featuring 15,500 metres of ascent across wild, trackless, remote and mountainous terrain. And both the experienced Brian Melia and Justin Ions, who was taking on this sort of challenge for the first time, did superbly to finish 75th and 135th respectively out of the 251 who managed to complete this epic ultra test.
Results ...

(1  37:48:06 Galen Reynolds, Canada)
75  56:07:41 Brian Melia
135 61:48:23 Justin Ions
251 finished

From Brian Melia ... I first ran the Dragons Back in 2015 and thought that it was so difficult I would not return. I am not sure why I entered again, but I found that I had. It is an incredible event dating back to 1992 when Diamntides and Stone won. The course begins in Conwy Castle(see picture) and finishes in Llandelio after 315 km and 15,500 metres of ascent.It sounds bad , but if you divide it up in to days it sounds better.
After a welsh male voice choir got the emotions going we left the Castle. My sister wished me well and I left for day one which takes the Carneddau, the Glyderau and then scary Crib Goch and over Snowdon for the first over night in Nant Gywnant. I ran with Tom Hollins well till Tryfan in poor visibility, in around 40th place. I stopped to change socks, but Tom wanted to push on. There was a great buzz at the mid point. The temperature dramatically increased over the Glyderau and was too hot over Crib Goch to the finish.
You stay in these brilliant 8 man tents. There is enough room to get yourself sorted for each day. There was great banter.
Day 2 is over Cnict the Moelwynions and Rhinogydds. It is a tough day of 55 km. It was too hot for me. And I struggled to hydrate. I ran into th mid point with Tom again, but started being sick I think I picked a bug up through the streams. I finished the day I thought I would drop out as I could not eat. I knew day 3 was super tough with 69 km so I was intending to go home, but I found myself walking up Cadar Idris. I settled in to a steady pace till the half way point at Machynlleth where I was able to stop and find some food . Feeling more normal I trotted up and over Pumlumon Fawr to the overnight camp feeling better.
Day 4 goes through Elan valley then up and over Drygarn Fawr with probably too much road running for my likes. I was happy to finish but had lost lots of hours over the previous 3 days. Day 5 is a blast over the Black Mountains. There was real excitement over the front runners with Sabrina chasing the lead with only around a minute to catch Lisa Watson and Jim Mann chasing Galen Reynolds with a 42 minute deficit. One of the beautiful aspects of the Dragons Back is the faster runners set off later. So everyday you are passed by the faster runners. It is super friendly and by the finish line there is a great feeling of unity to all who have travelled down Wales. It is a lot of money to enter however, there is no better way to visit the mountains tops and valleys than this race. Everything is included. Food accommodation and finally transport back to the start, if you finish.
I have two Dragons now and am proud to have finished, even though I wanted to run much quicker. Quite a few did not make it for lots of reasons, mainly fatigue or foot problems. Galen Reynolds from Canada was overall winner in 37 hrs 48 minutes ahead of 2015 winner Jim Mann. Lisa Watson from Dark Peak was First Lady on 44 hours 33 minutes beating Sabrina Verjee.
It is a great event to challenge every part of your body. I saw some sad sights with friends dropping and injuries and hill incidents, but there were some special moments I will treasure. Mum was at the finish line to surprise me which was special, but I felt slightly guilty as I was on empty with a hurting leg.

www.berghausdragonsbackrace.com

HDSRL race 1, Harrogate, Tue 21 May

A win for Jack Wood
Results ....

1   31:52 Jack Wood
169 45:31 Malcolm Pickering 1st M65
187 46:14 Mark Judkowski
200 46:48 Jane Bryant
218 47:36 Catherine Gibbons
233 48:01 Paul Stephens
248 48:41 Tom Lally
321 52:05 Dave Ibbotson
344 52:58 Emily Elmes
362 53:56 Di Kitchen
376 54:40 Sheena Pickersgill
383 54:58 Sally Pickering
390 55:17 Anna Pickering
417 56:42 Amelia Miles
487 62:57 Tracy Russell
493 63:16 Sally Wright
526 73:23 David Millson
531 finished

