Horsforth Harriers this weekend celebrated a unique double success in the Yorkshire Veterans Grand Prix Championship. After a whole season of races around the county both the men's and ladies' teams took first place overall.

This is the first time any club has won the men's and ladies' championship in the same season.

In addition Dave Maycock, Nigel Monaghan and Peter Slinger took individual awards whilst Sarena Blackburn, Julie Hustwit, Marie Hart and Hilary Wharram did likewise in the ladies' Grand Prix.

The 2003 Yorkshire Veterans Grand Prix got off to a belated start with the first race being hosted by Horsforth Harriers. This turned out to be highly appropriate, given that the Vets also held their AGM following the race, where Horsforth Harriers were presented with the trophies for the 2002 Grand Prix Championship.

The ladies team retained the title they first won in 2001.

Horsforth Harriers are also in the running for other awards in the near future as the men's team currently head the Premier Division of the Sport Direct Cross-Country League. Having won all four of the races run to date and with only the fifth and final race to come at Temple Newsam in early March, the men's team look unstoppable and are set to go one better than last year when they finished as runners up.

Tim Midgley set a new first for the men's team when taking top honours at the last race held at Kippax, making him the first ever male Horsforth Harrier to win a Sport Direct Cross-Country League race.

The ladies are also currently head of their Premier Division but while Helen Sly has finished first lady in each of the four previous races, they are locked in a three way battle with last year's champions Ilkley Harriers and a rejuvenated Abbey Runners side.

The result of the final race will be crucial as it really will be a winner takes all scenario.

Ilkley Harriers

On Saturday, eight Ilkley Harriers tackled the Wadsworth Trog 20 miles with 4,000ft of climb under a wall to wall blue sky, with frozen ground underneath, and only light winds.

These conditions were excellent and the men's record was broken by Rob Jebb of Bingley in 2.50.03.

Harriers results were: 28, Roy Ruddle 3.38.31; 41, Ian Marshall 3.45.54*; 61, Ashley Hardwell 3.59.46; 68, Bob Wightman 4.05.41*; 73, Jane Leather 4.09.53 4th lady; 75, Anna Liuba 4.09.53 and 6th lady; 76, Neil Chapman 4.11.42*;79, Andy Wiggans 4.16.25*.

On Sunday, Mark Iley finished 27th in 1h53:53 at the Winter Hill fell race, 11 miles with 2,750ft of climb.

This Sunday, Ilkley Harriers are staging their premier event - the Ilkley Moor Fell Race over 5.5 miles with 1,150ft of climb.

This is a serious fell race, for experienced runners. Once again the race is generously sponsored by Booths Supermarkets.

Ilkley Harriers is a friendly club, training every Tuesday at 7pm from Ilkley Lawn Tennis and Squash Club. See their web site www.ilkleyharriers.co.uk for more information.

Otley AC

Last Saturday 21 members of Otley AC ventured to Harewood for the second event of the 2003 Eric Smith Handicap competition.

This was a new course, devised and marked by Nick Hodgkinson, over 4.5 undulating miles.

Although the morning was sunny it was cold and icy in places which, along with the cattle grids and farm gates, slowed times a little.

The event was won by Colin Best who finished eight seconds clear of Sharron Driver in 39:51 to collect 21 points.

Third finisher was club President David Hainsworth in 40:17 followed by Kathy Atkins 46 seconds later. Fifth place went to Graham Stead who just finished ahead of Nick Hodgkinson (who had already run around the course earlier in the day).

Ian Fisher ran the fastest time with 25:59. Second fastest was Julian Mawson (26:17) while rapidly improving Malcolm Court ran 28:35 for the third fastest time of the day. The fastest women (and inaugural record holder) was Caroline Marler with 33:08.

Leading points scorer so far is Malcolm Court with 31 points followed by Graham Stead, Trevor Lambert and Paul Clifford with 29 points apiece.

The day after this saw three Otley AC members take part in the Liversedge half marathon. The race was won by Dave Watson in 72 minutes and Otley's three 50 somethings recorded: 1h 36:49 (Phil Robinson), 1h 38:17 (Tom Hannah) and 1h 39:19 (David Hainsworth).

Decidedly cool conditions greeted the runners for this popular undulating race.

Otley AC train twice a week from Otley RUFC (Tuesday and Thursday 7.15pm) For more details contact Chris (01943 468109), visit the club's website: www.otleyac.co.uk.