A very successful 2023 edition of the Ilkley Moor Fell Race on a Sunday 5th March, saw both the men's and women's records broken, by local runners. 246 hardy runners completed the course on Ilkley Moor, running 8km, with 400m of steep ascent.
Ben Rothery of Ilkley Harriers was fist back and broke Simon Bailey's 19 year old record by 3 seconds. Junior Wharfedale Harriers runner Amelie Lane, an Ilkley resident, broke Emma Clayton's 10 year old record also by 3 seconds to emphatically take the women's win, arriving more than 2 minutes ahead of the second woman.
Not to take anything away from their fantastic achievements, the good weather and dry underfoot conditions were no doubt favourable for fast times, and certainly increased the enjoyment for all runners and spectators.
This year the race incorporated the Yorkshire Senior and U23 Fell Running Championships, where thanks to the performances by Ben, Jack Cummings and Oli Murphy Ilkley won the Senior Men's Team gold. The Senior Women's Team gold went to York Knavesmire Harriers. In the individual results locals Ben Rothery retained the Yorkshire Championship title and Jack Cummings gained the bronze.
