GREAT attendance from the Ilkley Harriers this week at the weekly 5km parkruns with 19 Harriers participating in events around the country.

Catherine Gibbons was the first lady to finish at the Richmond parkrun in a superb time of 21:45. Also in London, Oscar Stapleton finished in a superb second position at the Finsbury parkrun in 17:21. In Oxford, Michael Abrams-Cohen had a great run, also finishing in second place in a time of 18:09. In Wales, Michael Lomas was the third finisher at the Barry Island parkrun, completing this in 19:43.

Closer to home two Harriers had top ten placings at local parkruns; Steve Newell was sixth at the Bradford parkrun and Tim Ashelford finished sixth at the Skipton parkrun. At the Chevin Forest parkrun, Kate Archer was third lady to finish in a time of 22:05.

A fantastic 5km result also from Nathan Edmondson who took part in the Podium 5km series in Leicester. Nathan took part in the sub-16 minute race and finished in a great third place, completing this race in an amazing time of 15:05.

The second race of the PECO cross country series took place this weekend at Temple Newsam, the whole course (4.6 miles approx.) taking place within the Estate. Conditions were tough with plenty of mud, a stream crossing, hail showers and a brisk wind.

Ilkley Harriers were well represented at this race, with 16 taking part. Rachel Carter led the Ilkley ladies home, in 34:19, finishing in a superb tenth position and second FV45. She was followed by Diane Kitchen who was second FV60. Steven Gott led Ilkley men home in 30:45, closely followed by Dan McKeown in 31:37. Nine more Ilkley Harriers men followed, all of their finishing times spread just over seven minutes from Dan’s time.

Overseas, Rob Cunningham took part in the 41st Trinidad Alfonso EDP Valencia Marathon in Spain, completing this in a superb time of 3:04:43. This was Rob’s ninth marathon and this result was a new PB for him. Almost 16,000 runners took part in this event with Rob finishing in an amazing 2241st place.