It has been a busy weekend, with the Bofra Race, one at Pen Y Ghent, one at Kelbrook, one at the Duddon Valley, not to mention the Junior FRA Races at Lothersdale. The first report in from all this activity was from Neil Taylor at Coniston who writes as follws:

Today, 3rd June, saw the 2nd BoFra championship race take place; the race being the daunting Coniston Gullies! Despite ominous looking clouds and a rather dubious weather forecast, the day was overcast but warm...indeed rather humid. And in addition to the usual pre-race recce'ing, discussion on best lines up, scree slopes on the descent and registering of before-race aches and pains; a rather exotic looking beetle (just a bit bigger than a ladybird but with an amazing translucent/pearlescent shell, and which appeared to be "hatching" (?) all about the start / finish field) formed a pleasant distraction from what was ahead of the runners. After some great results in the junior races, where again the Wharfedale vest saw fine results with Keiron Thompson coming home 3rd in the Under 14s race. The seniors set off on the route to the top of the hill behind the village. A mere dash at just about a mile in length, and only a 900feet climb...albeit with a rather steep ascent and an interesting (!) technical descent. So how come everyone was so tired at the end...? It just must have been the humidity! Clearly so as re-hdyration in the local tavern looked to be a popular post-race recovery activity!

The race was won by Alastair Dunn leading home a seniors entry field of around 38, with a time of 14:57.

The finishing times and order for Wharfedalers...

Pos	Name	Time	Other
5	Sam Watson	17:42	U23
23	Andy Holden	20:44	V40
27	Kevin Rogan	21:51	V45
30	Paul Wilson	22:49	V45
32	Neil Taylor	23:20	V45
35	Kate Rogan	25:12	2nd lady

A well organised race and a great day out was enjoyed by all. Our thanks to the organisers!

Next Bofra race is at Kettlewell on Sunday 17th!

This weekend some members went up to the Lakes just to run a mile. On the other hand, Lucas Payne went down to Wales for a 2K swim in Bala Lake, followed by a 78K bike ride, followed by a 20K run! He sent the following report:

Bala, North Wales - what a bonny spot. Never ventured into this type of territory before. The nearest I get I suppose would be somewhere near Ted's place in Appletreewick. Bit of a dip in the lake to start with (2k); the water tasted nice, which was handy as I drank half a pint of the stuff.
Next up on the cycle for 50 miles, which in all fairness was fairly flat and quick. A look at the profile on the website would have a fellow worried but after the Etape du Dales, a few weeks before, it was easy.
By the time I got to the run, I was a wee bit anxious as to whether I had got the nutrition right. Set off a bit quick, but there were a few hills that slowed things up. Managed to put in a reasonable time, just getting under 1 1/2 hours.

The scenery was very pretty especially some of the villages en-route. Nice place for a long weekend.

Once more, we had runners everywhere this weekend. A total of eight went up to do the Pen Y Ghent Fell Race. A full report is from Simon Throup Read Full Report
The finishing places and times for the Wharfedale runners were as follows:

Pos	Name	Time	Other
12	Andy Black	54:34	V40
15	Marcus Rae	55:18
17	Paul Harlowe	55:56	V50
67	Simon Throup	1:05:41	V40
78	Andy Holden	1:07:43	V40
111	Judy Howells	1:12:23	F
119	Vicky Rae	1:14:29	F
136	John Thompson	1:19:33	V40

This is a proper fell race. Twenty miles and 6,000 ft of ascent across some of the best hills in the Lakes. Three Wharfedale runners entered for this race, but at this point, we only know of one who actually did it. You have guessed - Andy Hirst. He just loves these long races in Lakeland. He sends the following report:

Looking at the pre race entries, Kirsty Hall, Tamara Hird and myself were the only Wharfedale runners, but I didn't see anybody from the club on the day, but with over 500 entries, as it was a British & English Championship race, I could have missed them. There are no results as yet, but Sportident was used, so I cannot see them being long. My own time was 4hrs:19mins: 27secs. The race is a beautiful route which usually starts and finishes from the field at the back of the Newfield Inn. It takes you down the road and then a narrow path over a footbridge and stepping stones round to High Wallowbarrow Farm. The start this year, for safety reasons, had been moved to a field at the far side of the narrow footbridge due to the large numbers of runners. Reading the report on the Coniston Gullies, it was interesting to read about the insects at the start. The field we started in was swarming with big orange beetle things which, when flicked off, just fell to the ground. Don't know if they were the same breed, but were really annoying. From Higher Wallow Barrow, the race takes a steep track round Wallowbarrow Crag, then levels out and heads towards Grassguards. It then takes a boggy uphill path up the side of Dunnerdale Forest, which seems to go on for ages, till eventually, reaching a fence stile, heads straight up Harter Fell and C.P.1. Then you take a line off towards the summit of Hardknott pass, using the forest corner in the distance as a marker, then round a few knolls to the road. From here you head up to the summit of Hardknott itself and C.P. 2. It then take a direct line to Little Stand, which involves a fast decent into Mosedale, negotiating the bogs and Mosedale beck (which is narrow at this point, but if you hit it at the wrong place, deep) and an electric fence with no stile (just what you want when your dripping wet). A strategically placed bum bag over the wire is a good idea. From there is, I think, one of the longest and hardest climbs in the lakes up to Little Stand Summit and C.P.3. Whoever called it that must have been having a laugh. The summit is surrounded by crags and it can be difficult to find a good line off, especially in bad weather. From there you head to The Three Shires Stone at the top of Wrynose via Gaitkins and a superb trod and C.P.4. From there it's a tough slog round Great Carrs, past the remains of the wreckage of the Lancaster bomber and up on to Swirl How and C.P.5. Then a quick run off, heading to the col at Goats Hause and then up onto Dow Crag and C.P.6, which is to the west of the summit, I presume for safety reasons. From there, its a nice contouring path which heads below Brown Pike. From there you can see the finish below, but there's still a bit more running and climbing to go. Then you cross the Walna Scar road and on to White Pike and C.P.7. There, a steep awkward decent takes you on boggy trods towards Caw where people seem to take various lines or are just staggering about dazed, I'm not sure which, but it's the sting in the tail and the accent of Caw and C.P.8. A quick descent gets you to a ladder stile and then a flagged section back to the finish behind the Newfield Inn.

More pictures in the gallery

For an evening race in the Lakes, there was a magnificent turnout of Wharfedale members. Fourteen runners actually donned a Wharfedale vest on the night and there were three Wharfedale supporters, including Kirsty Hall, who was going to run, but decided against it on the night as her foot still did not feel right after her weekend run in the Duddon Valley race.
The weather was almost perfect for a night race. The sun was shining in a clear blue sky, there was a gentle breeze on the highest tops and it was dry and firm underfoot. The race itself is fairly tough at 8 miles and an ascent of 2,700ft. It starts with crossing the marsh and then a steep ascent towards the top of the fell and across the ridge towards Bowscale summit, which is the first checkpoint. From there, there is a gentle grassy descent and then a long pull up to the summit of Blencathra. From the summit there is a long descent towards Souther fell, where there is another comparatively gentle ascent, although it proably does not feel like it at this stage of the race. Finally there is a steep descent from Souther fell towards the finish.
The race was easily won by Ben Bardsey of Borrowdale in a time of 63:52. He had a good lead at the first check point and never lost this throughout the race. He was followed home by Ted Mason, who had a great run, with a time of 65:51. In fact Wharfedale put on a great show by having four finishers in the top ten. Not bad for a small club.
There was a great atmosphere, on the night, amongst the Wharfedalers and everyone went to the pub afterwards to talk about the night's experiences and to rehydrate. Andy Holden did not feel quite right before the race, but a bit of peer pressure made him have a go. It was clear by check point one that he was struggling and shortly afterwards he decided to do the right thing and pull out.
The race was well organised and the results were available for viewing in the pub afterwards. Well done to the organisers and the marshalls.
The full results will be added to our results page when available. In the meantime, the finishing places and times for the Wharfedale members were as follows:

Pos	Name	Time	Other
2	Ted Mason	63:52
5	Mark Horrocks	67:16
6	Andy Robertshaw	67:58
10	Mark McGoldrick	71:02
15	Andy Black	74:24
28	Sam Watson	78:18
35	Simon Sharp	80:22
48	Peter Jackson	85:10
50	Simon Throup	85:30
53	Glenn Whittaker	85:48
60	Kevin Rogan	89:48
67	Neil Taylor	89:48
82	Kate Rogan	100:04

Whilst fourteen runners went up to the Lakes this Wednesday, back nearer home, Wharfedale runners were also producing some good results.
In the Chevn Fell Race, Owen Beilby finsished in 3rd place, whilst Sharon Barker was 1st lady, followed by Tamara Hird who was 2nd lady.
Meanwhile, in the Bingley St Ives Trail Race, Marcus Rae finished in 3rd place and his wife, Vicky, was 3rd lady.

