From Nigel Illingworth and Nicola Budding…
Harriers storm to titles, records and fell-running glory
Ilkley Harriers enjoyed a packed week of racing, with standout performances across the Harrogate District Summer Race League (HDSRL) finale, classic fell races, junior competitions and parkrun events, including team titles, individual wins, course records and a host of personal bests.
The HDSRL season reached its traditional, high-spirited conclusion this week with the running of the Norman Smith Handicap Race, hosted by Otley AC.The unique event—which serves as both the final race of the series and the official presentation ceremony—sees runners set off in small groups at 30-second intervals based on their performances in the previous four races. In theory, the handicap format is designed to bring the entire field together for a dramatic finish, ensuring every participant remains in contention until the final strides of the 5.3-mile course.
In the individual handicap results for the race itself, Matthew Thackwray finished in first place with a net time of 28:05. He was followed by Harry Brook-Dobson, who took fourth in 32:38, and Jaysson Sawyer, who finished fifth in 33:20. Over 50 Harriers took part in the league, with many more lending their support through volunteering. Among the highlights of the evening was the presence of Ilkley and Otley stalwart Antonio Cardinale; currently recovering from illness, he was on hand to enjoy the atmosphere and catch up with teammates. The focus later shifted to the cricket club for the series presentations, where Ilkley Harriers were rewarded for a dominant summer of team and individual success. Following a series of outstanding performances, Matthew Thackwray was officially crowned the Overall Series Champion, while teammate Matt Newell secured an excellent third place overall. The men’s team enjoyed a trophy-laden evening, taking home the titles for first Vets Team, first Supervets Team, and first Elite Team, while also securing third place in the competitive Main Team category. In the age-group standings, both Thackwray and Jonathan Turner collected prizes for their consistent performances across the series. The Harriers’ female contingent also put in a solid shift, finishing tenth in the overall team rankings and seventh in the Vets category.
On Sunday, the Cracoe Fell Race, a staple of the British Open Fell Running Association (BOFRA) circuit, lived up to its reputation as a “short and sharp” test of mettle this past weekend. Known for its raw, traditional character, the race provided the usual stern challenge, starting with its infamous “trailer and wall” obstacle before sending runners on a gruelling 2.6-mile dash to the landmark pinnacle and back. Ilkley Harriers were out in force, tackling the steep terrain with notable success. Gawain Moore put in a stellar performance, finishing third overall and claiming the first MV45 spot in 24:06. He was followed by George Whittlestone, who secured 11th place overall in 26:00. In the ladies’ categories, Katie Poulter showcased her strength to finish as first LV40 in a time of 30:06. The junior runners also represented the club with great enthusiasm across the younger age categories. In the Under-12 race, Isobel Moore crossed the line in ninth position, taking second girl with a time of 8:53, while Harris Poulter finished 14th in 9:25 and Oscar Spooner completed the course in 12:19. Georgia Poulter also put in a determined effort in the Under-9 category, finishing in 3:48.
The Pinnacle Ridge Extreme lived up to its billing as the UK’s most technical and “pure” Skyrunning challenge this past weekend, but for one Ilkley Harrier, the brutal Lake District course proved to be the stage for a spectacular masterclass. Based out of Patterdale Hall in Glenridding, this elite event is designed only for those as comfortable climbing as they are running. Covering 28km with a staggering 2,700m of ascent, the route is a relentless test of mental and physical fortitude, featuring five graded scrambles and iconic, exposed traverses including Striding Edge, Swirral Edge, and the namesake Pinnacle Ridge itself. With entry strictly vetted to ensure participants possess high-level alpine and lead climbing experience, the field was limited to fewer than 100 of the sport’s most capable mountain specialists.Among this exclusive group, Ilkley Harrier Ben Rothery delivered a performance that will long be remembered by those who witnessed it. Demonstrating exceptional confidence on the loose scree and technical ridges, Rothery navigated the course with clinical precision to take the victory. Not only did he claim the top spot in the MSEN category, but he did so by setting a blistering new course record of 3:37:25.
The Pete Bland Kentmere Horseshoe remains one of the most prestigious “classic” fixtures in the English Lake District, and this year’s running served as another poignant tribute to the race’s namesake, a legendary figure in the fell running community. Covering approximately 12.3 miles with 3,300 feet of ascent, the clockwise circuit around the head of the Kentmere Valley is a rigorous test of endurance, requiring both genuine navigational skill and a reliable head for the exposed ridges of Ill Bell, High Street, and Kentmere Pike. Representing Ilkley Harriers in a field defined by its high-quality mountain specialists, Oli Murphy delivered a standout performance. Navigating the brutal climbs and technical descents with composure, Murphy crossed the finish line in an impressive tenth place, clocking a competitive time of 1:39:52. In a race where the course records stand as daunting benchmarks for elite performance, Murphy’s top-ten finish serves as a testament to his strength and consistency across the rugged Lakeland fells.
Elsewhere, it has been a busy and successful week for the club’s junior section. Tuesday evening saw six Junior Harrier teams enjoy a sunny evening of competition at the Junior Relays at Golden Acre Park. Meanwhile, at the West Yorkshire Track & Field League held at Thornes Park in Wakefield, Heather Crolla claimed a dominant victory in the U16 Girls Discus with a throw of 22.75m, while Rosa Crolla secured second in the U14 Girls Discus with 16.87m. Finally, the club is celebrating strong final standings in the FRA Junior Fell Running Championships, with impressive performances from Joseph Bentham (sixth U18 Boys), George Whittlestone (seventh U20 Boys), Oscar Shinn (eighth U20 Boys), and Michael Moore (eighth U14 Boys).
It was a weekend of remarkable speed for the Ilkley Harriers at parkrun events both local and international, with a flurry of personal bests recorded across the board. At East Holmes Field, Stephen Coy led the way with an outstanding first-place finish, clocking 18:37 for a new personal best and a high age-grading of 81.2%. He was followed closely by James Horrex in third (19:11). In the women’s field, Sally Armitage and Louise Nash both celebrated new personal bests, finishing eighth and ninth respectively, while further personal bests were achieved by Gaenor Coy (26:26), Rafe Garner (22:49), and Robin Ashe (33:45). The form continued at Lister Park, where Nura Allen took third female (23:34 PB) and Mariam Allen claimed fourth female (24:18 PB). Harry Brook-Dobson finished sixth male in 19:55, with Sally Malir crossing as sixth female in 24:55. Meanwhile, at Chevin Forest, James Ryder secured tenth place in 23:13. Harriers also made their mark on the global stage. At Atherton Parkrun in Australia, Alexander Wolfenden dominated the field to finish first in 16:44, with Rachel Carter taking second female in 21:37 and Julian Carter finishing sixth male in 22:08. Across in Italy, Samesh Chotai put in a commanding performance to secure first place at the Farfalle Parkrun with a swift 17:32.