Calderdale Way Relay, Sun 19 May

From Caroline Howe... The Calderdale Way Relay is the UK's largest off-road relay, organised by Halifax Harriers, attracting teams from all across Yorkshire and Lancashire. This was the first year since 2014 that Ilkley Harriers were represented at the event, as 12 of us paired off to run sections of varying lengths. We were a mixed team and our primary aims were i) to complete the distance, and ii) to enjoy it! Both objectives were successfully achieved, and the team finished in 55th place out of 97, and 10th mixed team out of 19.
All legs are tough, with considerable amounts of climb, but the payoff is wonderful views of the surrounding countryside. Conditions were good on the day - not too warm, and nice and dry. Everyone managed make it to their starts on time (just!) and performed fantastically well. There was also a great atmosphere, with so many teams competing and lots of familiar faces from local clubs!
These events are brilliant to be part of, and hopefully the fact that our team contained people of all different standards will encourage more participation in future - these relays really are open to all, and it is a great buzz being part of a team, and representing the club, while challenging yourself on an individual level. It's also a great way to get to know other Harriers, and to experience routes you wouldn't normally run.
A lot goes on behind the scenes in terms of team organisation and logistics, so big thanks to Jack for sorting the whole thing out. Also thanks to Rachel, Dan and Keith who all stepped in at the last minute due to injuries, to ensure we could field a full team. Special mention to Jayne also for assisting others with last minute recces. Events like these do take commitment from everyone involved, so big thanks and well done to all!
Results:

Leg 1 (10.55 miles) Jack Wood, Dan McKeown           15(15)  1:20:33
Leg 2 (8.46 miles)  Caroline Howe, Nicky Liptrot     41(69)  1:25:24
Leg 3 (4.8 miles)   Rachel Carter, Peter Shelley     35(16)  0:43:43
Leg 4 (9.4 miles)   Keith Wood, Anna Nolan           57(94)  2:05:42
Leg 5 (7.44 miles)  Petra Bijsterveld, Jayne Norman  62(80)  1:27:47
Leg 6 (10.6 miles)  Ben Sheppard, Mike Abrams Cohen  55(42)  1:31:52
(figure in brackets is where each pair placed on their leg)

Windermere Marathon, Sun 19 May

From Jean Sullivan ... Having realised that it was 20 years since I did my one and only marathon (London 1999), I wondered if I would manage another, so I signed up to do this years Windermere marathon, billed as 'the UK's most scenic marathon'. What a fantastic event it was to be part of!! It started in the grounds of the lovely Brathay Hall in Ambleside, whose gardens slope down to the banks of Lake Windermere. The atmosphere was incredible, especially as the Windermere marathon is the last day for those completing the Brathay 10 in 10, one of the UK's toughest running events, which involves running the Windermere marathon 10 times over 10 consecutive days.
Having been led to the start by a brass band, this road run involves an anti-clockwise circuit of Lake Windermere. Running down the west side of the lake is mainly on traffic free roads. It is busier running up the east side, especially trying to dodge all the tourists in Bowness on Windermere! The crowd support is fantastic on the route, with lots of cow bells to be heard, and jelly babies and Kendal mint cake on offer! It is a challenging race in view of not only the distance, but the constant hills. I was very pleased to arrive back to Brathay Hall in one piece!
Results ....

(1  2:29:55 Rob Corney, Reading Roadrunners)
441 4:24:22 Jean Sullivan
964 finishers

Nidderdale Marathon, Sun 19 May

From Fiona Schneider ... Jemma Basham and I took on the Harrogate Rotary Club challenge of the Nidderdale Marathon on Sunday. There were many easier options of short runs, long walks, short walks. It is a great scenic route on the Nidderdale Way north from Pateley Bridge and back. 42 km peppered with plenty of climbing (885 metres in all), plenty of gates and stiles and a few water stations. We both managed to smile at the end! Not officially timed Jemma was out of view after 1km and flying whilst I took my place close to the last but not last of about 40 runners.

5hr 15min Jemma Basham 
6hr 18min Fiona Schneider  

Pilling 10k, Sat 18 May

From Nick Helliwell ... Flat, fast and relentless, Pilling is a perfect PB course. I went out fast, hung onto a group and just dug in for the second half. It hurt terribly, but I came away with a huge PB, and managed to finally break 40 minutes, something I've been trying to do for 20 years. Pilling is a bit of a drive, but recommended for anyone that wants a 10k personal record; they organise this race regularly across each summer.
Results ....

