From Alison Bennett…
Summer had arrived for the third race in the Harrogate and District Summer Race League and several Ilkley Harriers gathered at Sutton Bank to enjoy a superb event organized by Thirsk and Sowerby Harriers.
The 4.7 mile route was 40% road and 60% trail in that order. Those who weren’t at the front, could see the leaders racing away in the distance along a fairly straight road from the start before turning onto a track which led to the return route along the undulating Cleveland Way. Anyone who wasn’t watching their feet for stones to trip up on along the path, or keeping their eyes, as Pete Shields would say, on the ‘target ahead’ was treated to great views of the Vale of York all the way to the finish.
Such a lovely warm and still evening meant ample sandwiches and stacks of cakes could be enjoyed alfresco style adjacent to the finish line. Tom Adams won the race in 25:18 setting a new course record and Jane McCarthy was the first lady for Ilkley Harriers.