From Neil Chapman…
Photo credit Peter Shelley
It was only the 2nd year running our 10k in memory of Pete Shields, who was such an important part of our club for many years. So we were hoping to build on last year’s success. It was always going to be a record time for the winner because we changed the route slightly to improve the finish both for runners and spectators. It not only improved the finish for spectating, but also watching the middle of the race as runners started their second lap. Unusual to be able to see the start, middle and end of a 10k by only moving 400m, was an unplanned bonus.
A fantastic run from Nathan Edmondson from Harriers, saw him defend his title from last year, finishing in 30:34, knocking 10 seconds off last year’s time on what could be considered a marginally tougher course. He was chased hard all the way by Christos Tzelis, who improved his time from last year by almost a minute to finish in 32.00, six seconds ahead of Adrian Holliday from Border Harriers.
Ilkley Harriers had four runners in the top 10 finishers with Matt Newell getting back into form finishing in 34:06, and just ahead of Matt was 17 year old Alex Wolfenden running his first ever 10k in a sub 34 time of 33:58. Another young Harrier, Samesh Chotai, had a great race knocking two minutes off last year’s time, finishing in 34:57.
The ladies race was won by former Harrier, Jemima Elgood running for Nidd Valley in 34:42, with Georgia Malir of Leeds City, second in 35:11, and Gemma Bridge of Oxford City, in 35:59. Ilkley’s first lady home was Sally Armitage in 39:24, which also placed her 1st in the FV40 category, with Jane McCarthy also 1st in her FV50 category in 41:34.
In the men’s age categories there were 1st places for Steve Coy finishing in an impressive 37:27 and placing him in 29th place overall, and 1st V80 was Geoff Howard in what to us is a remarkable time of 48:36 and overall 163 out of 360 finishers!
I think it is fair to say we have got the Ilkley 10k on the map, and now what we need to do is get the race entry to the full capacity of 800 runners which I think would be quite a race to see and be part of. I am sure Pete would have been impressed with everyone out there, but I think he would be mightily impressed with the quality and potential of the young runners we have, but not forgetting those excellent age category winners, in particular his good friend Geoff Howard who continues to set the bar for all runners young and old to aspire to.
From Peter Roll…
Nathan Edmondson quite literally ran away with the win this year, 30:34, so 10 seconds quicker than last year & 1 minute 26 seconds ahead of Christos Tzelis who 56 seconds improvement from last year to secure 2nd place. Former Harrier Jemima Elgood took the Women’s trophy with 34:45. Alexander Wolfenden 6th & Matt Newell 7th completed the Ilkley top 10. However there were fabulous performances all through the field.
Sally Armitage 5th Female & 1st FV45,
Jane McCarthy 11th Female & 1st FV50
Jann Smith 1st FV55
Steve Coy 1st MV50,
Richie Williamson 2nd MV50,
Harry Sime 2nd MV60,
Mike Williams 2nd MV65
And that was just the podiums there were amazing performances all through the field from all the Harriers & former Harriers.
Congratulations to all competitors. That said, there was no one who deserves praise more than Neil Chapman.
Who else do you know who can pull off organizing 2 successful races within 2 weeks?