Further details follow, as soon as they are available.

In the meantime Owen Bielby has sent in the following report of the Chevin Race:

A smaller turnout of Wharfedale runners at the Otley Chevin race due to the outing to Blencathra, but never mind the size, feel the quality!! With Sharon Barker putting her speed picked up from the Bunny Runs to good use to claim 1st and Tamara close behind in 2nd in the ladies race - it was great night for the Wharfedale ladies at this long running midweek blast. A short, sharp 3 mile sprint up and round the Chevin, this was definitely a race for the speedsters and this proved to be the case in the men's race with Leeds City's Adam Osbourne the clear winner followed home by Ilkley's Graeme Pearce (who was also showing off the latest addition to the Pearce clan - Ted, he'll go far with a name like that!!) and myself in third. Jason Hemsley narrowly missed out on first local on possibly his last chance before he makes the move to sunny Silsden - but with 6 wins out of the last 8 years I'm sure he won't be grumbling!! A nice evening with perfect conditions for running and prizes all round - Happy days!!

I'll be taking up residence in Otley for the next few Wednesdays with the Otley 10 and the 'Beat the Clock' races to come over the next fortnight, if anyone fancies a blast on the roads.

Owen

Robbie Johnstone
This event was organised by Brett, who preferred to use the village hall instead of the pub, for some reason. In actual fact, it was much better with room to spread about to take entries etc. The event was well organised and as an added bonus, it was a lovely day for parents to come out and watch their young charges run. The route did not follow the Pennine way, but rather the track at the bottom of the brow, with the U16s, U18s and seniors all going up to Pinhaw.
Wharfedale had three runners out on the day, Ben & Robbie Johnstone and Jonathan Bradshaw. Jonathan had trained for the race by spending a week at the coast and having a lot of late nights. To be fair to Jonathan, it was not really his type of race, as apart from the inital climb out of the village, there was not a lot of serious hill work to do and it was more like a cross country course.
The results for our youngsters were that in the under 8s, Robbie Johnstone came home in 7th place with a time of 4:49. His brother Ben, finsihed in 14th place in the under 12s with a time of 17:20. The seniors down to the under 16s all went off together and Jonathan Bradshaw finished in 22nd place overall and was 13th under 16. His time was 31:51.
Well done to all our youngsters

Kirt Livesey
Kevin Rogan didn't actually run in this race, but he was there supporting and has sent the following report:

A few turned out last night for the Barley fell race up Pendle. I myself opted for a pre race run over Pendle with the aim of catching the runners at the top to take some piccies. Met a guy called Barry Rawlinson in the car park about an hour before the race and we decided to get an hour in. Bloody hell, I must have done about 7 miles !! Anyway, got my camera out, snapped 2 pics (Kirt + Andy) and the battery went. Andy's picture turned out bad but Kirt's was ok.
Kirt was 3rd at the top, but lost a couple of places on the descent and Andy looked to be quite well up and running well, despite the outing to Blencathra.
I finally got to the top of a hill before Neil (just have to do it in a race now)
Kirsty's toes didn't seem to trouble her as she was running ok and Lynn is closing the gap on Dawn, being just behind at the top.
Again we had a good banter in the pub afterwards with Neil getting a round of chips in. The talk was of having Simon Throup drug tested after his performance at Blencathra.
Not sure on positions and times, but the crew came in in this order.
Kirt Livesey (5th)
Andy Black
Paul Robinson
Glenn Whittaker
Neil Taylor
Kirsty Lowther
Lynn Whittaker

Full results will be posted when available.

