Skyrac Athletics Club hosted the Third Esholt Bash on a beautiful summer’s evening, and Ian Nixon (Pudsey & Bramley) led the 90-strong field home in a very respectable time of 35min 6sec.

Second was Peter Branner (36-09) and third Leon Foster (36-15) of Leeds City. First women home was Sophie Lovell of Leeds City in 41min 17sec.

Skyrac are saying a big thank-you to all marshals and their helpers. Without their support, no races would have taken place.

Meanwhile, Skyrac’s young athletes team went to Wigan, with a few absentees due to health and family commitments.

The 25 Skyrac youngsters who did make the trip did themselves and their club proud, however.

Skyrac finished a close third behind Bingley Harriers, with Horwich Athletic Club winning the meeting.

If you would like to join Skyrac, they train on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Nunroyd Park, the under-11s from 6.30pm-7.15pm and the older age groups from 7.30pm onwards.

Contact Tim or Lynda on 01943-461383 if you need further inforamtion.

The week has again seen Otley Athletics Club members competing in a range of events.

The St Ives Trail Race, organised by Ilkley Harriers, was held on June 15 and attracted almost 100 runners.

The race was won by Tom Adams of Ilkley Harriers in 32min 12sec. Karl Gray, of Calder Valley, was second and Ian Nixon, of Pudsey and Bramley, third.

Lucy Griffiths, of Bingley Harriers, was first lady and 17th overall The first Otley AC finisher was Samuel Stell (12th), with Ben Cousen 21st, Peter Kettleborough 29th, Angela Srivastava 42nd and Graham Stead 48th.

The fourth race in this year’s Harrogate League programme was run from Harrogate Hockey Club and held on June 17. It was well managed by the Nidd Valley Club and a total of 42 Otley members took part.

The race proved to be another victory for Marc Scott, of Richmond and Zetland Harriers, in 26min 49sec. Gary Dunn, of Thirsk and Sowerby, was second and Michael Appleton, of Ripon Road Runners, third.

Otley’s Josie Hodgetts had another excellent run for first lady (and 25th overall) in 31.24. Josie had strong support from Rachel Bamford (29th) and with Laura Martin (64th), Karen Best (72nd) and Sharron Smith (120th), which enabled Otley to win the Ladies’ 5 event.

The Otley men’s team was led home by Tom Midgley (seventh), followed by Mark Hall (11th), Andrew Robertshaw (15th), Tom Paget (37th), Lloyd Best (42nd), Peter Kettleborough (45th), Chris Carver (51st), Mick Jeffrey (54th), Simon Anderson (59th) and Chris Stacey (65th), giving Otley second place in the men’s team event.

Last Sunday, Otley’s Tony Cunningham (currently exiled in London) took part in the North Downs Run. This is quite a demanding race, covering about 30 kilometres, most of which are off-road, but it attracted nearly 500 runners.

The event was won by Will Green, of Serpentine Harriers, in the impressive time of 1h 58min 47sec. Mark Wilkins, of Invicta East Kent, was second and Eric Phillips, of Serpentine, was third. Tony had a good run to finish 19th.

Also on Sunday, the Stavely Stampede, held near Knaresborough, provided runners with a ten-mile scenic multi-terrain course and warm, sunny conditions.

The race was won by Mick McGee of Blackhawkbikes.com in 59min 38sec. Andrew Meskimmon was second and Kim Brown third. Karen Pickles (Pudsey Pacers) had an excellent run for first lady and fifth overall in 1.04.30.

Otley’s Billy Rayner had a good run for 64th.

Otley AC meets for training at Otley Cricket Club on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7.15, and new runners are always welcome.