Thanks to Emma Dodd for the following report:
Wharfedale marathon and half marathon, Sat 1st June.
The Wharfedale Off-Road Marathon & Half Marathon together with the Rugger Ramble takes place from Wharfedale Rugby Club, Threshfield and takes in some of Wharfedale’s finest trails including the Dalesway and Mastiles Lane. This year the marathon was chosen as an England team selection race for the 2013 World Long Distance Mountain Running Championships.
As a result, there was a strong field for the race. Ricky Lightfoot of Ellenborough AC cruised to the finish with a new record time of 2.33.07, followed by Carl Bell of Keswick AC and Karl Gray of Calder Valley in 2.37 and 2.42 respectively. Gareth Hird was the first Wharfedaler home and had an exceptional run to finish 7th in 3.01, closely followed by Rob Shaw in 14th place and David Ashby in 18th.
Jo Buckley of Calder Valley also managed to secure a new ladies course record of 3.04.31 and was 10th overall, with Shona Robertson finishing just over a minute after her. 3rd lady was Emma D’Alton of Westbury Harriers followed by Jann Smith of Ilkley. Sue Narey continued to show great marathon running form finishing 19th Lady in 4.38. Positions and times are as follows:
7th Gareth Hird 3.01.36
14th Rob Shaw 3.09.58
18th David Ashby 3.20.28
51st Paul Carman 3.48.53
84th Tim Done 4.18.22
98th Sue Narey 4.38.30 (19th Lady)
99th Raj Madhas 4.39.03
110th Xavier Chaduc 2.57.14
Well done all!
The half marathon saw Quentin Lewis of Baildon take the victory in 1.30.08, followed by Gareth Briggs of Staffs Moorlands AC and Julian Hood of Skipton AC. Our very own superwoman Louisa Pickles was first lady and a superb 9th overall in a time of 1.42.24, having a 7 minute lead ahead of Molly Ralphson of Trawden AC, followed by Nicola Sweeney of Pudsey and Bramley.
Mick Bray was next Wharfedaler to finish, followed by Nick Done, Emma Dodd, Jonathan Gibson, Brian Hugill, Anthony Guise, Helen Shaw and Lynda Hargreaves. Positions and times are as follows:
9th Louisa Pickles 1.42.24 (1st Lady)
42nd Mick Bray 1.56.49
70th Nick Done 2.02.13
87th Emma Dodd 2.07.10 (19th Lady)
90th Jonathan Gibson 2.08.15
96th Brian Hugill 2.09.40
104th Anthony Guise 2.11.26
147th Helen Shaw 2.21.38 (44th Lady)
205th Lynda Hargreaves 2.47.06 (71st Lady)
A scorching hot day meant conditions were tough going, well done to all!! Full results at http://www.sportident.co.uk/.