At 23 miles and an ascent of 7,500 feet, there are no prizes for guessing which Wharfedale runner competed in this event. Andy Hirst sends the following report of another serious weekend on the fells.

This race is a 23miles, 7500ft classic and is probably one of the hardest on the calendar for the remoteness and roughness of the course, the tight cut off times on the checkpoints, the lack of water on route and the intricate navigational skills required. 112 runners gathered in a rough marshy field near Ennerdale Scout camp on the side of Ennerdale water. From there the route takes a nice path along the side of the lake, round some back lanes through Mireside farm up to the road, which heads up Ennerdale. Enjoy this bit for a short distance down the road, you take a path which heads up round the back of Herdus, then on to Great Borne and C.P.1. You then head of towards Red Pike; the best line here is to contour round Starling Dodd & Little Dodd on the Buttermere side, regaining the main path for the steep climb on to Red Pike and C.P.2. There, you head off, taking another rocky contouring line on the Ennerdale side below High Stile, then along the ridge with superb views down Burtness Comb into Buttermere. From there, it is on to High Crag and the steep descent of Gamlin end. There, some go over Seat, but the best line is to drop off on the Buttermere side and traverse on very steep rough ground to join the Scarth Gap pass at its summit. From there, it's another rough traverse on the Ennerdale side of Haystacks until you meet a fence, which you follow up to a stile before you pass Wainwright's favourite place, Innominate Tarn and onto Blackbeck Tarn and C.P.3. From there is the long accent round Brandreth across Gillercomb Head and on to Green Gable and C.P.4. Then you drop into Windy Gap and Stone Cove, before contouring round Great Gable to a col, where you drop down into Beck Head and the steep climb on to Kirk Fell and C.P.5. There you follow a fence down to Kirk Fell Crag and take a steep narrow gully, unnervingly passing the remnants of a wreath and a small cross carved into the rock and drop down to the summit of Black Sail Pass and the long slog up Pillar, mostly runnable, but increasingly difficult to find the energy. Pillar is C.P.6, from which you head steeply down over rough ground to Wind Gap to contour left above Mosedale on rough boulders, keeping a traverse left to avoid Little Scoat and Great Scoat Fell. After all the rough rocky ground, there is a nice grassy decent before the climb up Haycock and C.P.7. At least here you know that all the rough difficult ground is behind you and you are heading back to the finish, with only 6 miles to go. You head towards Caw Fell and contour round above Silver Cove to drop off, cross a fence stile and ascend what is a gentle slope (but doesnt feel like it) to Iron Crag and C.P.8. From there is a good grassy runnable descent down into Black Pots, through the forest, cross a track and the last climb up to C.P.9. on Crag Fell. It is then a steep hobble down a flagged section across a gill, diagonally through a forest, then double back on tracks to the car park across the Weir at the end of the lake, through a wood to the finish.

Owen Beilby had a good run at this event and sent the following report.

Saturday's Hebden Bridge Carnival wasn't actually on this year - but Tod Harriers didn't allow that to stand in the way of the second running of the Carnival fell race in absolutely scorching conditions. A small field of around 50 hardy souls ventured forth from Calder Holme Park and followed good paths and bridleways up to Stoodley Pike. I set the initial pace, as I was well aware that Steve Oldfield and Chris Smale were both much stronger climbers than me. However, the route probably suited me more than a lot of the races that take in Stoodley Pike, as we followed the main tourist path up, which avoided most of the nasty climbs, other than one steep bank. I was 2nd to the top but Chris had opened up a great lead for me to chase, although I was making some headway on the descent. Steve finished a clear 3rd (still feeling Pen Y Gent in his legs on the climb). With Mark Brown finishing 4th and enjoying a good tussle with Kirt on the ascent (before the sun went to Kirt's head and he decided to set off in the direction of Todmorden - on possibly the best marked fell race I've done this year!!) Both of these two were on there third race in 4 days - they obviously breed these Lancastrian boys tough (or daft!). Both Chris and I were well inside the old course record and the ladies record also went to Lisa Lacon of Holmfirth. An enjoyable race which was well marked and marshalled (even I couldn't get lost Kirt!) and an absolute cracker of a day to boot - Happy days!

