After a long, hard hockey season you might assume Ben Rhydding Hockey Club's players would now be enjoying a well earned break.

Whilst there were no hockey sticks in sight the Ben Rhydding players worked tirelessly on Sunday running sections of the Leeds Half Marathon in sweltering sunshine.

They were there to support fellow club member Rob Shelton, whose own hockey career was tragically cut short after a car accident left him confined to a wheelchair.

Rob persuaded friends and club colleagues to assist him in raising over £10,000 for Spinal Research.

A team of 20 took turns in pushing Rob's wheelchair round the gruelling course, some completing the full 13 miles, others offering welcome respite to their tiring colleagues by joining the race at various stages of the route.

A hectic pace was maintained throughout, despite the hilly nature of the course, and a fantastic time of 1hr 55mins was recorded as Rob crossed the finish line.

The team was well organised by ex-army Major Mark Laycock, who co-ordinated the various groups of pushers around the route, and led by example staying with the wheelchair from start to finish.

This was no mean feat as Rob left most others in his wake on the downhill stretches!

Members of the ladies first team, which has retained National League status, Camilla Dyson and Kate Bradley demonstrated the determination seen so often on the hockey field as they alternately pushed, encouraged and maintained team morale.

Andy Hadley supported Mark in completing the course with Rob, including several stints pushing the chair uphill.

Several of Ben Rhydding ladies' National League squad were among the runners, enjoying the opportunity to raise money for charity whilst maintaining fitness levels.

Other team runners included Rob's work colleagues, friends and hockey club members.

Ladies first team hockey coach Pam Gibson provided valuable back-up, on hand with a spare wheelchair and first aid facilities, which were fortunately not required.

The jubilant runners celebrated in Ilkley's Ba'T'at bar later that evening, with ideas for future events already under discussion as aching limbs were lubricated with a few pints of ale.

The Leeds Half Marathon was won by Ethiopian Tomas Abyu who runs for Salford. He was never troubled and finished two minutes clear in a time of 68.25.

The best performance by a local runner was that of Otley Athletic Club's Julian Mawson. He finished fourth in 73.47.

In second place was Scunthorpe's South African Pumlani Bangani in 70.26 with Jonathan Bateman of Scarborough third in 73.13.

The first woman to finish was Lisa Wilyman of Valley Striders in 83.40. She was followed home by Skyrac's Lisa Dent in 86.02 with S Harris of Valley Striders third in 90.16.

The first veteran was S Whetstone of the Pudsey and Bramley club in a time of 77.28.