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 11th 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.