From Alison Bennett...
There was a great turnout of 32 Ilkley Harriers at the third race in the Harrogate District Summer Race League which was hosted by Knaresborough Striders. The race was approximately 9km, mainly on tarmac. The race started and finished in Horseshoe Field at the rear of Conyngham Hall. After a rather narrow and for some congested lap of the field, avoiding the rabbit holes guarded by strategically placed marshals, the runners headed out along the Beryl Burton Cycleway to a turnaround point, returning through Bilton before rejoining the cycleway again back to Knaresborough. The ample spread of food afterwards was enjoyed by many of the 409 finishers in the warm evening sunshine.
Ilkley had some impressive results. Matthew Thackwray took an early lead in the race and finished just over a minute ahead of second placed runner, Scott Harrington of Otley. Harry Brook-Dobson was 12th, James Horrex finished 20th. Jane McCarthy was Ilkley’s first lady to finish and was also first in her age group. Other Ilkley Harriers also scooping first age group category placings were Richie Williamson, Peter Shelley and Diane Kitchen.