EIGHT Ilkley Harriers travelled to Barley, near Burnley, on Saturday for the Half Tour of Pendle Fell Race.

This tough race involving 2,250 feet of ascent over a stunning nine mile course doubled as the 1998 Lancashire championship fell race. It attracted a strong field of more than 250 runners.

Race winner and Lancashire fell champion was Mervyn Keys in 64 minutes six seconds. This was two minutes outside the course record, reflecting the boggy terrain particularly over the final mile.

First Harrier and 28th overall was Jason Helmsley in 71.28, showing a strong return to form on the fells. He was followed by Nick Pearce in 48th (75.11), Paul Wood 78th (81.09), Dennis Ackroyd 122nd (87.36) and Neil Taylor (93.57).

For the ladies, Emma Hodgeson had a strong run to finish fourth lady and 108th overall in 85.58. A good run too by Helen Johnson, 7th in 90.23, with Shirley Wood recording a useful 101 minutes.

The results from this race will be age-graded and count towards this year's club league.

The previous weekend Jason Helmsley had a superb run in the White Holme Circular, coming ninth in 103.41. First in this 13.5 mile fell race with 1,000 feet of ascent was Shaun Willis in 97.37.

Ilkley Harriers is a friendly club and welcomes runners of all abilities. We meet on Tuesdays at 7pm at Ben Rhydding Sports Club. For details contact club captain Nick Pearce on 600408, acting ladies captain Johanne Kerr on 608214 or through e-mail address at Ilkley.harriers@btinternet.com.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.