FOLLOWING the highly successful 2022 event that raised over £35,000 for local charities, the Ilkley Half Marathon is returning on Sunday, July 16.
The event, run by the Ilkley Round Table, will be bigger than previous years with the number of runners being increased and the return of the event village for spectators and entrants alike.
Matthew Barnacle, Race Director for 2023 said: “We are really excited to bring another successful event to our town that will provide a unique and beautiful run for participants as well as entertainment for them and their supporters. The event aims to once again raise significant funds that benefit good causes in our local community.”
To add to the spirit of celebration for the event this year, there is planned RAF flypast with the spectacular Lancaster Bomber one of only two aircraft still flying in the world today which is scheduled for 15.52pm. The Lancaster is due to fly directly over the half marathon event village where spectators can support runners, enjoy the atmosphere, and see this fantastic aircraft perform the flypast (subject to weather conditions and aircraft serviceability).
The closed road event will follow the same route as previous years to enjoy local support through Ben Rhydding, Ilkley and Addingham before runners take in the scenery on the run out to Bolton Bridge and back into Ilkley via Beamsley and Nesfield.
The event village on West Holmes Fields will provide additional entertainment for spectators and a space for half marathon participants to celebrate, relax and show of their medal after the run. There will also be a kids’ zone where children can enjoy activities including a climbing wall, bouncy castles and bungee trampoline all for just £10 per child unlimited use. Food and drink will be available to purchase and live music will be performing on stage.
The last few remaining places are still available and if you would like to book your place in the 2023 event, more information can be found at www.ilkleyhalfmarathon.co.uk
All roads will be closed from 9.30am and will reopen as the last runner passes. For full road closure details visit ilkleyhalfmarathon.co.uk/road-closures
Public Safety Notice: The use of drones is strictly prohibited in and around the Ilkley Half Marathon event due to the health and safety risk to members of the public and RAF aircrew.
Many bus services in Wharfedale will be diverted or amended due to road closures for the Ilkley Half Marathon, with no buses running to or from Ilkley whilst the road closures are in place.
Affected services include: The Cravenlink 864, the Cravenlink 873 (Addingham and Ilkley will not be served between 10am and 1pm), DalesBus 874 (8.35am journey from Wetherby to Bolton Abbey, Grassington and Buckden will divert between Otley and Bolton Bridge via Blubberhouses and Burley-in-Wharfedale, Ilkley and Addingham will not be served), DalesBus 875 and the DalesBus 876.
The usual connection between DalesBus services 864, 874 and 875 in Ilkley at 10.15am will not be available. After the 9.10am Cravenlink 864 departure to Skipton the next DalesBus departure from Ilkley will be on service 864 to Skipton at 1340.
Details of these diversions are available online at www.dalesbus.org/news
Services 62 and X84 will also be disrupted, with no buses running to or from Ilkley whilst road closures are in place.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here