From Peter Shelley and Nicola Budding…

Ilkley Harriers celebrate age category wins and running inspirations on a busy weekend of ultra and road races

After the recent unfortunate demise of Ourea, organiser of major events such as the Northern Traverse, Dragon’s Back and Cape Wrath, the ultra-running community enjoyed a much-needed boost when two events took place successfully on Saturday. Six Harriers were among those who managed to secure a place for the Haworth Hobble, a perennial favourite on the endurance race calendar which sold out within hours of entries opening in October. The circular route from Haworth covers 51km of moors and valleys visiting Todmorden, Stoodley Pike and Hebden Bridge, taking inspiration from the landscape and from the Bronte, Hughes and Plath literary connections. Inspiration is needed to keep competitors going over technical terrain and 1,615m of ascent including prolonged climbs to Heptonstall and Haworth Moor in the second half, and weather which can vary considerably between the high and low ground and over the duration. The event enjoys great community engagement including the sounds of Haworth brass band and food stations staffed by volunteers catering for all tastes including hot dogs, Tom Yum soup, pizza and even a post-prandial whisky for those who feel inclined.

Eschewing the single malt in a customary display of speed and consistency, Kate Archer was first Harrier home and second lady in 24^th place with a time of 5:05:56. Ritchie Williamson was 47^th and 4^th MV50 in 5:28:01. Martin Hartley was 68^th in 5:37: 55 despite needing medical attention after a non-whisky related tumble. Ash Winter finished in 104^th, Charles Wain 129^th and Rebecca Brown 456^th of 676 finishers.

Punk Panther staged their hundredth event at the Welcome Way with a choice of distances from half marathon to a 50-mile ultra. Mostly following the established circular Welcome Way hiking path, the route visits moors, woodland, rivers and canals in Wharfedale and Airedale including Otley Chevin, Burley and Baildon Moors – familiar terrain to many Harriers but challenging nonetheless.

Keith Wood and Lynn Donohue paced their effort perfectly over the 34-mile route to claim victory in their respective MV60 and FV60 categories, Keith finishing 44^th in 7:55:55, Lynn 52^nd in 8:20:27. John Pickering ran 9:32:58 to 64^th place.

There were more great results in the 20-mile event, John Hayes finishing second MV50 and eighth overall in 3:21:39. Colm McCann was 5th MV50 and 17^th overall in 3:39:01. Clare Boyle and Alex Lewis were joint 56^th in 4:39:45 and Sarah Hayes 61^st in 4:55:55.

Steve Ladhams had a strong run at the half marathon distance to finish 8^th in 2:00:40.  

Conditions at the Malaga Half Marathon on Sunday were as might be hoped for on the Mediterranean coast in springtime. 16 degrees and fine weather combined with a simple flat route to make this one of the fastest and most popular international half marathons. This year’s field numbered 12,266 runners, 4,000 more than in 2025. Tony Pye continued his fruitful road campaign with a well-paced 1:31:46 earning him 960^th place and 55^th in the MV50 category. Sally Malir ran 1: 49:49 to claim a fantastic 4^th FV60. Next Harrier was Malcolm Shand who ran 1:59:35 to 468^th place. Julie Merrin ran 2:22:21to 7,988^th. Victory went to Kenyan Vincent Kipkorir in 59:30.

Laced up in his elite ASICS, Vincent faced none of the shoe choice dilemma which beset competitors in the Keighley 10k and 5k, both of which featured a mix of road, track and towpath. Daniel Ellis mastered the multi-terrain challenge in a very rapid 35:58 to finish seventh of 686 runners. Ollie Holder was 27^th and second MU18 in a strong 41:13. Joanne Williamson was 64^th and 9^th female in 46:09. Rachel Holder was 261^st and 7^th FV50 in 54:48. Daisy Lowe and Lucy Lowe marked Mother’s day with 281^st and 282^nd in 56:56, Daisy earning third FU14. Rachel Holder made it a day for the mums in 249^th place in 54:48. Will Worboys was 299^th in 56:36.

Amanda Newham was 75th of 178 in the 5k event in 31:33.

Both Keighley events raised funds and awareness for Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice and hold a special significance for many including Marie Watson, who ran dressed as Doc McStuffins in memory of her mum, coping with a large (and rather fetching) foam head, stethoscope and costume in addition to the afore-mentioned shoe challenge.  

At the York 5k on Friday Harry Sime (MV 60) ran an impressive 20:04.

Congratulations are due to Alexander Wolfenden and Ben Stacey, who represented the West Yorkshire Schools XC Team at the ESAA Cross Country Championships on Saturday at Sefton Park, Liverpool. 

At the conclusion of the PECO winter cross-country series juniors Maisie Dyson, Michael Moore, Milena Morgan, Amelia Nichols, Daisy Lowe and Cecil Overend who competed in all the series races were recognized and rewarded for their dedication.