Withins Skyline 2019

After a brief, firm respite in 2018, the rains returned with a vengeance to replenish the bogs on the Withins Skyline route to their more usual “man-eating status” for the senior race and; made the junior Quarry Runs particularly muddy, adding to the fun of these frantic races. More rain was promised on the day but thankfully for the runners it remained largely dry and relatively warm for the season. Due to the energy sapping conditions underfoot no new records were set but bog dodging and mud coverage more than made up for that!

Despite the mud and bogs, Ilkley Harriers’ Tom Adams made light work of the whole thing to return home a clear winner in the senior men’s race (41.17) a fair way ahead of nearest rival, 2nd placed Pudsey and Bramley’s Joe Baxter (43.02) and 3rd man Todmorden Harriers’ Andrew Worster (44.20). After the race Tom and Joe said it was an exhilarating race and thanks to the muddy conditions weren’t sure if they were running fast or it was just hard going!

In the ladies race, Calder Valley’s Holly Page finished in a very respectable 13th place overall to win the ladies race (49.05) by a wide margin from Ilkley duo of Rachel Carter, 2nd (55.27), and Fay Walsh (55.53). As often happens with the ladies winner, Holly was surprised by both her position and the fact she had won!

The junior Curly Wurly Rat Runs, sponsored by Precision Pest Management, got off to a fast and furious start with the U9s racing to lead the way up the narrow path out of Penistone quarry. Ilkley’s Robert Carter was first out of the quarry and never looked back as he went on to win the race in an impressive 2.49 mins form Wharfedale Harriers Dylan Alcock, 2nd, (2.57) and Keighley and Craven’s Albie Ellis, 3rd, (3.08). In the girls’ race Wharfedale’s Elena Hopper sped round the course, splashing her way through the mud and improving on her 3rd place in 2018, to win in 2.54 mins from Ilkley’s Harriet Carter (3.10) and Alice White, 3rd, (3.18).

In the main junior race, Horwich’s Toby Middleton led from the start. However, being an U17 runner he had 2 large laps to complete before entering the final straight and finish line. Middleton maintained his lead to win the U17 race (11.28) from Otley’s Jenson Brogden (12.12) and 3rd placed Ilkley’s Harry Stead (12.16).

Bingley Harriers’ Theo Clay led the U11-U15 runners out of the quarry to win the U15 boys race (6.30) from Ilkley duo Archie Budding, 2nd, (6.45) and Dylan Shinn (7.08). In the girls’ race, Wharfedale’s Amelie Lane proved she is a force not to be messed with as she recovered quickly from her win at Wasdale to finish 3rd overall and win the girls’ race (7.01) from Holmfirth Harriers’ Annie McLean (7.28) and Ilkley’s Erin Doyle, 3rd, (7.35).

Keighley’s Archie Peaker won the U13 boys’ race (6.22) from club mate James Sadler-Townsend, 2nd, (6.37) and Ilkley’s Alexander Wolfenden, 3rd (6.42).  Whilst Keighley’s Katie Buckley won the U13 girls’ race (7.38) from Wharfedale’s Layla Kirkley, 2nd, (7.55) and Settle Harriers’ Charlotte Peart, 3rd, (8.28).

In another win for Keighley and Craven’s junior runners, William Oakden won the U11 boys race (7.09) from Bingley’s Charlie Robinson, 2nd, (7.10) and Wharfedale’s Hugo Bishop, 3rd, (7.17).  Bingley’s Abby Clay won the U11 Girls’ race (7.43) from Keighley’s Bethan Buckley (7.57), and Wharfedale’s Isabella Wright, 3rd, (8.29).

After the races, all runners were able to take part in a very different competition in the legendary chocolate throw-out where the ability to catch flying candy is of far greater value than running ability.

 

Results

 

Photos

Juniors U9 race Geoff Thompson

Juniors U11 – U19 race Geoff Thompson

 

Juniors U9 race Woodentops

Juniors U11 – U17 race Woodentops

Seniors – Drop Farm Woodentops

Seniors – Spa Hill Clough Woodentops

Seniors – The Return Woodentops

Seniors – The Finish Woodentops

Videos

U9’s Quarry Run

U11 – U17’s Quarry Run

Seniors