(1 33:08 Raymond Edgar, Lancaster & Morecambe)
17 39:40 Nick Helliwell
102 finished

Fairfield Horseshoe fell race, Sat 18 May

From Will Buckton ... Jack and I travelled to Ambleside for the classic Fairfield Horseshoe race which starts in the grounds of Rydal Hall. Chip timing was used for the 2019 event and the route was a bit slower as the route to the right of the wall after Dove Crag was out of bounds.
Results:

(1 1h20:15 Carl Bell Keswick AC)
2  1h23:06 Jack Wood
89 1h49:52 Will Buckton
232 finished

Old County Tops fell race, Sat 18 May

From Dick Waddington...The Old County Tops (37 miles, 10,000ft) takes in the highest summits of the former counties of Cumberland, Westmoreland and Lancashire - namely Helvellyn, Scafell Pike and The Old Man of Coniston. Paul Carman and I thought we would give it a go; my third time and Paul's first. The weather forecast had been pretty poor all week, but we were treated to bright weather, not too hot and little wind - perfect! The only bit of low cloud was on Helvellyn, but we'd both taken the grassy line down before, so we managed that well. After egg sandwiches at the feed station we went up the Wythburn valley, where I aptly fell in a bog up to my waist at a spot call 'The Bog' on the OS map. Paul kindly pulled me out. Scafell Pike had the usual crowds, but the descent into Eskdale was wild and beautiful as ever. A feed stop at Cockley Beck staffed by the same crew as before (very efficient) was welcome before the slog up towards Swirl How. Last year I made an exhausting nav error by taking Richard Joel to Dow Crag instead of Coniston Old Man (sorry Richard!). Well I didn't make that mistake again. A good run in saw us pick up a few places on the way to the Three Shires stone and back via Blea Tarn. Paul did some good coaxing to get me through the last mile as it all got a bit tiring. All in all a great day out. We finished in 9:14. Results to follow.

Devon Coast to Coast Ultra 18-19 May

From Andrew Merrick... When I was growing up, my mum's parents were living in Torquay and we spent a few weeks of every Easter and Summer holiday in the red soiled, narrow laned world of Devon. It was this connection that prompted me to sign up for the Devon C2C - a "117.5" mile journey from Wembury (near Plymouth) in the South to Lynmouth in the North.
A campsite at South Molton (about 45 mins drive from the finish) coupled with an early morning coach was the suggested approach to logistics, which didn't seem the ideal plan. So my ultra running friend and I left a car there and Airbnb'd in Wembury, allowing a 6am alarm on the Saturday morning in advance of an 8am start. A select gang of about 70 set off from alongside the beach at about 8.15am, the coach having been slightly delayed.
A cloudy, wind free Saturday made for pretty ideal running conditions and excellent views over Dartmoor. There were 10 check points along the way at reasonably regular intervals, with one bag drop for the half way point. I took the opportunity here to change my very wet socks which were causing my feet to blister far more than any previous ultra experience. It helped in the short term, but the rest of the journey did leave me with very sore feet despite extensive use of running poles on both up and downhill sections. I spent a few minutes concluding a little after half way I had about another 90,000 steps to take, had a brief "chat" with my grandad and carried on.....
The organisers and check point/feed station staff were all cheerful and supportive throughout our route, although I was disappointed with the facilities on offer. There was one hot meal but otherwise virtually all check points were outside (even during the night stages) and had fairly basic provisions - water, tea, and a small range of snacks, fruit appearing only twice. I suspect the low numbers did impact on the infrastructure although there was a 4 day C2C walk happening at the same time.
Otherwise, there was more road than I was expecting and the navigation was significantly more difficult. The two USB chargers I had with me were saved to keep my running friend's phone going since regular access to routefinder was essential......
At the pre-race safety briefing, the organiser did warn us about the last climb before reaching Lynmouth, but it did still come as a surprise, arriving half way through what I had assumed was the final descent. A low key finish in Lynmouth just before 3pm on Sunday was followed by the logistical challenge of getting home, which involved the organiser's transport back to South Molton, a lift to Exeter, a train to Plymouth and a taxi back to my car in Wembury. The drive back did still feel in some way part of the ultra challenge, although the M5, M42 and M1 "feed stations" were better stocked....
I limped back through the front door just before 4am on Monday morning, pleased to have finished what must have been nearer to 120 miles in a little under 31 hours, inside the top quarter of the field. A break now before deciding on my next adventure, and looking forward to my now guaranteed UTMB place for August 2020. I am sure my feet will forgive me in time.....
Despite the views and helpful support staff, not one I would plan to do again.....

