From Petra Bijsterveld…
Photo Credit: Ryk Downes
Ryk Downes, aka ‘Mr Punk Panther’, told me he had only added this race, with a 10k and a half marathon option, as a filler in the racing calendar, and had not really expected many entries. However, this midweek night-time trail race around the Swinsty and Fewston Reservoirs proved very popular with local runners, and it sold out. One counter-clockwise lap of both reservoirs for the 10k, two for the half marathon.
Whilst we had a Super Moon on Tuesday, it was barely visible for much of the race, hidden from view by a thick blanket of clouds. Head torches had to be on at the start at 7pm as it was completely dark already. The weather was otherwise kind to us, with pleasant (shorts and t-shirt) running temperatures, no wind to speak off, and only a very slight drizzle from about 8pm, very noticeable in my head torch beam but it did not seem to make me particularly wet. The only piece of mandatory kit was a head torch, and there was water at the start/finish, which was also the half-way point for the half marathon.
I had entered this event more as a training run (as part of my marathon training) than a race. Still, it was difficult to completely let go of my competitive instincts when it comes to age category position. Having checked the entry list I was aware of the presence of one other F60, Ursula McGouran from Otley AC. After some research I worked out we could be fairly well matched in pace. I recognized her early on in the first lap and we did some yo-yoing of positions, but eventually I managed to get ahead and stay ahead. I did not see her again, but never felt relaxed until I reached the finish, where I discovered that she had changed to the 10k race prior to the start! Never mind, whilst I had not been ‘racing’ the desire for another veteran’s trophy had at least kept me moving forward at a reasonable pace.
Darren Hopkinson was the only other Ilkley Harrier there as far as I can see in the results.
A nice low-key race with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, I imagine it will be back next year and I would very much recommend this one to other Harriers. For those hesitant about off-road running in the dark this could be a particularly good introductory event: the trails are very even underfoot, navigation is easy and there are other runners around, so you feel (and are) very safe.
1 1:20:15 Sam Green, Wharfedale Harriers
21 1:59:05 Darren Hopkinson
34 2:13:10 Petra Bijsterveld 1st F60
45 ran
(42 ran in the 10k)