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 4th in 37:56 and Pudsey & Bramley’s Joe Baxter 5th 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 9th in 40:21 and Oscar Shinn 19th in 43 minutes.
Amelie Lane of Wharfedale Harriers was first lady home in 43:34 in 22nd 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!
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.