Ilkley Harriers ace wins at home race as Archer on target

Ilkley Harriers ace Christos Tzelis stormed to the finish to win the race outright and set a new course record, completing the course in just six minutes and 52 seconds.

Sam Bentham was the second Harrier home in a great time of 7:23, with clubmate Tom Adams hot on his heels, finishing in 7:26, both taking first place in their respective age categories.

As for the Ilkley ladies, Matilda Irvine was the first over the line, completing the course in a great time of 10:51, which meant she also took first prize in her age category.

Emma Moore was the next home, her speedy time of 12:20 meaning that she also received an age category prize.

Rumana Chowdhury was the third Ilkley lady to finish, her sub-13 minute finishing time meaning she took third place in her age category.

This year’s event was made extra special by the race founder Andy Wolfenden presenting the prizes to the winners.

Andy Wolfenden (megaphone in hand) prepares to present Christos Tzelis (right) with his winners' prize. (Image: Alex Stanley-Hyde.)

Further afield in Newcastle, the iconic AJ Bell Great North Run took place, the biggest half marathon in the world, with 60,000 participants running the 13.1mile route form Newcastle to South Shields.

The race attracted eight Ilkley runners, with great results all round, with Matthew Thackwray leading the Harriers home to finish in an incredible 49th position overall, in a speedy time of one hour, ten minutes and nine seconds.

Joanne Williamson was the second Harrier home, also with a sub-two-hour finish, completing the course in a very impressive time of 1:47:20, with Lucy Lowe the third Harrier home in 2:00:23.

Closer to home another popular half marathon was taking place in Yorkshire, with The Yorkshireman offering half-marathon and marathon distance options.

Organised by Keighley & Craven Athletics club, this popular sell-out event, now in its 31st year, sees runners deal with challenging terrain as well as more than 3,000 feet of ascents.

Harrier Kate Archer had a great run and was the third lady to finish in the marathon distance.

She crossed the line in a superb time of 4:22:31.

Success also came the way of Martin Hartley, improving his time on the course from last year by 25 minutes, completing the race in 4:10:30.

Charles Wain was the third Harrier over the line, in another impressive time of 4:49:33.

Colm McCann opted for the half marathon option and had a great run, finishing in a time of 2:41:22.

In the other extreme of distance, Harrier Ritchie Williamson completed the 2024 Montane Dragon’s Back Race.

This legendary 380km 6-day event sees runners follow the mountainous spine of Wales from Conwy Castle in the north to Cardiff in the south.  This race is considered to be one of the toughest mountain races in the world.

Williams with true grit, completed the race in 75:58:53.

Petra Bijsterveld also continued her love of ultra running by taking part in the SwissPeaks 100km race.

She had a great run, taking first prize in her age category, completing the course in 33 and a half hours, an incredible achievement.

Continuing the theme of overseas runs, Harrier Alison Weston took part in the Stockholm half marathon, which starts and finishes at the Royal Palace in the city.

She raced superbly, completing the course in a time of 2:01:24.

Always popular, there was a great turnout of Harriers at this week’s 5km parkrun events.   

Rachel Carter was not only the first lady to finish at the Roberts Park parkrun, but it was also a PB for her on this course, running it in a speedy time of 20:29.

Andrew Overend completed his 25th parkrun by running at the same event.

There was a top-10 finishing place for Paul Carman who came fourth at the Pendle parkrun, with Jann Smith being the second lady to cross the line at the same event.

Patrick Wardle also came fourth at the Conwy parkrun, while Mark Hall continued his fine form to finish in fifth place at the Barnsley parkrun.