From Alison Bennett…

The first race of the season in this friendly summer league was organized by Knaresborough Striders. A dozen Ilkley Harriers congregated in Horseshoe Field for a squidgy start across the grass before heading out towards the main Conyngham Hall entrance and turning onto a 2 mile stretch of the Beryl Burton Cycleway. After a short stretch along a lane there was a turnaround loop at Bilton before retracing the outward route to finish in Horseshoe Field. 

Matthew Thackwray was in the leading pack and the first Harrier home finishing in 5th place, followed by David Foyston, 9th and 2nd MV45. Jonathan Turner had a great run, coming back from injury to finish 1st MV50. Jane McCarthy was 138th and the first female for Ilkley. 

There are a further 4 races in this league and it’s not too late to enter. The races are approximately 5 to 6 miles usually incorporating some trail and tarmac. They are suitable for everyone and there’s always a great atmosphere. Supper is provided at some of the events.

Results

(1 31:42 Chris Ovenden, Skipton AC)

5 32:42 Matthew Thackwray

40 37:40 Jonathan Turner 1st M50

73 40:06 Nuno Cesar de Sa

91 41:14 David Singleton

100 41:40 Matthew Snow

138 43:26 Jane McCarthy

165 45:00 Alison Bennett

168 45:07 Tom Lally

256 50:09 Roar Leijssen

296 52:19 Dawn Turner

301 52:38 Amelia Miles

413 ran