[Photo credit: Geoff Thompson]
From Alison Bennett…
Twenty five Ilkley Harriers joined forces to represent the club in the first race of the popular PECO Cross Country League. The weather and conditions were perfect for this event which was staged around Middleton Park, adjacent to the John Charles South Leeds Stadium. Such were the numbers of runners that the ladies started 15 minutes ahead of the men. The race began with a lap of a large field, before the competitors headed into the woods where, despite the recent heavy rainfall, the paths and trails were not too boggy. After weaving around and through the woods the runners emerged onto the field again for a flying run to the finish.
The ladies race was won by Eve Whitaker, Harrogate Harriers 30:43. Out of a total 365 ladies, Ruth Kitchen was the first finisher for Ilkley in a superb 11th place. Alison Bennett was the next counter and 1st FV60, closely followed by Kate Prior.
The men’s race was won by Benjamin Douglas, Hyde Park Harriers 26:25. In a large field of 478 men, Edward Hobbs was the first finisher for Ilkley in an impressive 7th place. Steve Gott was 2nd M45 ahead of Daniel McKeown 3rd MV40.