Running log

The BigK 10K in Keighley was so successful the organisers almost ran out of timing chips.

A late surge on the day generated 1,459 entrants and 1,200 runners and walkers for the Mothering Sunday event.

Andrew Wood, from Manorlands Hospice, said: “We hope that the event will have raised in the region of £60,000 for the Sue Ryder charity.”

The first female home was first-time entrant Liz Greenwood from Blackburn Harriers, the 15-year-old clocking 39min 42sec.

First past the finish line in Victoria Park was Will Smith (Keighley & Craven AC), with his 34:28 time meaning he won the race for a third time out of four.

“Last year I was well and truly beaten but I’m back with a vengeance!” said Smith.

Next home was Julian Hood (Skipton AC) in 35:25 and third was 25-year-old Craig Shearer (Keighley & Craven), making an impressive comeback after being off training for over seven months with a damaged tendon and ligaments in his foot.

The first junior was 14-year-old James Lund, a pupil at Ermysted’s Grammar School in Skipton, who clocked 39:06. He said: “It feels great. Mum and dad were out there somewhere to cheer me on.”

Several fell races took place on Saturday, including 206 runners finishing the popular Heptonstall event over 24km and 1,000m of climbs. Adam Osborne of Leeds City recorded a record winning time of 1hr 54min 10sec.

Haworth’s Jo Buckley was first lady in 2:21:32, with Renee Saxton of Otley second. Colin Walker (Pudsey & Bramley) was sixth male, while Will Buckton of Ilkley was a fine 14th.

The Lakes hosted 1,043 runners for the Coniston 14, an undulating race following the road around Coniston Water.

The weather was favourable, starting cool but developing into lovely sunshine later. Coniston Old Man looked picturesque in the background, with the sun shining on snow at the summit.

Ilkley’s Christine Cox had enough left for a spurt at the end to finish second over-55 lady. Morpeth’s Ian Harding won in 77min 14sec.