LAST Tuesday over 300 runners took part in the Bunny Run - a three mile Fell Race near Haworth. The race was won by Ian Holmes of Bingley in 15.41, with Tom Adams of Ilkley second and Tim Midgeley of Bingley third.

Otley AC runners Bob Payne and Don Buffham finished in 25.21 and 27.23 respectively. The weekend’s activity for Otley members began on Saturday with the club’s monthly handicap which, on this occasion was around Eccup Reservoir, beginning and ending at the Sun Inn. The route is a little under 10km. Runners were led off by Antonio Cardinale, the winner of an earlier race in the series. However, this was not to be another victory for Antonio. First home was Otley’s ultra runner, Chris Carver, from a 19 minute handicap. Second was Adam Baird and Julian Mawson was third. Julian also had the shortest actual time, completing in 34m 6s.

The table is still led by Matt Podd on 30 points, with Rachael Bamford second on 29 and Huw Illingworth third on 28.

Andrew Robertshaw took part in the Silent Valley Fell Race, held in the Mountains of Mourne. This is part of the British Fell Championships and naturally attracted a very strong field approaching 200 runners. The race was very tough - ten miles and requiring 4500 feet ascent. The winner was Andy Symonds of Kendal in 1.43.56 with Morgan Donnelly of Borrowdale second and Rob Hope of Pudsey&Bramley third. Andrew had an excellent run to finish 44th in 2.07.21. Philippa Maddams of Keswick was first lady in 2.09.35.

On Sunday a major event was the Connemara Marathon. This resulted in a clear win for Sergiu Cobanu in the fast time of 2.31.00; Mark Sherman was second and Gerard Rocherioux third. Otley can be justifiably proud of club member Liam Dunne who had an excellent run for fifth place in 2.54.59. Mary Walsh was first lady, finishing in 3.12.26.

Also on Sunday, the Blackpool Half-Marathon was won by Dave Lockett of Salford in 71.54, about three minutes clear of second-placed Paul Muller of Horwich, with Daniel Rothwell third.

Otley’s Simon Anderson finished 26th in 86.03 and Emma Jones of Belle Vue finished as first lady in 88.31. The Club meets for training at Otley Cricket Club on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7.15pm. Further details of the club can be obtained from its website otleyac.org.uk