There was a time in the 1980's when any club runner who entered the Boxing Day Chevin Chase risked expulsion from the AAA because the race was a private promotion and not sanctioned by the powers-that-were in athletics.

Those who competed in those races still tell of runners who dare not compete wearing their club vests and ran under pseudonyms.

Times change and Airecentre Pacers took the event over and along with legitimacy grew entries such that in recent years around 900 runners have regularly taken part in this traditional Boxing Day celebration which has as much to do with the spirit of Christmas as the serious business of athletics.

Today pseudonyms are utilised in a sense of fun and not to avoid AAA sanctions.

In recent years the logistics of managing the event have become such that this year a pre-entry rule was imposed and there was no entry on the day.

Nevertheless a staggering 931 runners entered for their Boxing Day ritual including the man dressed as a fairy complete with waving wand and the team of Mother Christmas's.

The most astounding performance was the man who entered as '"A. Duck" in complete duckling outfit; white chest feathers, head dress, the full regalia.

He received smiles on the start line but beneath the regalia quacked a

serious runner who drew gasps of astonishment when he finished fourth overall.

Conditions for the race were excellent with a blue sky above and the frozen ground providing a firm surface underfoot. Although the route includes a muddy field, tracks on the Danefield Estate and bridleway cobbles, it is primarily an event for road runners and the winner in 40 min 31 sec was Tim Crossland of Shaftesbury & Barnet Harriers who was well ahead of David Cowlishaw (Altrincham) in 41.18 who improved two places on his 1999 4th place.

First local runner was Jason Helmsley (Pudsey & Bramley) in third place in 42.07 which improved on his 6th place last year.

Luisa Wildeman (Valley Striders) was first female ahead of Treena Carney (Dewsbury) who on 49.22 was 85th overall.

Local club Skyrac AC is still suffering from absentees through injury but still supported the event in depth.

Not surprisingly their first runner home was David Young, who remains Skyrac's fastest runner in events such as these, and was followed by Graham Breeze, who is Skyrac's fastest older runner and was rewarded by winning the First Over 50 prize when finishing 86th on 49.25.

Then followed Nigel Kirkbright, Peter Rawnsley, Malcolm Coles, Graham Grinstead, slightly in front of his wife Cheryl, Michael Howard and Roger Dawson.

Ilkley Harriers put out 30 runners

Nearly 30 Ilkley Harriers were amongst the runners - not only trying to work off the Christmas excesses, but also chasing points in the final event in our club running league.

Although this race attracts runners of Allsorts, it's no Christmas gift - its seven miles takes in some rough tracks and a steep climb up the Chevin.

First Ilkley Harrier home was Andy Wade in a creditable 11th place in 42.55.

After Mike Baldwin, the next competitive Harrier was Phil Atkinson in 49.04; then Neil Chapman 49.51; Sally Malir 51.15 and 5th lady; Norman Bush about 51.30; second-claim member Kirstin Bailey 10th lady in 52m; Julie Harvey and Joyce Marshall in 53m; Nick Mapstone in 54.33; Keith Wood 55m; Alison Crane and Richard Gray 59m; Shirley Wood 62.42; Ronnie Shackleton, Bernie Connor and Claudia Barjolin in about 63m; Chris Porritt and Margot Dale 64m; Andy Sarah 65.15; Jill Cooke, Steve Fletcher, and Chris Airey in 66m; Howard Allen 70m; Brian Sweet 75m; and Mandy Chapman 77 minutes.