parkruns, Sat 18 May

From Petra Bijsterveld ... Great to see Tom Adams back racing (though parkrun is 'a run not a race') and being first finisher at Oakwell Hall. Geoff Howard visited the inaugural parkrun at Conyngham Hall (Knaresborough). Fiona Schneider celebrated her birthday by asking lots of friends to join her in doing a parkrun today, either at Skipton or elsewhere (and sharing on Facebook), a great idea!
Results ...

Woodhouse Moor   
(1  16:07 Marcos Angel Valero Palacios, U/A)
12  18:38 Tim Ashelford
378 28:36 Karen Lambe
645 ran

Skipton
(1  17:05 Chris Ovenden, U/A)
20  22:49 Catherine Gibbons
57  25:59 Andrew Wilson
58  26:08 Fiona Schneider
92  28:18 Ruth Jones
96  28:35 Andy Wolfenden
208 ran

Oakwell Hall
1   16:31 Tom Adams
267 ran

Keswick
(1  17:35 Stefanos Stephanou, Richmond and Zetland)
225 33:26 Jonathan Sinclair
274 ran

Tyne Green
(1  17:50 Patrick Craig, Harrogate Tri Club)
5   18:57 Adam Rhodes
296 ran

Conyngham Hall
(1  17:43 Rob Scott, Richmond and Zetland)
25  23:27 Geoff Howard
137 ran

Harrogate
(1  17:38 Mark Bailey, Leeds and Bradford Tri)
234 26:21 Petra Bijsterveld
521 ran  

John Carr Race 3, We 15 May

From Helen Waddington... Congratulations to Jane Mccarthy on a decisive overall win at the all-new John Carr Series. Saltaire Striders have done an amazing job at re-inventing these races. Each week has been a different course - all have been lovely and the last race was particularly enjoyable. The finale was a relay event with many teams cobbled together on the night from different clubs. It sounded like a recipe for organised chaos but it all worked and resulted in a really sociable event with lots of intermingling fun at the handover/finish point. An off-road mixed terrain course which introduced us to more of the lovely trails around the Saltaire/Eldwick/Baildon area. Steady uphill on the way out through fields and woods and tracks before returning along Shipley Glen and finally a short sharp descent to the finish. Fantastic marshalling and organisation with a bottle of beer for all finishers and great series prizes at 5 year age categories, this really is one to put in the diary next year.
Results ....

Race 3
(1 18:14 Joe Baxter, Pudsey and Bramley)
23 23:11 Jane McCarthy
69 29:29 Helen Waddington
85 ran

Overall series results
(1 1:02:09 Michael Malyon, Baildon Runners)
17 1:15:20 Jane McCarthy 1st L
41 1:33:41 Helen Waddington 1st V50

Jack Bloor races, Tue 14 May

Congratulations to Jemima Elgood who broke the women's record by 9 seconds, and Jack Wood who won for the 5th year in a row.
Results ....

1   38:52 Jack Wood
14  44:36 Martin Archer
17  45:19 Jemima Elgood (Leeds Uni)
20  45:35 Paul Carman
30  46:54 Daniel Mckeown
37  47:26 Dave Robson
43  48:20 Dave Wilby
48  48:53 Jim Ryder
49  48:55 Gavin Lamb
50  49:25 David Foyston
57  50:56 David Westhead
66  51:53 Richard Joel
67  51:55 Rachel Carter 1st FV40
72  52:20 John Hayes
82  53:01 Colin Williams
89  53:50 Duncan Cooper
93  54:09 Andrew Overend
98  54:37 Michael Duffield
99  55:11 Helen Wood
121 57:12 Joyce Marshall 1st FV50
127 57:24 Jann Smith
128 57:29 Paddy Hagan
141 58:23 Alison Weston
154 59:52 Steve Newell
164 62:19 Mary Gibbons
175 63:22 Geoffrey White
189 65:10 Caroline Howe
217 72:49 Helen Doyle
228 87:25 Amelia Miles
233 109:42 Tracy Russell
234 109:44 David Millson
235 finished
Ilkley had 2nd team and 3rd ladies team

Yorkshire Track & Field Championships, Sun 12 May

From Jonathan Turner ... There were medals for both Bethan Morley and Istvan Jacso at the Yorkshire Track & Field Championships. Bethan claimed silver in the women's U20 800m in 2:12:35 while Istvan was third in the 3,000m steeplechase in 10:25.79
Results...

