Popular fell races set up in memory of a celebrated athlete, climber, orienteer and fell runner will celebrate their silver anniversary as runners from across the area take to Ilkley Moor this week.

Organisers are calling on as many people as possible to celebrate the landmark 25th anniversary Jack Bloor Races on Tuesday, May 11, and help raise money to give young Yorkshire sportsmen and women improved sporting opportunities.

The races regularly attract runners from clubs across Wharfedale, Aireborough and much further afield and include senior and junior events.

The senior race is an unmarked navigational fell race, 5.2 miles long and with a challenging 1,150 feet of ascent.

The junior race classes are based on age on the day and include a 0.5 mile race for 6-7yrs and 8-9yrs, a one-mile race for 10-13yrs and a 1.5-mile race for 14-16yrs. All junior race courses are flagged and registration opens from 5.30pm with the first race starting at 6.15pm The races start opposite Darwin Gardens on Wells Road in Ilkley.

Jack Bloor himself, who died in 1984, was an accomplished athlete, climber, orienteer and fell runner, remembered for contributing so much to help develop these outdoor pursuits and to encourage juniors to participate and excel.

He pioneered many first ascent rock climbs and helped establish the classic Three Peaks Fell Race, which he also won in 1956.

The annual races in Ilkley were established in his memory and to raise money for the Jack Bloor Fund.

Fittingly, the fund is designed to help young people who lack the means to pursue their dreams in the outdoors.

Young people up to 25 years of age who are members of a recognised Yorkshire fell running, mountain-eering or orienteering club, or of a Yorkshire Scout or Guide group, may apply for a grant. The grants are for use in improving physical or technical skills in any recognised outdoor pursuit.

To mark the 25th anniversary of the Jack Bloor Races, the regular supporter of the event, specialist running shop the Complete Runner, on Leeds Road, is joined by two new local sponsors, Wells Road smoothie bar and café Smoooth and The Ilkley Brewery Company.

Organisers of this year’s races said: “Whether you enjoy the thrill of the races as a competitor, as an event helper or as a spectator, the Jack Bloor Races are an exciting and sociable way of enjoying the fantastic terrain and scenery that is Ilkley Moor.”

The men and women’s race records currently stand at 38 minutes 4 seconds and 45 minutes 57 seconds respectively, although organisers expect seasoned fell runners will be out to beat these.

Registration for the senior race opens at 6pm and the senior race starts at 7.15pm. Prize-giving follows the junior and senior races, with the design of each year’s trophies inspired by the rock carvings found on Ilkley Moor.

Although many competitors are expected to be seeking the prizes, the races include regular runners trying to beat their rivals and previous bests, plus many local runners who simply enjoy the challenge of the races.

For more information, visit the website at jackbloor.co.uk.