Race Pictures at the summit by James Stead
Over the years, some great names in fell running have done battle in this race, but this year, there was a feeling that a wind of change was taking place. It seems that a new generation of runners are coming through. Junior Great Britain International runner, Josh Boyle led the race up to the summit, where he was showing a good lead. However, it appears that he did not take the best line coming off the top, which allowed the chasing pack to close the gap. It was at this point where another promising young runner, Jamie Parkinson from Pudsey & Bramley, showed everyone a clean pair of heals as he took the lead. He opened this lead to the point where he only had to make the final steep descent safely to ensure victory, which he duly did, finishing over half a minute in front of the chasing pack.. Behind him, a real battle was developing for the next three places and much depended on how everyone handled the final descent. It was a close thing between Jack Wood of Ilkley and Josh Boyle of Barlick and both came over the car park wall together, with Jack just shading it and less than a second separating the pair. Next to finish was the wily old fox and previous race winner, Ted Mason. Ted is one of the best descenders in the sport and coupled with his ability to be able to pick a good line, he was not going to let these young upstarts have it all their own way. He did not manage to catch the first three, but on the final descent, they must have been only too aware that he was there waiting to take advantage of any mistakes that they made. Completing the top five was another young runner and former Junior International, Luke Maude. Apart from the more experienced Ted Mason, the oldest runner is this group was Jack Wood who is aged 27 and the fact that there is so much young talent coming through, says a lot about the future of the sport.
It does not seem that long ago that Kirsty Hall was hobbling about on a pair of crutches following a skiing accident and wondering if she would ever run again. It says much about the medical professionals and Kirsty's steely determination that she has come through this setback seemingly stronger than ever and it was fitting to see her follow up some recent stunning performances to run out the winner of the ladies race. This was in front of yet another promising young runner, the 18 year old Hannah Russell of Helm Hill. This was Hannah's first attempt at this race and on this showing, she demonstrated that she will be a future race winner. Making up the top three in the ladies race was another runner who has been showing recent good form and that is Jean Powell of Wharfedale Harriers.
Further down the field were stalwarts from the past, who still enjoy the challenge of this race, tough though it is. Of these, special mention should be made of Norman Bush. Although he has now reached the grand old age of 75, he still turns up for this race and not only that, but he puts in a good performance, this year finishing in 55th position out a total of 98 finishers.
Mention should also be made of local farmer, Gary Schofield. He has always allowed this race to be run over his land, although he himself is not a runner. Until this year that is, when he decided to enter the race both as a personal challenge and to raise money for Manorlands Hospice, a local charity. He was a bit nervous about doing it before he set off, but he needn't have been. He finished in 72nd place and was 5th MV45 out of a total of 9 who took part.
In the team races, both the Barlick and the Ilkley men finished with 19 points each, but Ilkley won it on the basis that their last runner finished in front of the Barlick last runner. The Ilkley ladies also won the team prize, demonstrating the strength in depth of this local club.
The Barlickers finished as follows:
3 Joshua Boyle 34.51
5 Luke Maude 36.06
11 Sam Wadsworth 39.45
17 Andrew Driver 43.52
26 Jonathan Boothman 45.12
31 John Boothman 45.58
60 Rachel Lowther 50.27
75 Craig Child 53.10
79 Paul Elcock 54.13