From Caroline Howe & Nicola Budding…
Jack storms to victory at the Temple Newsam Ten
It didn’t take Jack Cummings long to notch up his first race win of the year, starting 2026 with a bang by storming to victory in the Temple Newsam Ten Mile. Jack led from start to finish and crossed the line in 57:26, two minutes ahead of second place. Braving the icy conditions on the beautiful Temple Newsam estate, Jack was one of four Harriers to take on the on-and-off road race, along with Kay Pearce who finished in 1:22:40, Charlotte Smithson in 2:06:34 and Janet Smith in 2:29:53. Well done to all!
On another country estate in Leeds, Ash Winter, Lucy Lowe and Heidi Hoad took on the Harewood House Trail Half Marathon. The race is organised by Wild Deer Events, with a 5km and 10km option alongside the half marathon. The first couple of miles are mainly downhill, lulling participants into a fast start, before a solid couple of miles of climbing. This pattern continues throughout the race, with a total of 1,300 feet of ascent. Ash was the first Harrier home in 1:46:13, with Lucy and Heidi finishing in quick succession in 2:33:30 and 2:22:32 respectively.
The freezing temperatures and icy paths saw the cancellation of several local parkrun events, including East Holmes Field, Chevin and Roberts Park. Lister Park and Roundhay were popular alternative choices, and further afield, Samesh Chotai continued his fine form finishing Daventry parkrun in second place in 17:27 while Sarah Marsden finished in 10th at Millfield in 24:55. Furthest afield was undoubtedly Sam Angus and Maddie Morris in the contrasting searing heat at the Centennial parkrun in Sydney. The pair are prolific parkrun tourists, having completed parkruns in 74 and 68 locations respectively!
Ilkley Harriers is a friendly welcoming club, open to all. If you would like to try us out, please register first on the training page at www.ilkleyharriers.org.uk and then come along to our main club night at 6.45pm on Tuesdays, meet upstairs at Ilkley tennis and squash club.