The Ilkley Moor Fell race has been chosen as the Yorkshire Fell Race Championship this year. The best in the county will be joining a strong local field to battle it out on the moor on Sunday 5th March.
Runners will line up at 11:30 am at the start next to Darwin Gardens; following a route via the Cow and Calf, across the moor dropping down near the Keighley Road. Though a short course, it includes challenging steep climbs and rocky slippery descents, so not ideal for beginners. The race is five miles (6km) long but packs in 1,315ft (401m) of ascent and will see the front runners finishing in 40 minutes.
Entry is open via http://www.ilkleyharriers.org.uk/index.php?page=imr for those that have the stamina and calf muscles.
Spectators are very welcome, with Darwin Gardens, the Cow and Calf and the top of the moor being great places to shout encouragement. With the Real Food market on the Grove that day, there will be some good opportunities to refuel afterwards.
Organised by local running club Ilkley Harriers, more than 30 volunteers will be manning the route and start/finish line to make sure no-one gets lost or into difficulties. Thanks go to sponsors Pete Bland Sports and OMM, with Pete Bland having a stall at the start on the day.
Ilkley Harriers is a thriving club and now has over 400 members, including runners who “Jeff” (walk and run) to those who compete in national and international championships - everyone is welcome.
If you would like to try the club out, please register first on the training page at www.ilkleyharriers.org.uk and then come along to its main club night at 7pm on Tuesdays, meet upstairs at Ilkley tennis and squash club.