SATURDAY, April 3 saw the first local ultra running event since the lifting of lockdown; The Welcome Way Ultra.

The 34.5 mile off road event (or 44.5 miles if competitors chose to do an additional eight mile Bingley loop) started in Otley, up to Clifton then across to Askwith and Denton before crossing the iron bridge over the River Wharfe in Ben Rhydding.

From here competitors ran up to Clevedon Retirement Village, down to Burley-in-Wharfedale, up onto Burley Moor and over to Shipley Glen and Baildon Moor. From here runners went through Esholt Woods, up to Guiseley and Yeadon. The final few miles were over the Chevin to Surprise View, across to Old Pool Bank and finally down to the finish in Otley. The weather certainly helped competitors as they finished in the sunshine with stunning views of Wharfedale. There were over 110 runners completing either the 42.5 mile or the 34.5 mile 'Classic' course organised by Punk Panther Events. The winner for the Classic 34.5 mile route was Adam Kirk in an impressive 4:45.

Local Skyrac Athletics Club athletes Rebecca and Nuno César de Sá finished together in seventh place overall in six hours and 19 minutes; Rebecca being the first female to cross the line after completing the 34.5 mile event.