From Rachel Carter…

In the absence of any women in age categories beyond mine, or men aged 60 years or over taking part, I was set off first in this handicapped ‘Metric Mile’ (1500m) race – involving 3 and a bit laps set out on a Dales field opposite Kilnsey Crag – think dry cross country (some wore spikes) with longish grass! The handicaps were set based on 1500m Track World Rankings/Records so I didn’t hold too much hope even without tired and sore legs from Ilkley Skyline the day before. 15 of us took on this challenge in the main arena of Kilnsey showground with a good number of people watching – the queues to get there were back to Skipton! I held onto ‘the lead’ for at least half a lap before being overtaken. Unofficial results show I finished 10th, with U20 Yorkshire 1500m champion Alex Thompson of Wharfedale taking first place! I was happy to have taken part and also rather relieved to be excused from the renowned Crag race (1 mile, 350′) due to childcare when I saw the infamous chimney scree descent route. It was an inspiring spectacle to watch though and the women’s record was broken by Ailish Graham of Wharfedale.