FLOOD damage to the suspension bridge over the Aire at Esholt over Christmas led to a new two-lap course for the Guiseley Gallop on Easter Sunday.

The course, prevented from crossing to the canal towpath, now turned back from the end of Spring Wood to join the filter-bed road above Esholt village, before a stiff climb through Jerrison Wood.

The 10km race kept the multi-terrain character of old, with woodland paths, tricky trails and open road, but was stiffer than the usual route.

Chris Miller (Harrogate Harriers) won in 36min 50sec, just 13 seconds off his 2015 time. He had been second three times and third twice in the last seven years before this victory.

Second place went to host club Skyrac AC, whose youngster Connor Craig-Jackson was recently ranked in the top 70 under-20s at 10km nationwide.

The Huddersfield University student has mainly competed over 800 metres and 1500m on the track, while finishing 193rd in the British Universities and Colleges' Cross-Country in Gloucester in February.

Emma Clayton of Leeds City was first lady in 40:41, with Idle's Donna Edmondson (43:56) tailing clubmate Leon Winder into second. Steph Wilson was fourth for her new club Pudsey & Bramley.

Baildon's Michael Malyon was an excellent third overall in 38:37.

On Good Friday, there was another fast Manchester-based 10K at Salford.

Hannah Oldroyd (Saltaire) was first female in 36min 37sec, just ahead of Halifax rival Sarah Cumber.

This was 11 seconds off Oldroyd's personal best at the Ribble 10K in Clitheroe in 2014.

Chris Williams (Queensbury) equalled his life-time best, also at the Ribble 10 in 2014, running 33:15.

He finished 18th to just edge out Sam Clegg (Rotherham), who ran at Guiseley two days later and came fifth.

Skipton's Julian Hood was two places back in 33:33, while Bingley's John Convery resisted the march of time to run 34:59 as second over-50.

* Ilkley Harriers are starting a six-week beginners' running course on Tuesday, May 3.

The aim is to introduce others to the joys of running and show that everyone can run and enjoy themselves.