THIS year's Ilkley Moor Fell Race has filled up before the deadline. The popular fell race will take 300 runners on a tour of some of the highlights of the moor this Sunday.

The course starts at the path to the Tarn and heads out to the Pancake Stone via the Cow & Calf rocks. After climbing to the Pancake Stone the runners cut back along the ridge before a treacherous descent down Backstone Beck to the footpath bridge.

After crossing the Beck the runners ascend all the way back up to Rocky Valley. The runners pass through Rocky Valley before a challenging climb to the cairn above White Wells.

From there the runners traverse across the Moor to the Badgerstone and Keighley Gate road. The route then descends Weary Hill before crossing over Spicey Gill.

An easy climb eastwards along the path is followed by a fast descent to the finish at Darwin Gardens.

Race organiser Steve Weston said: “I’m really pleased the fell race has sold out. We limit the entries to maintain the quality of race for the runners. The fact that the race has sold out before the entry deadline shows how popular the race is.”

This year's race should be an exciting one with several strong contenders vying for the top spot. Last year's winner, local runner Tom Adams, will be seeking to make it four wins in row but he will be hard pressed by former winners Graham Pearce and current record holder Simon Bailey. There will also be a junior race at 10.30am for youngsters aged six and over.

The junior courses range from 0.5 to 2 miles over the area of the moor between Darwin Gardens and White Wells. Junior runners can enter on the day at race registration from 9.30am.

Ilkley Harriers have organised the Ilkley Moor Fell Race since 1990, further details and a race map can be found on the Ilkley Harriers website. (www.ilkleyharriers.co.uk).

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