Breeze takes lead on fells

race. Now in its 35th year, and a counter for the 2000 English Championship, the nine mile event with 3000 feet of ascent on a route via Heron Pike and Great Rigg to the mighty Fairfield at 2864ft drew 600 runners to Rydal Hall near Ambleside last Sunday.

In searing temperatures Mark Roberts of Borrowdale was the winner ahead of Ian Holmes and Rob Jebb of Bingley.

First for Skyrac was Graham Breeze, 205th in 1hr 44 min which sees him promoted to first place in the Skyrac Fellrunning Championship. John Forsyth was 272nd (1hr 49min) followed by Max Wood 382nd (2 hr 6min) and Dave Hill 415th (2 hr 8 min).

Earlier in the week Graham Breeze was First Over 55 veteran and 68th out of 185 finishers in a time of 37min 25sec at the Blackstone Edge race from Littleborough, Lancashire where the winner was Sean Willis (Todmorden) in 29.43.

On the previous evening five Skyrac runners had supported the 16th Jack Bloor races over Ilkley Moor which are held in memory of the late fellrunner, mountaineer and mountain adviser to Yorkshire scouts. Proceeds from the event provide grants to help young people undertake adventurous activities which have included locations in Peru, Kenya and China. Graham Patten (Pudsey & Bramley) won the senior race in 41min 53 sec and Skyrac runners came in at 39 John Forsyth (50.22), 42 Graham Breeze (50.44), 65 Malcolm Coles (53.57) 90 Neil Clayton (58.34) and 128 Roger Dawson (65.30) out of 144 finishers.

Skyrac fellrunners are part of Wharfedale's longest established and broadest based athletics club. Call Neil Clayton on 0113-229-0924 and see how the yellow vest can change your life.

Ilkley Harriers

SIXTEEN Ilkley Harriers competed in the Jack Bloor Races on Ilkley Moor last Tuesday, in a record 144-runner field.

All proceeds from the races go to the Jack Bloor Fund, which supports local young adventurers. It was a good night's racing with a warm, sunny evening and firm, fast conditions underfoot. The races are 'navigational', requiring the runners to visit six checkpoints, all famous Ilkley Moor landmarks such as the Swastika Stone, by the optimum route.

Malcolm Pickering in 8th place with 44.32 and Nick Pearce in 11th with 46.10 were the first 2 Vets and, together with Mike Baldwin who was 21st with 47.17, gave us 3rd men's team.

Among the many other good Harriers results were Vet-60 runner Norman Bush in 43rd place with 51.22, and Sally Malir first lady with 53.26.

The next day our Vets were out in force at the 5k Yorkshire Vets Championships at Esholt.

Eddie Irving was 7th overall and 2nd Yorkshire Vet in a fine 15.52; Billy Kerr was 19th with a PB of 16.23; Malcolm Pickering was 2nd Vet45 with 17.10, closely followed by Nick Pearce, then Pete Shields and Andy Kitchen. Helen Sedgwick ran 19.52 in the open race.

At the weekend, Harriers competed in sizzling conditions on road and fell. In the Leeds Marathon Ewan Welsh finished in 3h40 and Nick Mapstone in 4h03. And in the accompanying half-marathon Andy Wade recorded a fine 1h18m30. Martin Heath did 1h42m51 in his 1st ever half-marathon, and Howard Allen 2h02.

Many miles away, in the 9-mile English Championships Fairfield Horseshoe fell race in the Lakes, Nick Pearce finished in 1h30 and 93rd place - an excellent position in the high-class 600-strong field. Helen Sedgwick was equally impressive as 23rd lady, as was Sally Malir (26th lady), finishing with Peter Shields in 1h52, Anna Liuba in 2h, and Rachael Gooch in 2h03.

To get involved with this busy running club, come along and run with us at Ben Rhydding Sports Club at 7pm on a Tuesday, check out the web site at www.daisyhill.demon.co/ilkleyharriers, or contact club captain Ken Souyave on 01943 862096.

Skyrac A C

Both Skyrac Northern League teams were in action last weekend and both made disappointing starts to this season's campaigns.

At Wigan's Robin Park Stadium, the Northern Men's team found themselves depleted in numbers and only managed fifth out of the six competing teams, in Division 3 North West.

Nevertheless, Thomas Poulton-White picked up maximum points in the sprints, winning both the 100m (11.7s) and 200m (23.5s).

Robert Spencer, still only an Under 17, also ran extremely well for second place in the 15000m in 4 mins. 09.7s. He was also part of the winning 4x400m relay team.

The following day at Lancaster the Northern Women's team found themselves in a high quality competition in Division One, and came seventh overall. Outstanding amongst the ladies and girls was Clare Crossland who won the Senior 400m Hurdles in 66.8s and Jannine Knowland who was second in the Under 15 Girls Shot Putt (9.32m).

Other noteworthy performances came from Sarah Eaman, fourth in the Under 15 girls Long Jump (4.80m), G. Mcvee, sixth in the Under 17 Girls 300m (54.7s) and S Edwhistle, fourth in the senior 800m (2 mins. 21.5s).

