OTLEY’S principal event of the year the Otley 10 mile road race was held over a slightly modified course.

Weather conditions were poor but they did not prevent some excellent performances.

The race was won by Tim Midgley of Bingley Harriers in a time of 56min 30sec just eight seconds ahead of Gary Dunn (Thirsk and Sowerby Harriers). Matthew John (Abbey Runners) was third Most of the host club were involved in administrative duties but Tom Midgley had an excellent run for seventh place in 58.55 and Mark Hall was first in the V50 category and 19th overall.

Otley’s Josie Hodgetts had another brilliant run for first lady – and 28th overall – in 1.04.29 and with excellent support from Rachel Bamford (39th overall) and Renee Saxton (64th overall) enabled Otley AC to win the ladies' team prize, with Bingley second and Harrogate third.

Other Otley finishers were Laura Martin (77th), Beth Massey (168th), Ian Broadbent (187th), Billy Rayner (207th) and Sara Richard (270th) There were some commendable performances in the veterans categories. Fred Gibbs of Bingley (V70) finished in 1.14.42, Aileen Baldwin of Stainland Lions (LV55, 1.17.32) and Nicola Wilde of Horsfoth Harriers (LV60, 1.23.24) The men’s team event was won by North York Moors AC (35) with Bingley (64) second and Horsforth (66) third.

The club is now looking forward to the third Harrogate League race (17th June) and its Stainburn Handicap on 22nd June.

The Ilkley Harriers mixed team finished 34th overall in the Bradford Millenium Way Relay, on Sunday.

Leg 1 - Steve Rhodes and Jane Guillard, 44th in 2:05:25; Leg 2 - Mike Bryant and Sally Morley, 23rd on leg, 41st overall in 1:28:47; Leg 3 - Keith Wood and Sue Bickerdike, 37th on leg and 42nd overall in 1:19:56; Leg 4 - Vic Verecondi and Helen Horton, 27th on leg and 36th overall in 1:16:39; and Leg 5 - Andrew Merrick and Jane Bryant, 19th on leg and 34th overall in 1:31:12 In the Long Eaton 5, Henry Heavisides won the M55 prize, and set an Ilkley Harriers Club Record, in 29.42 The Bradford Parkrun, run every Saturday in Lister Park, had Richard Hinsley finishing 32nd in 26.38 And in last Wednesday's tough Otley 10 Ilkley results were: 30 Jonathan Sinclair 65.25; 66 Sally Malir 69.43 2nd F45; 97 Mike Baldwin 73.08 3rd M50; 114 Jann Smith 74.51; 135 John Woodward 77.07; 214 Martin Wright 85.10; and 282 Bernadette Gibbons 94.33 3rd F55