The fifth and final points race in the Harrogate League Series was held at Harrogate. After four races Otley were just one point behind leaders Harrogate HAC.

Ian Fisher took the lead again and had his team including Neil Cayton following. Ian broke away and sustained his lead to the finish whilst having to stop twice to fasten his laces because of the wet conditions. He won in 30.40 to beat Otley team mate Jamie Noon who had a great time of 32.02.

Neil Cayton finished 4th, Julian Mawson 5th, Matt Cox 6th, Jamile Parapia 7th, Andy Robertshaw 11th, Dale Foster 21st, Howard Jeffrey who travelled over 70 miles to support them in this event finished 29th and their tenth counter was John Armitstead in 54th. There was 211 finishers and Otley had 28 runners while Harrogate who won overall after five events with a ten point lead had 33 runners.

The day after Ian went to Greetland to defend his Helen Windsor 10k title. Despite having won Burn Valley Half Marathon by four minutes four days earlier, and the Harrogate League race the night before this was the race Ian was saving himself for as he was not sure who was going to be there on the night. The undulating and windycourse suited Ian's style.

Ian took the lead from the off and kept it all the way to the finish 1 minute 36 seconds in front of Pudsey and Bramley's Steven Neill.

Last Sunday Ian decided to enter the Thorpe Edge Festival 10k, a tough race with lots of climbing involved. The humidity made the race even harder.

Ian felt he could beat the course record of 34.56, despite doing a Half Marathon and two 10k races over the last week. With some support from the local 'chav' kids trying to race him through the Thorpe Edge estate Ian found the strength once again to take the lead and break away. The heat took its toll on everyone. With a mile to go Ian eased off a touch and finished the race in 32.44 breaking the course record by two minutes.

The race could have had a different conclusion as everyone had spotted Menston's famous international runner Richard Nerurkar in the crowd.

Thankfully, Richard was there to support his wife who won the ladies' prize. It did make Ian go drip white when he saw him that day though.

With four wins under his belt in eight days Ian will be joining his club at the Washburn Relay this Friday which starts at the main car park near the Fewston and Swinsty for a 7pm start. Local clubs including Ilkley Harriers will be joining Otley in hoping to beat holders Skipton AC.

Training at Cross Green is at 7.15pm on Tuesday and Thursday nights.

Skyrac AC

Neil and Sue Clayton have been members of Skyrac as long as anyone and have served the club in every capacity, from Chairman to Kit Secretary, and organised the Otley Chevin Fell Race for 20 years.

They are shortly to emigrate to their second home in France and last weekend invited friends, work colleagues and members of Skyrac to a party at the Skyrac/ANSA Clubhouse.

The Claytons represent a generation which was willing to serve others but times change and volunteers are now harder to find. They will be missed.

Duncan Asquith came 19th at Erringden Moor in 1.17.21 won by Chris Smale (Todmorden) in 1.03.29. Graham Breeze was First V60 at Settle Hills and the three mile Thurlstone Chase, near Penistone.

Peter Rawnsley ran in the Helen Windsor Memorial 10k from Greetland near Halifax. Peter was 56th and 3rd V55 in 42.07.

Skyrac can be contacted via 01943 874046 or www.skyrac,org.uk

Pbs for James

Ilkley Grammar School boy James Heaton, 15, showed what a bit of determination can do when he put up a phenomenal performance representing West Yorkshire Schools at the North of England Combined Events Championships in Jarrow.

Competing in the U-17 Men's Octathlon James attained seven Personal Bests. He and his team mates won the competition and will go on to represent The Northern Region at the English Schools' Combined Events Championships at Southampton.

Highlights of James' performance were high jump 1.84 metres and an amazing shot putt of 11.92 metres.