Running log

Adrian Worger still leads the AIREDALE ATHLETICS SUMMER CHALLENGE after 16 of the 26 races following the Wharfedale off-road marathon and half-marathon events.

Hot on his heels are Liz Boothman (Baildon), Barney Lerner (St Bede’s), John Crabtree and Steve Watkins (both Baildon).

A number of athletes have broken age-category records over this inter-club series of off-road races.

Top orienteer Watkins defied humid weather to achieve a Baildon record for the Wharfedale Marathon with 3hr 43min 46sec, finishing third among the over-40s.

Jack Verity, Worger and Lerner all crossed the half-marathon finish line in club records for St Bede’s.

Verity took the over-50s record (1:53:10), Worger the over-45s (1:52:16) and Lerner (2:16:11) the over-60s.

Among the women, Theresa Duckett (Baildon) finished the half-marathon in 2:09:47 to earn second place in the women’s over-40s.

Jayne Hart (St Bede’s) set a new club record for the women’s over-50s in the half with a solid 2:52:31.

Pudsey Pacers duo Shaun Denham and Simon Beverley crossed the finish at Threshfield together, completing the marathon in a respectable time of 4:19:51.

The next three Summer Challenge races are the Esholt Bash on Thursday, the Eldwick Gala (June 26) and Oldfield fell races (July 18).

The HAREWOOD CHASE, organised by Bingley Harriers, featured a 10km multi-terrain route on the beautiful, traffic-free Harewood Estate.

Wet weather failed to dampen the spirits of Bingley Ladies, who won the team prize in a field of 81 runners.

Alice Caldwell (Hallamshire) won the women’s race in 39:54, with Jess Nixon (Gateshead) close behind in 40:15. This top pair battled it out four minutes ahead of the rest of the field.

Pudsey & Bramley trio Ian Nixon (winner), Colin Walker and Neil Armitage dominated the 101-strong men’s race, taking the top three spots and ensuring their club took home the team prize.

Martin Peace (Bingley) followed in fourth place in 35:50, after his warm-up cycle to the race from Bingley.