Running Log

Colin Walker headed 277 other entrants to win a hard-fought sixth Idle Trail Race.

The Pudsey & Bramley runner eventually came home in a convincing 36min 04sec, with Karen Pickles of Pudsey Pacers an impressive female victor in 39:34.

The well-marshalled 10km along towpaths and private roads around Woodhouse Grove School started with a flat 2.5-mile stretch along the canal that lured many into a fast start.

The men’s race had attracted a strong field and it was anyone’s guess to pick a top three from the starters.

Walker took on the pace from 2009 runner-up Andy Whitworth (Meltham AC) as the race left the school grounds and gradually stretched the leaders on the canal section.

The chasing group fought hard for positions over the undulating second half of the course and six runners finished within 30 seconds of each other, Ben Stevens (Ilkley) securing second in 36:45.

Will Kerr (St Bede’s) moved up from tenth to sixth with some strong running on the hills to finish close behind Quentin Lewis (Baildon), Whitworth and Trevor Wilks (Leeds City).

Alice Buttle (Baildon Runners) should be well pleased with a 54:02 finish in her first race.

Men’s team winners were Pudsey & Bramley, with Horsforth Harriers taking the women’s prize.

The pleasantly warm conditions and the increasingly renowned event drew runners from across the north, including marathon legend Ron Hill.

The event included homemade cakes and refreshments, with proceeds going to Yorkshire Cancer Research. All runners received a bottle of Idle Trail Race beer, specially brewed by Ilkley Brewery in celebration of Yorkshire Day.

Race director Davina Smith said: “The race went really well and I’d really like to thank the marshals who provided fantastic support.

“Also our various sponsors – Up and Running, Market Town Taverns and Paul Verity Opticians, who provided designer sun-glasses for the winners.”