[The founder of the Ilkley Incline race, Andy Wolfenden, presenting Christos Tzelis with his prize after his win and breaking of the race record, photo courtesy of Alex Hyde]
From Jean Sullivan…
Wednesday evening saw the staging of the 22nd Ilkley Incline race. This unique one-mile uphill only race, with 560ft of ascent, starts at the bottom of the Keighley Gate Road in Ilkley. The route begins on tarmac road, before runners have a stony track to contend with.
Conditions on the night were mild, but very damp. Over 100 runners turned up to battle it out on this tough course, with 30 of those racing being Ilkley Harriers.
A huge well done to Harrier Christos Tzelis who stormed to the finish to win the race outright. Not only did Christos win, he also managed to set a new course record, completing the course in an impressive 6:52, beating the previous best by nine seconds.
Sam Bentham was the next Harrier home in third in a great time of 7:23, with clubmate Tom Adams hot on his heels in fourth, finishing in 7:26, both taking first place in their respective age categories.
Great results for Ilkley ladies too. Matilda Irvine was the first Ilkley lady over the line, completing the course in a great time of 10:51, which meant she also took first prize in her age category. Emma Moore was the next home, her speedy time of 12:20 meaning that she also received an age category prize. Rumana Chowdhury was the third Ilkley lady to finish, her sub-13-minute finishing time meaning she took third place in her age category.
There were lots of other age category prizes for Ilkley Harriers too, including for; Gawain Moore, Jeff Green, Ian Davis and Bob Hamilton, all of whom finished first in their respective categories.
This year’s event was made extra special by the race founder Andy Wolfenden presenting the prizes to the winners, along with some interesting information on the early years of this race.
Runners also enjoyed a special Ilkley Incline biscuit, cleverly designed by Jen Roberts, displaying the Ilkley Incline race profile. Thanks to Jen, Alison Weston and Jann Smith for their baking efforts!
And huge thanks to all those who kindly gave up their time to volunteer at the race, as well as to Yorkshire Runner in Otley and Saltaire Brewery who generously sponsored the event.