Despite unseasonal downpours, the seventh Idle Trail Race attracted a field of 236 on Sunday.

It drew runners from as far afield as Morpeth, and included former Olympian and running legend Ron Hill from Clayton-le-Moors Harriers.

The race was won in a time of 35min 56sec by Quentin Lewis from local club Baildon Runners, with Margaret Beever from Stainland Lions picking up the women’s trophy in 42min 2sec.

Lewis was delighted to notch a first victory over rival Tim Midgley (Bingley). These two, and Barnsley’s Gavin Felton (37:07) had a large gap on the field.

Lewis said: “I really enjoyed the course, especially once the hills started in the second half.”

The course left from Woodhouse Grove School at Apperley Bridge and involved a flat towpath section at the start. The hills, quiet paths and tracks kicked in before a final downhill section. By this point Lewis had a 42-second winning lead.

Eccleshill Road Runners were female team victors.

Three of their women took time out from their Bradford-wide Adult Endurance Training programme: Shirley Oldale (10th woman; 50:20), Lisa Butcher (22nd; 54:58) and Sophie Withnall (27th; 56:00).

The following evening the trio, plus 16 other members of the club, joined the 23-strong training group for a session led by Czech international coach Ilona Melounova at the Pulse Gym, Hanson School.

One hour’s indoor strength-and-conditioning circuits was followed by an hour’s hill-work.

Men’s team winners were Barnsley AC. Queensbury Running Club competed strongly, with Martin Firth 11th and second over-50 (40:37), Pete Hughes (19th; 41:49) and supported by Richard Brook and Steve Wilby. Bradford-Airedale’s Gerard Mills was an excellent sixth (38:35), beating Duncan Clark (Abbey) and Alistair Langron (Holmfirth).

The race proceeds go to two charities: Neuro Foundation & Marie Curie Hospice (Bradford).

Race Director Davina Smith said: “The race went really well and I’d really like to thank all those who took part, the marshals who provided fantastic support and our sponsors. In fact, sponsor Paul Verity not only took part in the race but he then presented the prizes.”