Talented Tilly fells seniors (From Ilkley Gazette)

Talented Tilly fells seniors

9:55am Thursday 11th October 2012 in Sport

Ilkley Harriers’ talented under-14 runner Tilly Melechi is celebrating after winning her first senior fell race.

She was the first lady home in Sunday’s punishing Beefy’s Nab in Oxenhope.Melechi was thrilled to be first woman home in 27.43.

“I was winning last year but was beaten by Hatty Nylan of Todmorden in a final sprint,” she said.

There was one second between them at the finish last year. This year there was clear blue sky between Melechi and second woman home Chris Whitaker of Wharfe-dale in 28.23.

The race, organised by Keighley & Craven Athletics Club since 2003, is a tribute to Ashley “Beefy” Bevan, a member who died in 2002.

Three gruelling miles and 650 feet of ascent over open moorland begins and finishes at Leeming Reservoir in Oxenhope.

A short section on tarmac and bridleway precedes a steady climb on a narrow muddy trail to Nab Water Lane.

Then, a direct assault on the tightly-packed contours of Nab Hill. The Nab, a loose column of stones, marks the beginning of the steep, tussocky descent to the reservoir. Hazardous concealed bogs await the unwary.

One race marshal commented: “It’s mercifully short.” A field of 48 runners started under clear skies with good visibility and barely enough wind to turn the sails at the wind farm adjacent to the Nab.