From Jean Sullivan…
Wednesday evening saw the staging of the 21st Ilkley Incline race. This unique one-mile uphill only race, with 560ft of ascent, starts at the bottom of the Keighley Gate Road in Ilkley. The route starts on tarmac road, before runners have a stony track to contend with.
Conditions on the night were challenging, very warm and humid. An impressive 100 runners turned up to battle it out of this tough course, with 33 of those racing being Ilkley Harriers.
Well done to Ilkley Harrier Christos Tzelis who won the race outright in an impressive 7:07, just 2 seconds outside the course record. Alexander Wolfenden was the second Harrier home in a great time of 8:08, with Harrier Oscar Shinn hot on his heels, finishing in 8:11.
Matilda Irvine led the Ilkley ladies home, completing the course in a great time of 10:52. Lizzie Reilly was the next Ilkley lady over the line, followed by Carole Cunningham, who was the third Ilkley lady home.
There were lots of age category prizes for Ilkley Harriers too, including for; Matilda Irvine, Martin Hartley, Matt Cox, Jeff Green, Paul Calderbank, Paul Stephens and Geoff Howard, all of whom finished first in their respective age categories.
Huge thanks to the Yorkshire Runner in Otley and to Saltaire Brewery who generously sponsored the event. Thanks also to Jen Roberts who made special Ilkley Incline biscuits, displaying the Cowper Cross, which were enjoyed by many on the night!