Running log

Local runners were among the pick of the bunch in the ABBEY DASH 10K round Leeds city centre in support of Age UK.

There were 6,000 taking part on the fast out-and-back course to Kirkstall Abbey, which offered personal-best opportunities for those who got away quickly but woe betide those who get caught in the crowds.

Susan Partridge of Leeds City produced a winning time of 33min 48sec in the women’s race and Racheal Bamford (Otley) took a commendable fourth place in 35:20. Helen Glover (Keighley) and Jo Waites (Calder Valley) also made the top 20.

Sue Coates was fourth in the over-60s category and Nicola Empson (42:31) the first lady back from 21 fielded by Baildon Runners.

First home from other local clubs included Claire Green (Pudsey & Bramley) in 41:09, Jen Willingham (Saltaire, 41:55), Shirley Oldale (Eccleshill, 44:19) and Debbie Bland (Skyrac, 45:26).

Morpeth pair Jonathon Taylor (29:20) and Nick McCormick took first and second in the men’s race.

Runners from as far afield as Bristol, Shettleston, Wales, Tipton and Altrincham all featured before Kevin Seaward of Leeds provided the first West Yorkshire club interest in 13th.

Will Smith (Keighley, 32:37) was fifth over-35, while Matt Nowell (Bradford Airedale) managed 88th in 33:53. Nigel Armitage (34:12) was first back among 32 from Pudsey Pacers.

Excellent performances by seniors included Marcellus Springer (Horsforth) taking the M55 category prize, just three seconds ahead of Henry Heavisides (Ilkley). John Smithurst (Bingley) achieved the fastest M70 time in 50:40.

Meanwhile, the HARRIERS V CYCLISTS race, hosted by Bingley Harriers, pitted runners against cyclo-cross riders in a vertiginous return trip from the Leeds-Liverpool canal to the top of Baildon Moor.

Conditions favoured riders, with Ian Taylor (Craven Energy) eclipsing Rob Jebb’s course record to be first home. He was over two minutes ahead of Tom Adams (Ilkley Harriers, 34:18), who was third overall and the only runner in the top ten.

Victoria Wilkinson was the star runner, breaking her own course record by 16 seconds to be first women home in 38:30.