Both teams will be looking for a better turn-out in the forthcoming league fixtures.

Meanwhile on the fells, Skyrac found itself with a Yorkshire champion. Thirteen year old Nick Howard earned the gold medal in the Under 14 age group on West Nab, near Huddersfield coming fifth overall in the English Championship race, he was the first Yorkshire boy home in 16 mins 29s and thus gained the country title.

Ilkley Fun Run

and Road Race

WHETHER you take your running seriously or not,the 18th Annual Fun Run and Road Race in Ilkley on June 11 is sure to provide ample incentive to get those knees up!

The two races, sponsored by Dale Eddison's Estate Agents, and organised by Ilkley and District Round Table, are expected to draw around 700 people to the event which will also be accompanied by a car boot sale.

Timothy Usherwood, chairman of the Fun Run committee, said that whilst the 10km road race - to Askwith Village and back - offered a serious 10,000-metre challenge for amateur athletes, the three-mile fun run to Middleton Village and down Curly Hill was open to all for exercise and enjoyment.

Timothy said: "This is the 18th year that we have staged the event and it is always well supported, and gives people the opportunity to raise a bit of money for charity. It's a really good family day out giving everybody the chance to get some exercise!"

The car boot sale and associated stalls and activities will take place on East Holmes Field from 9.30am. Both the 10km road race, starting at 10.30am, and the fun run, which starts at 11.45am, will start in Denton Road next to the swimming pool and finish at East Holmes Field.

The proceeds raised from this year's event will be committed as always to local charities. Entry forms for the races are still available from Dale Eddison Estate Agents on The Grove, or The Complete Runner on Leeds Road. Entrants can also register to take part on the day.

Triathletes to the fore

LOCAL triathletes made a successful visit to the Warwickshire Children's Triathlon at Stour Valley, Shipston on Stour. The race was part of the British Triathlon Association's Eastern Regional Championships.

First away was Burley-in-Wharfedale's Scott Thwaites in the under-11 age group. He completed the 140 metre swim, two kilometre cycle and one kilometre run in 12min 58sec to secure first place.

Otley's Heather Taggart emulated this feat winning the under-13 race, comprising a 200-metre swim, four kilometre cycle and 1,600 metre run in a time of 28min 3sec, despite completing an extra lap of the tough grassy bike loop.

James Taggart and Mark Thwaites competed in the longest race of the day, a 300 metre swim, six kilometre cycle and 2.5 kilometre run. James finished in 31min 30sec to claim the first under-15 prize, while Mark's time of 34min 55sec gave him third place inn the under-14 race.

The triathletes are all members of the Horsforth-based Triangle Asics Triathlon Club, which now operates a junior section. Further information from Adam Nevins, Triangle, New Road Side, Horsforth. Tel 0113 2590477.

Otley AC

IN a busy week for members of Otley Athletic Club the warm weather affected some performances. At the Jack Bloor Fell Race at Ilkley Andrew Robertshaw ran very well to finish 15th in 46.53 with Ray Hawksby 35th in 50.07, David Fox 112th in 61.09 and David Cattanach 131st in 66.21. Otley's only lady representative Caroline Marler was 123rd in 64.37.

At the weekend the Fairfield Horseshoe Fell Race in the Lake District attracted three Otley members in Dale Foster, fast becoming an expert on the fells, who took 69th place in 1.29.44; Andrew Robertshaw who was 118th in 1.35.00 and David Fox who finished in 2.14.00.

The hot weather returned on Sunday for the Leeds Marathon and Half Marathon in which seven Otley members took part. Club president Tom Hannah's race lasted only a mile as a hamstring injury caused him to retire. David Cattanach finished in 1.51.30 and Andrew Sumner in 1.53.00. Jane Crapper did 1.52.00, Samantha Cartwright 1.56.10 and Mary Hampshire 1.56.50.

Astonishingly Nick Hodgkinson opted to do the full marathon having completed the London Marathon and the Three Peaks in the previous month. The heat and fatigue took their toll and he was only able to manage 4 hrs 24 mins, almost an hour longer than his best time for the distance.

On Wednesday will be the highlight of the Otley AC calendar, the staging of the Otley Ten Mile Road Race, which is being sponsored by Otley Motors. The race starts at 7.30 pm outside Otley Civc Centre and entries will be taken on the night at Otley RUFC. Entry forms are also available from the club on training nights on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7.15 pm from Otley RUFC. Runners of all abilities are welcome.

Fellandale

After low turn outs for the Jack Bloor race held on Ilkley Moor, it was good to see so many local fell runners make the effort this year. Money raised by the event is given to local young people to help them realise their ambitions.

For Fellandale the race forms part of the club's championship series, and there was a tremendous turn out from the club. Although the course is short, just over five miles, it is very testing - especially the initial climb up to the Badger Stone - and it was amazing to see front runners stream up the hillside - especially when you're at the back.

The route is further technically challenging as there is the heather moorland to cross, where there are no discernable tracks up to Cowper's Cross; and the final descent to the checkpoint at the hidden tarn, close-by White Wells, hard to find!

