TEN Ilkley Harriers enjoyed an excellent day's racing at Howarth on Sunday, competing in the 16th Soreen Stanbury Splash.

Bingley's Ian Holmes won the race for the fourth time in 45.18, a minute outside his own record for the course.

First Ilkley finisher, enjoying a strong run, was Jason Helmsley (11th) in 50.12, followed by Nick Pearce (28th) in 53.05. Geof Howard, one of the leading over 50 competitors, was 71st in 58.47.

Our next finishers were close together. Dennis Ackroyd was 122nd in 63.37, Paul Styles 123rd in 63.41, and Neil Taylor was 140th in 65.23. Langley Hay, new to the club, enjoying an impressive debut on the fells, was 154th in 67.09, a little ahead of Pete Lancaster, 156th in 67.49.

Bernie Connor, in his first outing on the fells for three years, was 177th in 71.22. Chris Porritt, continuing her good form was 214th and second over 50 lady in 82.54.

More than 40 Harriers enjoyed the club handicap/predictor race followed by the presentation of the club's trophies and a quiz last Tuesday.

Thanks to Andy Sarah for some imaginative handicapping. First finisher in the race was Vince Gibbons in 39.22. Fastest time on the night was Jason Helmsley's 25.54, a new record for the 4.75 mile course, with Billy Kerr second fastest in 25.56.

First lady was Emma Barclay in 31.10. The prize for the runner finishing nearest to their personally predicted times was shared by Johanne Kerr and Nick Pearce, both just two seconds adrift.

Ilkley Harriers is a friendly club and welcomes runners of all abilities. We meet on Tuesdays at 7pm at Ben Rhydding Sports Club.

For details, contact Nick Pearce on 603885, ladies captain Shirley Wood on 831765 or through e-mail address at Ilkley.harriers@btinternet.com.

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