From Nick Hellewell…
There were mixed conditions for this year’s Wharfedale Trail Half Marathon. The rain over the last couple of weeks left the exposed limestone slippery (more about that later), with lots of mud and water throughout the course, especially the final descent . And although the rain was falling as the gun went, it was also too warm to wrap up, so runners were dressed from just vests, to those covered up in full waterproofs!
Jack Cummings returned to defend his title, and have a go at the course record. He achieved the latter, finishing in just under 1h23m. However, Andrew Hayes of Dark Peak went that bit better, and managed around 1h20m, to break the record by even more, and take the win. Still a great 2nd place for Jack, carrying on his run of great results.
Nick Helliwell was the next Ilkley Harrier over the line in 14th position, with a time of 1h47m, as he continues his return from a year of injuries. Rachel Carter was the first lady over the line for the club, in 36th overall, and first in her FV45 age category. Next came Ash Winter, just behind Rachel, who suffered badly with the slippery limestone, falling twice, and reaching the finish line with several injuries, thankfully nothing too serious.
Completing the Ilkley finishers were Jonathan Sinclair, Sam Angus, Steve Ladhams, Derek Oliver, Colm McCann, Peter Roll, Stephen King, Peter Ferguson and Madeleine Morris. And let’s not forget Robert Hamilton, who finished 87th, and first in his MV65 category.
From Peter Roll…
A total of 14 intrepid Harriers set out in drizzly weather to Grassington, fortunately on arrival the conditions improved so we quickly shed our waterproofs before the start.
Anybody who’s done this race will tell you about the unrelenting incline of ‘Mastiles Lane’. This year it didn’t disappoint with the added feature of a head-on wind.
Despite this the Harriers put in a splendid performance. No more so than Jack Cummings coming in 2nd behind Dark Peak’s Andrew Heyes who apparently set the course record.
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Nick Helliwell 14th (2nd MV45),
Rachel Carter 36th, (1st FV45) 7th Female overall
Ash Winter 38th (6th MV45)
Jonathan Sinclair 43rd (2nd MV60)
Sam Angus 44th? (9th M Senior)
Steve Ladhams 52nd (3rd MV40)
Derek Oliver 56th (4th MV60)
Colm McCann 58th (12th MV60)
Peter Roll 59th (5th MV60) (personal worst)
Bob Hamilton 87th (1st MV65)
Steve King 90th (11th MV60)
Peter Ferguson 104th (4th MV65)
Madeleine Morris 138th (7th F Senior)
Out of a field of 212 a very respectable outing, accept for me of course.