The event was won by Graham Patten of Pudsey and Bramley in a time of 41:53 and the first lady was Sally Malir of Ilkley Harriers in 53:26. Paul Dennison was the first Fellandale runner in position 13 in a time of 46:30; Richard Falls (47:35); Chris Hodgson (48:18); Martin Gebbett (50:14); Brian Kenny (52:45); Alan Stenton (55:50); Ralph Porter (58:50); Graham Maud (59:16); David Hickman (61:55) and Colin Kilner and Mark Saville making a dash for the finish line together in a time of 74:20.

At the weekend Fellandale runners journeyed to the Lake District to take part in the nine mile Fairfield Horseshoe race. This year runners had to contend with a very hot day, making the going extremely hard work - especially the initial ascents - although the run off the top awarded runners fantastic panoramas of the Lakes.

Back in Leeds, Martin Scott and Abigail Saville both sweated it out around the Leeds Half Marathon. Last year was hot and sunny, but this year was even hotter! This accounted for some fairly slow times around the course - Martin ran it in 1hr40mins and looked completely drained at the end, whereas

Abigail, running her first ever road event managed 2:47:30.

The club has also been involved in the formation of the Horsforth Sports Council, which had a well attended meeting at Yarnbury to discuss the Constitution and issues it would like to tackle. The first AGM will be held in mid-May to appoint officers, from local clubs and educational establishments, to run the Council.

This week sees the Club's Spring Handicap event run on The Chevin this Wednesday. For more information about Fellandale check out our web site www.fellandale.com or call Mark Saville (0113) 258 4680.

Wharfedale Harriers

Last week's racing program provided something of a dilemma for club members, forcing a choice between the local Jack Bloor race on Tuesday night and the classic Blackstone Edge race on Wednesday. The latter race, as part of Allan Greenwood's South Pennines Grand Prix Series, got the nod for most, although Kevin and Kate Rogan opted to run both races.

First runner home for the club in the Jack Bloor Race was Damien Scholes, 30th in 48.10 followed by Kate Rogan, 75th overall and 3rd lady in 55.27, and Kevin Rogan, continuing his steady progress back to fitness, 95th in 59.45.

Seven members turned out at Littleborough for the race up Blackstone Edge with Bob Hamilton leading home for the club with 18th place in 33.38 behind winner Sean Willis of Todmorden in 29.43. This result keeps Bob at the top of the Grand Prix rankings after four races. From a strong field of almost 200 runners, fourteen year old Martin Hounslow again excelled in senior company to finish 60th in 37.01, just ahead of Paul Rogan, 65th in 37.20.

Sam Hounslow was next home, 77th in 38.04, sneaking home ahead of Kate Rogan, 78th and 2nd lady in 38.15. Kevin Rogan had another steady run for 137th

in 42.40 while Steve Hounslow, who was tracking Bob all the way up the climb, unfortunately suffered a twisted ankle near the summit and had to hobble through to the finish.

Kate Rogan's hard work through the winter and early spring has paid off with her selection to run for England in the Home Countries International at Knockdhu in County Antrim, Northern Ireland this coming Saturday. She will be running in the Under 20s team of four against teams from Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Sunday sees the first running of the White Wells Fell Race on Ilkley Moor, Wharfedale Harriers' first promotion of the season. The senior race starts at 2pm, with junior races for the under 9s, under 12s, under 14s and under 17s from 12 noon. The race is being sponsored by local software company, iBase Image Systems.

The course offers classic fell running with steep climbs and fast descents over a variety of terrain. The race will begin from the bottom of the track leading up to White Wells and climb past Spa Cottage, up the steps to the cairn that overlooks the town, from where the route descends East to Hangingstone Beck and around to the Lower Tarn. It then climbs back past White Wells on a different route to gain the cairn for a second time, from where the route then descends to the West. The race ends with a sting in the tail, taking the runners up one last climb to the finish at White Wells. The race is approximately three and a half miles in distance, with some 1100 ft of climbing.

Unlike many fell races where runners climb into the mist, not to be seen until their sudden return out of the mist some considerable time later, this race should offer considerably more interest to spectators, a good part of the race being visible from in and around White Wells. It promises to be a great spectacle. Any junior runners wishing to sample a taste of fell running are encouraged to come along and enter. It goes without saying that the junior courses are considerably shorter than the senior course, and do not have that vicious sting in the tail. Entry fees are 50p for the juniors, and £2 for seniors. The folk at White Wells have nominated the Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue as their charity of the month, so if you go up to watch the race you may care to throw a few coins in the spa.

This coming Wednesday the weekly social run will start from the Elm Tree at Embsay. Meet at the pub at 6.45 for a 7pm start. All runners are very welcome to join us.Wharfedale Harriers is a family oriented club aiming to promote fell and cross-country running across all ages and abilities. Training takes place on Monday and Tuesday evenings from Silsden, and Thursday evening from Ilkley. For more details please contact David Hird on 01535 653826 .

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.