Otley AC’s Scott Harrington came away with third prize in the Clowne Half-Marathon, in Derbyshire, even though he finished in fourth place with a personal best time of 1:14:01.

His promotion came because the winner was a professional guest runner, Meles Okbazghi (Sheffield RC), who completed the course in 1:11:51.

Otley’s Tom Hannah, finished 307th in 1:49:35 and recorded a personal best as did David Hainsworth who was 428th in 1:57:40.

In second place was Mark Couldwell (Charnwood AC) in 1:12:35 and third was Ian Bailey (Sleaford Town) in 1:12:44. The first lady was Fiona Davies (Kingston Runners) in 18th place overall in 1:23:45.

Five Otley runners took part in the Tour of Pendle, held between Nelson and Clitheroe in Lancashire.

Results are awaited for the 17 miles race with nearly 5000ft of ascent, which is pretty much five times up and down Pendle Hill.

Matt Podd commented: “We were blessed with a chilly, but a wonderful day, with huge views lit up by patches of sun.

“Matt Broughton, Shane Ewan, Andy Hunt, Jim Sneath and I joined a very illustrious field for the 30th running and had a grand day out.”

The weekly Run Sunday race was won by Richard Smith in 18:57, while Pange Srivastava was the second lady in 26:42 and Toni Midgley completed the course in 29:29. The first lady was Emma Stoney in 21:34.

The club’s penultimate handicap race of the year, the Colin Best Calverley Handicap, was won by John Cowan ahead of Andy Webster. Steve Robinson recorded the day’s best time.

As it was the penultimate handicap race in this year’s Eric Smith trophy, second overall Dominic Egan managed to close the gap slightly on first placed Ursula McGouran.

Dominic now needs a big turnout at the traditional Christmas Ken Dixon Handicap, at Timble, to stand any chance of over turning this lead.