Perhaps every running club believes that the races they organise are a little bit special. In the case of Ilkley Harriers and the Ilkley Moor Fell Race such vanity would be justified because over the years the race has established itself as a classic, and deservedly popular, short fell race.

The Chairman of Skyrac, who organise the forthcoming Guiseley Gallop and Otley Chevin races, praised the Ilkley race as one that has "a little bit of everything".

Graham Breeze said: "It has a technically difficult start up to the Cow and Calf before runners get a chance to stretch their legs. There are several further sharp climbs; for the brave there is a fast descent down Rocky Valley and finally a lovely run-in through the bracken to the finish.

"It is superbly organised by Ilkley Harriers and there is always a good atmosphere at the race which this year was even better because junior races were mounted for the first time."

For years the race was described as 4.5 miles and fellrunners claimed that this understated its true length. The same route is now described as 5.5 miles which should settle the matter. If competitors continue to complain then the organisers could always add a mile a year until runners start complaining that the race feels short!

Many fell races are parochial in whom they attract but the Ilkley race has always attracted 200 and more runners and the list of winners over the years includes many of the stars of fellrunning including Gary Devine, who won the first race in 1990 and holds the record of 36.46 from 1995; James Parker (when he ran for Ilkley Harriers), Steve Oldfield, Rob Jebb, Greg Hull and more recently Rob Hope with three consecutive victories.

Winner on Sunday was George Ehrhardt (Todmorden) in 38.12 ahead of P&B pair Gary Devine (39.03) and Phil Sheard (39.20).

First lady was Helen Johnson (Bingley) in 47.57 followed by Ilkley Harriers Emma Barclay (50.29) and Sally Malir (51.11).

There were 23 Ilkley Harriers in the field, and Harriers took 2nd, 3rd, and 4th prizes in the ladies' race, and the ladies' team prize. There were some fine results from the men too, with Graham Pearce leading them all home.

Even the weather was wonderful for February, and this with the al-fresco presentation of prizes gave the day a carnival atmosphere, almost.

The senior race was preceded by junior races, offered for the first time. These went very well, too, with 57 youngsters competing, and this added something special to the atmosphere of the event.

Junior winners were: U-17 girl - Chloe Rodham (Helmhill); U-14 boy - Jack Thompson (Pendle); U-14 girl Eleanor Kitchen (Bingley); U-12 boy Marcus Bennett (Westville House School); U-12 girl - Emily Dent (Holmfirth); U-10 boy - Roam Hamilton (Wharfedale Harriers); U-10 girl - Fiona Jordan (Clevedon House School); U-8 boy Sam Wood - (Ilkley Harriers); U-8 girl - Lily Kitchen (All Saints).

Most juniors received something at the prizegiving where prizes were presented by Addingham's Yorkshire fell champion Kirstin Bailey.

Ilkley Harriers thank their many members who helped make this day a great success - whether marshalling, on registration, getting results out rapidly, and all those others who helped everything run so smoothly.

Skyrac placings were: 45, Duncan Asquith (47.11), 73, Martin Farrar (50.12), 75, Graham Breeze (50.17), 80, Andy Brear (50.38), 116, Malcolm Coles (55.26), 187, Max Wood (62.36) and 206, Neil Clayton (65.25).

For inclusion in The Fellrunner Classic Fell Races series a race must be worthy of the title and have a history of at least 15 years. With 14 years of provenance the Ilkley Moor Fell Race can now look to join illustrious local races such as Otley Chevin, Burnsall and Buckden Pike in the Pantheon.

Otley Athletic Club

Three members of Otley Athletic Club participated in the English Cross-Country Championships at Parliament Hills, London on Saturday.

Considered to be the premier event of its kind in the year, Ian Fisher finished a strong 25th in 43.42, Andrew Robertshaw 229th in 49.28 and Dale Foster 260th in 50.00.

At Sunday's Ilkley Moor Fell Race Duncan Burgess finished 39th in 45.54, James Cullen 66th in 49.43, Ray Hawksby 71st in 50.03, Colin Best 130th in 56.46, David Cattanach 222nd in 71.34 and Antonio Cardinale 228th in 77.17.

The Pocklington Ten Mile Road Race also took place on Sunday. Mark Hall finished second in 54.17, John Armitstead 107th in 65.44, Beth Massey 189th in 70.47, Tom Hannah 199th in 71.40 and Kath Robertshaw 252nd in 74.32.

This coming Sunday sees members participating at the Sports Direct Cross-Country event hosted by St Theresa's.

Otley AC welcomes runners of all standards to join them for training every Tuesday and Thursday evening commencing at 7.15pm from Otley RUFC, Cross Green. Further information can be found at www.otleyac.co.uk