Running Log

Winter Fools gathered in force for the inaugural relay of the same name, starting at the UAK running track in Keighley.

Keighley & Craven AC masterminded this four-leg, long-distance relay around the Aire valley to give masochistic locals the chance of a pre-Christmas dose of hypothermia in the absence of the classic Calderdale Way, which has now moved to a May slot.

Wharfedale Harriers grasped the mettle from the start, leading Bingley Harriers A up the harsh initial climb from Cliffe Castle to Braithwaite.

They continued to lead onwards over the snow covered moors above Laycock before the plunge into Eastburn and onwards to Kildwick, where Christian Holmes and Dave Kirkham set the first record of the new race in 1hr 3min 13sec over a tough nine miles.

Leg two incorporated a climb up the infamous ‘Murder Mile’ above Silsden before meandering to East Morton.

At this stage the race was anyone’s, the top three teams being within two minutes of each other, as Bingley B (Steve Carney and James Senior) took four minutes from the leaders with the fastest time of the day (1:08).

Baildon Runners edged closer in fourth thanks to Steve Watkins and Chris Burke.

The final two, shorter legs saw Bingley A and Wharfedale impose themselves on the route back to Keighley via Heights Lane in Eldwick, Shipley Glen and Saltaire.

Bingley took the plaudits thanks to fastest legs from Ged Callan, Steve Broadbent, Martin Peace and Jamie Robinson, posting a composite time of 3:38.

Bingley B showed the club’s strength in depth to take third, with Baildon happy in fourth overall to beat the four-hour mark.

Ilkley Harriers won the ladies title convincingly with their pairs – Alison Bennett and Kate Archer, Alison Eagle and Nicki Jacquiery, Val Kerr and Jo Foster – setting fastest times on legs one to three to provide an 11-minute gap over Valley Striders.

Despite being fastest over the last two legs, thanks to Gareth Hey with Diana Campbell and Alice Buttle with Oliver Horne, Baildon Runners were third in the mixed teams as Saltaire Striders emerged victorious.