REPORT BY: JEAN SULLIVAN

WITH the BOFRA (British Open Fell Run Association) calendar of races in full swing, Ilkley Harriers were well represented at two of them this week.

Most of the BOFRA races are derived from the traditional 'guide' races and tend to be short, steep and challenging, but are easily viewed by spectators as they generally follow a direct course up and down the fell side.

The name ‘guide’ stems from the 18th century when visitors seeking to exercise used the knowledge of the local fellsmen to guide them over the mountainous terrain. In their spare time the guides had competitions among themselves racing to the top of the nearest fell and back!

For those who enjoy a mid-week summer race, the King’s Challenge fell race took place. This six-miler, with 1,175ft of climbing, is organised by Wharfedale Harriers. It starts at the King’s Arms pub in Silsden and goes onto the moor via Silsden Nab End, to the trig point at Long Ridge End and back along the same route, to finish at the bandstand in Silsden.

Despite heavy rain being forecast, the evening was relatively warm and dry, with only those at the tail end of the race having to endure some rain.

Ilkley Harrier Steven Gott was the first Harrier over the line in a great time of 50:50, with Steven taking third prize in his age category. Hot on his heels was Dave Robson, in 51:14, this speedy time meaning that Dave finished first in his age category.

Samesh Chotai was the third Harrier to complete the course, taking third place in his age category. Ilkley ladies also impressed, with Jane McCarthy continuing her fine form to take an age category win - and also the third lady to finish overall. Harriers George Whittlestone, Tom Mountain, David Singleton, Matthew Snow and Nigel Illingworth also had great runs at this event.

Two Harriers also took part in the second BOFRA race of the week, the Arncliffe Gala fell race. This 1.6-mile course, with 400ft of ascent, saw Harrier Jaysson Sawyer finish in the top third of the race, completing the course in a speedy 16:09, with Katie Poulter just behind with a finishing time of 16:28, meaning she took third place in her age category.

A warm up for some, including Jaysson, a four-mile road race takes place prior to the Arncliffe fell race, the Littondale Fete ‘4’. This race follows a scenic route along the back roads of Littondale. Four Harriers took part, with excellent results all round. Jaysson led the Harriers home, finishing in a superb 17th place in a great time of 25:47.

He was followed by David Singleton, with Matthew Snow the third Harrier over the line; impressive considering both had completed the King’s Challenge fell race earlier in the week. Sally Malir also had a great run, taking first prize in her age category.

Continuing on the ‘shorter’ routes theme, lots of Harriers turned out to take part in the nation’s weekly timed 5km parkrun series this weekend. As if two races on one day wasn’t enough, Jaysson Sawyer used the Fountain’s Abbey parkrun as a warm up for the two other races he completed later on Saturday! Jaysson had a great result, finishing in 13th place overall. Harrier David Foyston also impressed on the parkrun scene this weekend, finishing in an impressive third place at the Heslington parkrun.