Leeds Half Marathon, Sun 12 May

Results...

(1   1:07:56
808  1:42:08 Michael Ho
1240 1;50:18 Tom Lally
2767 2:00:16 Alex Hyde
2800 2:02:41 Dave Ibbotson
5812 finished

Malhamdale Trail Challenge, Sat 11 May

From Rachel Carter ... 13 Harriers took part in the Malhamdale Trail Challenge, described as a demanding half marathon, with approx. 1650ft of ascent, taking in landmarks such as Pikedaw, Malham Tarn, Goredale Scar and Janet's Foss. The event was very well organised with good and easy parking, registration and food provided afterwards in Kirby Malham village hall as part of the entry fee. The worst of the ascent came after a couple of miles - up Pikedaw, with much of the rest of the miles undulating on broad grassy paths, except for a steep descent round Gordale Scar. The course was marshalled and flagged but a few of us took a wrong turn (with some affected more than others) around mile 6 before cutting back to the course. There were some good performances across the age categories with Dave Robson and Kate Archer being the 1st Harriers home in this league race, in 4th and 7th place (2nd lady) respectively, and Colin Williams 1st MV50.
Results ...

(1  1:34:31 Julian Hood, Skipton AC)
4   1:43:44 Dave Robson
7   1:47:00 Kate Archer (2nd lady)
12  1:48:29 Rachel Carter (3rd lady)
13  1:48:49 Jonathan Turner
15  1:51:01 Colin Williams (1st V50)
39  1:59:50 Mike Duffield
48  2:01:36 Derek Oliver
60  2:06:49 Mark Judkowski
76  2:11:00 Peter Fergerson
109 2:24:47 Adela Reperecki
109 2:24:47 Elizabeth Price
144 2:36:46 Hilda Coulsey
159 2:47:23 Fiona Schneider

Flower Scar fell race, Sat 11 May

Yorkshire selecton for Jack, who helped the team to 4th place.
Results...

(1 54:16 Max Nicholls, Kent)
16 56:12 Jack Wood
166 finished

parkruns, Sat 11 May

From Petra Bijsterveld ... Results...

York
(1  15:48 Tim Stratton, City of York AC)
78  21:11 Geoffrey Howard
574 ran

Bradford
(1  17:22 Andy Burn, Jarrow and Hebburn AC)
151 27:34 Stephanie Fox
442 ran

Skipton
(1  18:06 Mike Crosby, U/A)
8   20:18 Will Buckton
25  23:25 Catherine Gibbons
36  25:09 Will Worboys
173 ran

Wetherby
(1  18:00 Daniel Linstrum, Wetherby Runners)
6   19:42 Nick Helliwell
96 ran

Whinlatter Forest
(1  19:36 Lewis Hinchcliffe, Rochdale Harriers)
3   22:12 Rob Cunningham
75 ran

Crissy Field (USA)
1   16:39 Ruaridh Mon-Williams
135 ran

Geoff Howard's time beats his own club v75 record.

John Carr 5k, Wed 8 May

From Caroline Howe... A drizzly night in Saltaire for the second in the new John Carr trail series. A nice multi-terrain 5k along the canal tow path. Well done to Jane on finishing 2nd lady and Jonathan for a pb!
Results...

(1 16:40 Michael Mayton, Baildon)
24 18:53 Jonathan Turner
34 20:20 Jane McCarthy
37 20:57 Tom Worboys	
59 22:17 Jann Smith	
60 22:21 Caroline Howe
76 24:03 Alison Bennett
81 24:24 Helen Waddington
120 finished

Cardiff 5k, Sun 5 May

From Caroline Howe ... congratulations to Jemima Elgood on breaking the club ladies record.
Results...