In a sport where getting the results out seems to be very much a leisurely activity, congratulations must go to Todmorden Harriers and Andrew Bibby for getting the results posted on to the web on the day of the race! That is excellent and will hopefully set a standard for other clubs to follow.

Once again Ted headed in a North Westerly direction for another mid week run on the fells, along with Sam Watson and Mick McGoldrick. He sends the following report:

Three harriers (Ted, Watdog and Golddog) braved the wet weather to run another good midweek race. The £5 entry worked out cheap; it included showers and a pint of Boddingtons. Rob Jebb beat the record 1h 10 ish. We did as follows;

Pos	Name	Time	Other
7	Ted Mason	1:15:00
19	Mick McGoldrick	1:14:00
39	Sam Watson	1:32:00

Today was the Buckden Pike Race and a report was quickly in from Simon Throup who wrote as follows:

Grey overcast skies and lots of flood water on the roads to Buckden suggested conditions under foot could be a bit tricky for this, well attended race, with 124 runners on the start line. There was the usual pre race discussion of ailments, David Hird topping the list with suspected broken toe, jarred back and well established hernia, but, as ever always, up for the challenge!
Setting off from The Green, the pack shot off through the car park, turning sharp right through a gateway and headed towards the Beck, which most people managed to negotiate, although some not too gracefully. A steep ascent followed, which encouraged most of us to get into walking mode. This ascent lasted for 2 miles, with several changes in gradient, some runnable and some very walkable. Having reached the top, the anticlockwise route descended down through the remnants of Buckden Lead Mines, when disaster struck! With the lead runners in sight, Ted Mason was in the process of 'turning up the heat', when he went over on his ankle. The prognosis was rumoured to be torn ankle ligaments. Well done to the Mountain Rescue Service, who were on hand to provide assistance. Oblivious to Ted's plight, the rest of the field careered down, Buckden bound. The reverse of the first ascent saw runners with heads held high and feet held higher, bouncing down the super slippy grass on their backsides, staggering back across the stream, up the bank and finally, after negotiating a wall, across the road and into the finish.

Race winner was Rob Jebb, 2nd Gary Devine, 3rd Graham Pearce. 1st for Wharfedale, Mark in 5th position. Sorry no times available as yet, but race positions for the 10 Wharfedale runners were as follows:-

Pos	Name	Time	Other
5	Mark Horrocks	36:22	V40
14	Paul Harlowe	40:02	V50
15	Andy Black	40:16	V40
55	Lionel Sands	47:03	V50
62	Simon Throup	47:40	V40
65	Kevin Rogan	47:50	V50
78	Peter Metcalfe	49:58	V50
95	David Hird	54:02	V50
100	John Thompson	54:37	V40

Ted Mason retired injured.

Thanks to Neil Taylor for the following report on today's race.

The third Bofra championship this year was held in the delightful setting of Kettlewell. And despite the rain of the previous days, ominous looking low cloud and occasional spot of light rain in the morning, the day was nigh on perfect for racing. Evidently so, as one of the largest contingents of Wharfedalers seen at any race this year decided to "give-it-a-go".
The juniors clearly showed the seniors the way to go with some fine results and high placings being recorded. They also "paved" the way through the river crossing, showing the seniors where all the submerged slippy rocks were!!!
A fine course, starting just outside the Blue Bell pub, through 2(!) branches of the river followed by an energy sapping drag - and that was just to get to the bottom of the fell proper! A nice sharp ascent to a little crag followed by another nice climb up to the summit then a short rocky/grassy, then scree'y, and finally grassy descent to another splash through the river and back to the pub!
At the front Mark H showed customary Wharfedale mettle with only Ian Holmes (race winner) and Lee Athersmith getting the better of him. And after Buckden Pike yesterday, this was indeed a fine performance; Tim Austin, Will Smith and the rest all left in Mark's shadow! Neil and Kevin had their now customary tussle with the Nevin cup once again, staying put and collecting dust at Barlick.
And whereas most of us put in all our effort during the race, clearly David, Marky-B and Simon (..plus others..?) kept something in reserve and for some, still wholly inexplicable reason, decided to go for a warm-down run (of 7 "Hirdy" miles !!!....see you on Tuesday lads ) rather than join the rest of us for some..erm..refreshments.
Funny lot these fell runners!

