THERE were lots of races on this weekend with some top performances by Ilkley Harriers.

The Ilkley Moor fell race was held in warm and muggy conditions, a complete contrast to the usual cold and wintry conditions associated with this race which is usually held in February, (not possible this year because of Covid-19 restrictions).

15 Harriers took part with some great displays; Jack Gribbin led them home in a time of 46:29 and was seventh position overall. Ann-Kristin Masham was the first female Harrier home in a great time of 55:42 and second female overall. That pair also helped Ilkley win the two team prizes.

Lots more happening in Yorkshire this weekend. On the fells, the tough Yorkshireman half marathon took place in Haworth. A stunning run by Jack Wood winning the race in a time of 1:46:56. Rachel Carter was third female overall, completing the run in 2:06:59.

Other great performances included Paul Calderbank who was first MV60 and Adela Reperecki who was second LV60.

Also on the fells, Oli Murphy finished third in the Lost Shepherd fell race which involves climbing up to Stoodley Pike, a 1,300ft hill near Todmorden……twice! Kate Archer was the second lady home in the Bradley fell race, which this year was also a BOFRA championship race.

South of York Jeff Green completed the Vale of York half marathon in a fantastic time of 1:24:33.

Further afield, in London Hilda Coulsley and Sally Malir took part in the prestigious England Age Group Masters 10km and half marathon races in Kew Gardens, both finishing high up in their age categories.

Jann Smith, Will Simmons and Paul Carman ran in the Ultra-Trail Snowdonia 50, a tough 50km ultra race, involving 3,300 metres elevation gain, with a strict 14 hour cut off, on technical mountain trails. They all completed the race, with Will Simmons coming in an amazing second place, Jann finished first in her age category and was eighth lady overall and Paul also finished high up in the field of 273 participants.

The Great North Run made a welcome return and Alex Hyde and Caroline Iredale were among the Harriers involved in one of the biggest and best mass-participation events. Steven Bysouth was the first Ilkley runner across the line in an impressive 1:23:05 which placed him in the top 300 of the near 50,000-runner field.

In Blackpool, Colin Williams completed the Blackpool Marathon in a superb time of 3:32:40 and was third in his age category

The parkrun scene was busy this week with lots of excellent Ilkley performances. Plenty of second places, including Michael Lomas at Barry Island, Steven Gott at Bramley, Jack Wood at Myrtle and Dan McKeown at Chevin Forest. And Catherine Gibbons was third lady at Richmond. Written by: Jean Sullivan