Running Log

Haworth was the venue for the challenging Yorkshireman half and full marathons hosted by Keighley & Craven.

The full 26.2-mile race saw 275 entrants compete individually or in pairs on a perfect day for running.

The scenic course climbed to ‘The Withens’ before taking in landmarks including Ogden Water and Hewenden Viaduct.

Andy Peace (Bingley), Gary Devine (Pudsey & Bramley), Quentin Lewis (Baildon) and Adam Breaks (Calder Valley) set the early pace.

Peace and Devine pulled away from the 11-mile mark with Devine emerging victorious in 3hr 9min, a minute ahead of Peace.

Lewis paid the price for his start but had enough of a cushion to take third.

The half marathon attracted some top competitors and Ben Mounsey (Calder Valley) flew off from the start, while Karen Pickles (Pudsey Pacers) won the ladies race.

Happy locals included Mel Bryan (Baildon Runners) after taking 48 minutes off her best, despite a crash with a passing mountain biker.

And Pete Huby (St Bede’s) raised £500 for charity while beating his target of five hours by 11 minutes and was “well pleased, though I felt like dying several times”.

Video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD8-AecRIco

Meanwhile, Will Kerr and Gerard Mills were the star performers in the 60-mile LEEDS COUNTRY WAY RELAY.

The clockwise loop from Garforth via Morley, Thornbury and Bramhope drew 32 teams of 12 runners, competing in pairs over six multi-terrain legs.

Leeds City overcame a three-minute deficit on Valley Striders at the end of leg three to win in 7:00:13sec.

The Airedale Athletics team – consisting of runners from St Bede’s, Eccleshill, Skyrac and Bradford-Airedale – were unable to capitalise on a great start.

Kerr and Mills set the fastest time of the day on leg two (1:14:39) as they moved into second place but their team eventually finished eighth in 8:01:42sec.

Pudsey Pacers were an excellent fifth in 7hr 33min 52sec, while Baildon Runners made the top ten in 8:13:27sec.