From Peter Roll and Vince Gibbons…
Photo credit Woodentops
Ben Rothery of Ilkley Harriers AC won the 32nd Ilkley Moor Fell Race on Sunday 3 March in a time of 37 mins 05 sec. Eve Whitaker of Leeds University AC was first home in the female race in a time of 43 mins 12 sec.
The men’s team prize was won by Ilkley Harriers (Ben Rothery 37 mins 05, sec; Samuel Bentham 38 mins 42 sec; Oli Murphy 40 mins 31 sec and Alexander Wolfenden 44 mins 26 sec ). Ambleside AC scooped the women’s team prize (Sarah McCormack 44 mins 29 sec, Lex Whitaker 45 mins 13 sec and Katrina Hemingway 58 mins 00 sec)
The short but tough course on scenic Ilkley Moor with steep ascents and descents included 401 metres of climbing over 8 km and was very muddy on the day. Once again, the iconic race was chosen as the Yorkshire Fell Race Championship. The best in the county were joined by a strong local field to battle it out with runners from as far away as York, Blackburn and the Lake District.
In the junior races Clara McKee (Under 15 girls) and Otis Brooks (Under 19 boys) achieved new course records. A total of 125 juniors raced, ranging in age from six to 16 years. There were treats for all juniors who took part and Easter eggs for the winners.
Race organiser Peter Roll said: “Spectators turned out in force to cheer on the runners, especially at Darwin Gardens and the Cow and Calf Rocks. It was a family occasion: Junior Fell Races were also staged, making it a grand day out. Pete Bland Sports had a stall at the event. Coffee and cakes were on sale. Ilkley’s Real Food market on The Grove that day proved an added attraction for runners and supporters.”
Organised by local running club Ilkley Harriers, more than 40 volunteers manned the route as marshals.
Ilkley Moor Fell Race has been staged annually since 1990. Pete Bland Sports and Big Bobble Hats sponsored this year’s event.