Caroline Marler travelled to Bordeaux, France, for the European Veteran's Indoor Championships and won the women's 50-54 years 800 metres in 2-31.94.

Her winning margin was three seconds - taking it easy as she had the 400 metres later the same day.

She won the 400 metres easily (by four seconds) in 63.76, slower than the age group world record she set in Cardiff recently (62.58) but she was suffering from an achilles injury which started after the Cardiff run.

Caroline also finished off the same day by running the last leg in 4 x 200 metres for the British 50 years' plus team, which won the gold medal.

After winning three golds Caroline is now out injured. She will have to see if she will be recovered in time to get fit for World Outdoor Veteran's Championships in Brisbane, Australia, in July.

English Schools'

event cancelled

The cancellation of Saturday's English Schools' Cross-Country Championships at Chelmsford due to the outbreak of foot and mouth disease brought great disappointment to several of the district's athletes.

However, some compensation came for five of the local youngsters when they were selected to represent West Yorkshire in the Adidas London Mini Marathon on Sunday, April 22.

The 33 London boroughs will challenge ten invited counties and two regional teams over the 5,000m course. This starts at Southwark Bridge and continues along the Victoria Embankment, up Birdcage Walk, in front of Buckingham Palace, for a finish in The Mall.

Those selected to represent West Yorkshire from the Airedale and Wharfedale region are:-

Under 13 girls - Jill Harrison (Woodhouse Grove School and Keighley and Craven AC) and Bethany Staniland (The Girls' Grammar School, Bradford and Hull Springhead Harriers).

Under 15 girls - Laura Kirk (Guiseley School and Skyrac AC).

Under 15 boys - Nick Howard (Bradford G.S. and Skyrac AC).

Under 17 girls - Elizabeth Spencer (Horsforth School and Holmfirth Harriers).

The day before, Bethany Staniland will also represent West Yorkshire's Under-13 girls at the National Indoor Arena, Birmingham, in the National Finals of the Norwich Union / Reebok Sports Hall Athletics.

Here she will compete in the six laps race, the shot putt and the eight laps Paarlauf relay.

Ilkley Harriers

The final results of the Sport Direct Cross-Country League have been announced after the cancellation of the fifth event because of the foot and mouth disease restrictions.

Looking back, it's been a great season for Ilkley Harriers, with both men's and ladies' teams well placed in the final league tables.

The men's team was 6th out of 11 clubs but equal on points with the fourth and fifth placed teams which bodes pretty well for next year.

The ladies have had a great competition with Horsforth Harriers, and with both clubs winning two races apiece and placing second twice there was no seperating them.

It would have been a thrilling final event, with both sides promising to pull out all the stops. With the agreement of both clubs the organisers have declared a draw, with both teams receiving medals.

Again, this provides fuel for next year's contest! Bernie Connor and Jo Foster's encouragement to get people out running in the mud has been essential to this success.

February's Runner-of-the-Month, sponsored by Booths supermarkets, was awarded to Janet Hebbert for team commitment in her first season at cross-country, from running in her first race in October through to the National Championships in February.

Harriers are reminded that Pete's circuit training recommences on Monday, March 19, and with the main club night on Tuesday, speed/stamina training on Thursday, and the long run on Sunday there are still ample opportunities for training while the restrictions on open country running apply.

Ilkley Harriers is a friendly club. Come and run with us from Ben Rhydding Sports Club at 7pm on Tuesdays, or contact Ken Souyave on 01943 609597, or visit our web site www.ilkleyharriers.co.uk .