(1 14:13 Adam Hickey, Southend)
69 16:54 Jemima Elgood
1328 finished

Langtoft 10k, Sun 5 May

From Geoff Howard ... it may be small but its chip timing, excellent organisation and digital clock lead car show its aspirations aren't. In good conditions I managed to improve on my last 10k (Bradford) time, and the club v75 record, in 43m 19s and 57th place (358 finished). Aaron Scott of Hepston Harriers was first in a new course record on 30m 57s.

Up the Odda, Sun 5 May

Results...

1   37:20 Nathan Edmondson
31  48:21 Rob Budding
149 68:21 Sue Williamson
169 finished

parkruns, Sat 4 May

From Petra Bijsterveld ... Results...

Eastbourne
(1  16:50 Richard Jones, Eastbourne Rovers)
23  21:19 Andrew Merrick
361 ran

York
(1  16:01 Graham Rush, U/A)
25  20:03 Rhys Jones
550 ran

Bradford
(1  17:03 Huseen Usuie, Bingley Harriers)
160 26:29 Oscar Street
239 28:53 Paula Reynier
521 ran

Harrogate
(1  16:50 Chris Miller, Harrogate Harriers)
53  21:13 Tom Worboys
517 ran

Barnsley
(1  17:12 Gareth Cooke, Penistone Footpath Runners)
24  21:48 Beth Massey
187 ran

Cheltenham
(1  17:21 Matthew Rawlings, Reading AC)
8   18:49 Adam Rhodes
595 ran

Skipton
(1  17:42 Samuel William, Skipton AC)
27  22:41 Catherine Gibbons
61  25:43 Fiona Schneider
104 28:32 Andy Wolfenden
223 ran

Stretford
(1  16:54 Ben Hobson, Chorlton Runners)
54  20:17 Mike Abrams-Cohen
702 ran

Cliffe Castle
(1  18:04 Rob Byers, U/A)
5   20:08 Rob Cunningham
60  27:47 Chris Cunningham
191 ran

Centre Vale
(1  17:21 Andrew Worster, Vegan Runners)
52  25:37 Will Worboys
188 ran

Dick Hudsons fell race, Thu 2 May

From Jann Smith ... 7 miles / 1100ft A great concept ...start at the bottom of the track to White Wells ...take any route over to Dick Hudsons, touch the gate and come back any way you like. It was raining and a bit claggy leading to quite a lot of wrong route choices, slippy paving slabs and people getting a bit lost (including Istvan !) .. all adding to the fun.
Results ...

(1    48:45 Adam Stirk, Wharfedale)
3     51:16 Paul Carman             
5     52:28 Ben Sheppard           
7     53:28 Dave Robson             
10    54:32 Dave Foyston              
20    57:54 Roy Ruddle               
24  1:00:21 Helen Wood (2nd lady)
28  1:01:06 Istvan Jacso                
33  1:01:11 Robert Hamilton (1st MV60)
40  1:04:09 Jann Smith (1st LV40)
56  1:06:20 Mark Judowski          
69  1:09:19 Paul Stephens           
72  1:10:02 Matt Dodd               
79  1:11:07 Geoff White            
80  1:11:19 Keith Wood               
123 finished
Ilkley men were first team

John Carr 1 - The Trig, Wed 1 May

From Petra Bijsterveld ... The relaunched John Carr series started tonight with 'The Trig', an approximately 4 mile multi-terrain circular route from near Roberts Park in Saltaire, over fields, tracks, woods & moor to Baildon Trig point and back down. Perhaps the new format had made runners a little hesitant to enter this series, which has previously been a fast and furious 5k road race. Only 100 runners took part on what turned out to be a lovely evening for this quick jaunt up and down Baildon Moor with 700 feet of ascent. Immaculately organized by Saltaire Striders and Racebest, with dry underfoot conditions and a lovely sunset over the moor there was nothing to dislike. This was a counter in our race league and of the 9 Harriers taking part 4 won prizes! The next race is a flat 5K and the 3rd one a relay race, entries still available via Racebest.
Results ...

(1  24:53 Joe Baxter, Pudsey and Bramley AC)
2   25:44 Jack Wood
16  30:03 Jonathan Turner
18  30:12 David Westhead 1st MV50
26  31:49 Jane McCarthy 1st F
74  39:48 Helen Waddington 1st FV50
78  40:13 Alison Bennett
92  43:14 Hilda Coulsey
98  46:32 Petra Bijsterveld
99  46:38 Dawn Turner
110 ran

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Older News, April 2019