Pos	Name	Time	Other
3	Mark Horrocks	14:16	1st V40
19	Andy Black	16:08	V40
29	Andy Holden	17:09	V40
32	Pete Jackson	17:25	V50
36	Carl Bradshaw	17:40	V40
40	Simon Throup	17:55	V45
42	Matthew Hird	18:25
45	Kevin Rogan	18:38	V45
48	Neil Taylor	19:02	V45
54	Mark Bennett	20:11
58	David Hird	20:42	V50
64	Alfie Atkinson	22:31
66	Lynn Whittaker	24;33	2nd lady

Full results are in the results section.

Wharfedale runners keep popping up all over. Angela Gray decided to have a run out in this event and was rewarded by being the first lady, beating Robin Bradbury of Bingley in the process. Mind you Robin and two others took a wrong turn and were disqualified. Typical males, obviously too embarrassed to stop and ask for directions! Angela was 26th overall with a time of 47:57.

Lucas Payne had a go at this race and this is what he had to say about it.

Hendon Brook, 13.5 miles/road, very tough was the description on the Pendle and Burnley Grand Prix poster on my wall at work. Well I have run this a few times in the past and it is a good job our memories trick us into thinking "well it was not so bad". In actual fact, it is a swine of a race in that it is hilly and very difficult to get into a rhythm, although compared to the fell races that Wharfedale members get involved with, then there is no comparison!
We all set off laughing and joking as usual. After 2 miles, all that stopped and the race was one big evil grind. I spent the next 11.5 miles trying to catch the first lady finisher, without success as it happend. I believe she broke the record by 1.5 minutes - a brilliant effort - so I did not feel so bad and the evil cramp did not get me this time. This run is well worth a go and as it is local, so easy to get to. It was the downhills that let me down. I think I need some coaching in that department. I finished 13th in about 1:32ish.

Full results are in the results section.

Do not forget this event on Wednesday and that it is a Club Championship Race. In addition, half of the proceeds from the race will go to the Bosom Friends Cancer Support Group. Please note that there are no Junior races.

Full details

Mark Horrocks, Simon Thompson & Own Beilby approaching Weets Summit
The weather threatened to deteriorate towards the end of the afternoon, but in the event, it remained fine and sunny and was almost perfect conditions for this race. After recent years, it was nice to see an increased number of entrants for this event, being almost double those of last year and hopefully in the future, this race will continue to flourish. It was also nice to see 19 Wharfedale runners turn out; mid week races seem to be becoming quite popular recently.
Mark Horrocks of Wharfedale had an outstanding race, but he was on his own midden here and set off in a mood to show everyone who was boss. He was closely chased by Owen Beilby, also of Wharfedale, who set off on a sprint towards the end of the race in an attempt to wrest victory from Mark, but he ran out of petrol at the vital moment and Mark went on to victory. Both of these were closely chased by Simon Thompson of Clayton, who also had a fine race.
In the top ten, there were also fine runs from Adrian Pickles of Settle, who was first Vet 50 and Mervyn Keys of Rossendale who was first V45.
The first lady was Debbie Wilson of Clayton, with a time of 54:50, with Jean Rawlinson of Clayton first Lady Vet 50 and Lynn Whittaker of Wharfedale, first Lady Vet 45.
Special mention should also go to the two juniors, Jack Dugdale and Scott Bairstow, who had a go at this race. There were no junior races, but several juniors turned up and these two decided to take on the seniors. They certainly did not disgrace themselves and put on a good show. They will certainly be two names to watch for the future.
Thanks must go to Kevin Rogan and all who helped with the race. It was certainly well marked and marshalled.

Full Race Results

Picture Gallery

There have now been three club championship races and for those that are interested, the positions have been updated after the Weets Race. If you spot any mistakes, please let me know.

Graham

Next Friday, Wharfedale member Kirsty Hall and her fiance, Chris (seen on the right above) are getting married in the Lake District. We wish them all the very best for a long and happy life together.

Keiron Thompson giving chase to Ben Brough	Emily Throup feeling the pace of the ascent

The Bofra races always include races for the juniors and it was good to see a few Wharfedale juniors taking part. In the under 9s, we were represented by Sam & Lucy Horrocks, who came home 3rd boy and 3rd girl respectively.
Ben Johnstone was our sole representative in the under 12s, finishing in 6th place out of 30 starters.
In the under 14s, Keiron Thompson finished 7th out of 27 starters and Emily Throup was 4th girl.
In the under 17s, Jonathan Bradshaw finished in 4th place.

