Running Log

Spenborough's Anthony Bradford won the veterans' category as the ever-popular Guy Fawkes ten-miler attracted 828 runners to Ripley Castle.

Bradford was back towards his best on a scenic but challenging course through the Nidderdale villages of Birstwith and Hampsthwaite, finishing seventh overall in 60min 16sec.

Nick Hart (Pudsey Pacers) was the next local runner home in 23rd place, followed by a close tussle involving clubmate Jim Wheldon in 40th, Jack Verity (St Bede's) 45th, Tim Bull (Ilkley) 46th, Mick Hogan (Eccleshill) 47th and Charles Marshall (Keighley & Craven) 50th.

Kate Nelson of Knavesmire, who finished 26th, easily won the women's race, while Sally Malir (Ilkley Harriers) was third female runner home in 69min 57sec.

In a home race for North Yorkshire clubs, there were nonetheless large turn-outs from Pudsey Pacers and Eccleshill Road Runners.

The Cop Hill fell race in Meltham on the same day was dominated by Holmfirth runners, with Dave Watson and Jacqui Dews winning the men's and women's races respectively.

Further afield, Andy Hardaker of Pudsey Pacers recorded 19min 27sec at the Orlando 5K event in Florida. This placed him second in the V40 category and an impressive 22nd overall out of 750 starters.

The renamed PECO Cross-Country League kicks off on Sunday at Dewsbury Local representatives in this ten-strong men's and women's over-17s competition are Airecentre Pacers, Eccleshill and Ilkley Harriers.

Also on November 11, the West Yorkshire Winter League has the first of its five rounds, hosted by Idle AC on a course round Buck Woods.

This league comprises Baildon Runners, Dewsbury, Idle, Leeds-Bradford Triathlon Club, Pudsey Pacers, Skipton, Stainland Lions and St Bede's.

With the demise of several events due to traffic management problems, the next major road race is the Leeds Abbey Dash 10K on Sunday, November 25.

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