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Race Report

Continuing with a theme this year, the British weather could not make it’s mind up for Arncliffe Gala fell races. The junior races were run in a mixture of cloud, light drizzle and the odd spot of sunshine. By contrast the senior race was run in glorious, though breezy, sunshine.

Tradition, and the permanent line on the road through the village, dictate that all races start by the green with a mad dash sprint to reach a rough track. The dash is to ensure a good position before the width of the track is narrowed by menacing looking nettles that line the way until the fell base is reached. Once on the fell, the terrain is no kinder to the ankles as the thin mantle of grass merely disguises the rough rocky layer lurking beneath. The climb now begins in earnest as the course becomes a lung busting ascent to the large white flag marking the top and U14 turn point. However, while the U14s can now turn and launch themselves down the uneven hillside, the seniors and U17 must take a sharp left turn and run along an equally ankle wrecking skyline to the cairn. This marks their turn point and descent can commence, as the race returns diagonally down the fell towards the U12 flag and some seriously steep, craggy terrain leading back to the track and eventual finish line. Copious rain the previous night ensured that the track was blessed with several deep puddles and a stream, thereby ensuring that only the most stealthy of runners returned without an additional layer of slippery mud and soggy feet.

The winner of the senior race, Mercia’s Simon Bailey (10.27), made this his hat-trick of wins at Arncliffe. 2nd place was taken by Dales local, Appletreewick’s Ted Mason (10.55) and 3rd place went to Ilkley Harriers’ Jack Wood (11.20).

Helm Hill’s Katherine Lawson won the ladies race (14.13) with Pudsey and Bramley’s Rachel Pilling taking 2nd place (14.30). 3rd lady was Ripon Runners’ Sally Haughton (14.43).

The U17 race, run separately to the seniors but over the same course, was won by Helm Hill’s Jacob Aubrey (11.44). Wharfedale Harriers’ Logan Hargreaves-Madhas was second past the permanent line (12.27) and 3rd place was taken by Ambleside’s Jake Shuttleworth (12.32).

Wharfedale’s Emily Jones won the U17 girls’ race (16.05) followed by Rossendale Harriers’ Corinna Howorth (16.47) and Keighley and Craven’s Alana Willis, 3rd (26.26).

Maintaining his excellent form this season, Keighley’s Louis Hudson won the U14 race (8.53). 2nd and 3rd boys were settle Harriers’ Thomas Marshall (8.57) and Ambleside’s Ben Edmondson (9.04).

Again maintaining superb form and keeping winning in the family, Wharfedale’s Alice Jones won the girls race (10.05) followed by Rossendale’s Lauryn Gregg, 2nd (10.49) and Wharfedale club mate Freya Mitchell 3rd (11.25).

The U12 race was won by Clayton-le-Moors’ Dexta Thompson (7.09). 2nd and 3rd places were taken by Ilkley’s Lewis Carr (7.16) and Calder Valley’s James Duffy (7.19).

The 1st and 2nd girls were the well-travelled Olesia Winder of Leven Valley (7.37) and Broughton Runners Emily Swarbrick (7.58). 3rd place went to the more local Beth Roberts of Keighley and Craven (8.03).

The U9 race was won by Barlick’s Jacob Reeday (5.35). 2nd and 3rd boys were Keighley’s James sadler-Townsend (5.38) and son of the senior winner, Oliver Bailey (5.45).

The girls’ winner was Wharfedale’s Emily Anderson (6.09), followed by Keighley’s Katie Buckley, 2nd, (6.17) and unattached runner, Scarlett Harrison, 3rd (6.37).