For the seniors, the Helm Hill course is one which takes you past the trig point three times and means that you take the same steep ascent to the summit more than once. This can be mentally as well as physically exhausting.The race set off at a good pace over the gently undulating first part of the courser and was lead by Mark Horrocks, who was having another good run. On the first ascent of the summit, Mark had dropped to 2nd place, although there was little to separate the first three runners. On the second ascent, Mark was still in second place, although the lead had changed hands. In the end, Mark came home in third place, only beaten by two very fine and very much younger runners. The winner was the in form Tom Addison followed by Alastair Dunn, both of whom were running on home turf.
Sam Watson had a good dependable run, finishing in 12 place and Andy Holden, in his first race for a while finished in 19th place.
Our middle order runners came in quite close together and although Neil Taylor was trailing them a little, he had actually made up some lost ground during the race.
The final positions of the Wharfedale runners were as follows.

Pos	Name	Time	Other
3	Mark Horrocks	23:17	1st V40
12	Sam Watson	26:39	U23
19	Andy Holden	28:10	V40
26	Simon Throup	29:58	V45
27	Carl Bradshaw	30:00	V40
29	Kevin Rogan	30:41	V45
34	Neil Taylor	31:36	V45
36	Paul Wilson	32:39	V45
37	Kate Rogan	33:01	Lady
46	Lynn Wahittaker	37:18	1st LV40

It is amazing where Wharfedale runners turn up. Perhaps the club should be renamed Wharfedale International. Gareth Hird is working out in Egypt and took part in this race and he sends the following report.

It is good to be able to keep in touch with what everyone is doing, by the web site. Well done to all contributors!
I never realised that Wharfedalers took part in so many races. I'm looking forward to coming back and getting involved over the summer, fitness is going to be a problem though!
I continue to represent Wharfedale in Cairo. Check out the pics of the Pharonic Marathon. The race takes in the 7 pyramid sites around Cairo on a 100km route. An amazing experience. It was a team event with 5 members completing 20km legs. I had the responsibility of the anchor leg and managed to claw the team into a 2nd placed finish.

see you soon,

Gareth Hird

It was nice to see that the turnout for this race increased to 58, up from the 35 who took part last year. And this was on an evening when many Ilkley runners, who otherwise may have turned up, were occupied elsewhere. Hopefully, the number will increase again next as this is quite an interesting race. It is a run from Addingham to Beamsley Beacon by a flagged route and the return is by any route of your choice. This means that those who do their homework before the race can gain an advantage on the return, whereas those who fail to prepare, should be prepared to fail. On the night, it was interesting to see some runners return the way that the had ascended. This is slightly longer than the quickest route, but it is safer than taking an unfamiliar route on which you might get lost. Others took a gamble and some lost a serious amount of time by doing so.
As for the race itself, Mark Horrocks was leading at the top, followed by Owen Beilby and Gary Devine. Possibly Mark helped Owen by showing him the quickest way back, but they must have opened up a good gap between themselves and Gary, who then struggled with the route back. Otherwise, Gary would no doubt have been in contention at the finish.The final result was a reversal of last week, with Owen coming out on top this time. Gary Bailey and James Senior were close together for 3rd and 4th places, in front of Andy Black, another Wharfedale runner who is getting back to form.
Special mention should be made of Thomas Sessford of Keighley & Craven who came home in 6th place. He is an under 17 and on this performance is certainly showing a lot of promise for the future. Everyone thought that Marcus Rae had a good run, finishing in 7th place, although he himself felt a little disappointed with his performance. Completing the five members of Wharfedale in the top ten was Sam Watson, who also put in a good performance and it is easy to forget that Sam is still an under 21 and that there is a lot more potential in him yet.
It was also nice to see five lady runners turn out for Wharfedale. Of these, new member Catherine Wolfenden was first lady.
Although it was wet under foot in places and very windy at the top, it was good conditions for the race and thanks must good to David Hird for organising it.

Beamsley Results