From Caroline Howe and Nicola Budding…
Photo credit Philip Bland
Hobbs and Cummings make it a Harriers one-two at popular Leeds race
It was a spectacular Ilkley one-two at the Eccup 10-mile road race at the weekend. The race takes place on closed roads following a scenic route through the country lanes around Eccup reservoir, making this Leeds’ most popular 10-mile road race. Ed Hobbs powered home over the undulating course to take an impressive victory in 51:25, three minutes ahead of team-mate Jack Cummings in 54:20. Robin Tuddenham was third Harrier in 1:05:31, while an excellent run by Lucy Kay saw her finish first in the F40 age category in 1:09:39 and sixth female overall. Tony Pye was close behind in 1:09:54, while Sally Malir was second F60 in 1:24:26.
In the junior Eccup races, Isobel Moore finished second female and sixth overall in the 1-mile race in 6:11. Michael Moore finished second in the 2-mile road race in 11:49. Great results by both.
Staying on the roads, the fourth instalment of the Harrogate District Road League was hosted by Ilkley Harriers on Tuesday evening. The runners were met with heavy rain as they made their way around the hilly 5-mile route. Despite many Ilkley Harriers taking on volunteering duties, there was also a large contingent of over 30 competing, with Harry Brook-Dobson first Harrier home in eighth place, followed by Nick Kealey in tenth, and first in the M50 category. Jaysson Sawyer, Alistair Brown, Jonathan Turner and Mike Williams were all second in their respective age categories. Kathryn Hamilton was the first female Harrier home and was third in the F40 age category, and Marie Watson was the next female Harrier and fourth in the same age category. Diane Kitchen meanwhile placed third in the F65 category.
Rachel Carter took on her first ultra distance event with the Pennine 39 – actually a 37-mile route which takes in wild trails, far horizons and majestic scenery in what is arguably the most stunning section of the Pennine Way. The challenging route relies on self-navigation and takes in the magnificent geological feature of High Cup Nick and Cross Fell, the highest point of England outside of the Lake District. Scrambling up wet rocks, gusty 30mph winds, and spending seven miles alone on Cross Fell ridge made this quite the experience for Rachel, who finished the challenge in 10th place and first lady, within her 11-hour target.
Over in the Lakes, three pairs of Harriers took part in the Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon. The event comprises six linear courses of varying lengths and technical difficulty, and one ‘score’ course where competitors choose which controls to visit over a two-day total of 12 hours. The first day finishes at a mid-way campsite. The event started this year from St John’s in the Vale, with the overnight camp near Dockray.
The weather was wet throughout, with low cloud and high winds, but the terrain was decent with lots of route choice, especially in the score class. Dave and Kelly Wilby finished 36th (10th mixed team) on Carrick Fell in 11 hours 2 minutes. Harry Brook-Dobson and Edwyn Oliver-Evans were sixth in Fairfield with a score of 590 points in 11 hour 43 minutes. Alison and Nea Weston were 13th in Fairfield class with 535 points and 13th (second female team) in 11 hours 44 minutes.
Staying in the Lakes, Sam Bentham won the Langdale Gala fell race, with a course record, in 16:21 over the 1.4 mile course which boasts 980ft of ascent.
Plenty of Harriers took on parkruns this weekend, with Samesh Chotai coming first at Bramley in 17:05. Harriers were represented far and wide, with other impressive finishing positions including Alex Foyn, third at Malmo Ribersborg; Sarah Marsden, fourth at Blackpool; and Alison Bennett, fifth at Loch Leven. Alison and Geoff Howard (Skipton) both achieved 80%+ age gradings.