From Jane McCarthy…
Wharfedale Harriers organise this low key mid-week evening fell race, starting from the rugby pitches in Silsden. It’s an out-and-back course up to the trig on Addingham High Moor. The race covers 6 miles and 1175ft of climbing, and the course record is a mind boggling 39:59 from 2016 by local Wharfedale athlete James Hall.
There were nine Ilkley Harriers in attendance – a good showing out of 77 runners. I was lucky to see Nigel Illingworth before the start, warming up he showed me the route approx.. 1 mile out and back from the start/finish which I had heard wasn’t easy to find if on your own. This was absolutely right, and on the return from the trig there were a fair few runners approaching gates and stiles from multiple directions. The lady that had been in front of me appeared at the end a good minute or so behind, having followed a couple of runners the wrong way at a farm.
Given the low key nature of the race, a £5 (yes, a fiver) entry fee and the fact the race is an out and back and the route clearly map marked on the website there shouldn’t be too much complaining though. Plenty of beer and wine for age category winners. Steve Gott was first Harrier home in 50:50. A lovely way to spend a Summer’s early evening – and nice and local – I would recommend this race.
(1. Craig Shearer, 43:01, West Yorkshire Fire Service)
18. Steve Gott 50:50
21. Dave Robson 51:14 (1st MV50_
26. Samesh Chotai 52:13
34. George Whittlestone 54:17
36. Tom Mountain 54:26
38. Jane McCarthy 57:16 (3rd lady 1st LV50)
50. David Singleton 59:37
60. Matthew Snow 69:33
71. Nigel Illingworth 76:43
77 finishers