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Thanks all round following Ilkley Half Marathon


Ilkley Half Marathon organisers Ilkley Round Table

Ilkley came alive on Sunday 11 July with the return of the Ilkley Half Marathon, organised by Ilkley and District Round Table, after a one-year hiatus due to Covid-19.


The road-closed event drew 2,000 runners from as far afield as Japan to Ilkley's picturesque surrounds. The event was established in 2019 to raise funds for the local community; this year's race expects to raise more than £40,000 for good causes.


Delivered entirely by volunteers, the true spirit of community was on display with enthusiastic crowds lining the Grove in Ilkley, Addingham's Main Street and the finish straight on Denton Road.


As the largest UK Athletics endorsed participation event Nationally since the pandemic struck in March 2019, it was a welcome boost to morale for keen runners who have been desperate to test themselves in race conditions.


Race Director, Matthew Ward, said, "We've waited a long time to stage this event for the community. We were delighted to raise funds for the Children's Heart Surgery Fund via the Ilkley Virtual Half last summer, and we were desperate to bring the running community together in our beautiful town. We want to thank our generous sponsors, High Speed Training, Ison Harrison, Harrogate Spring Water, Aceso and Biffa. Secondly, thank you to our astonishing volunteers, without whom we could not stage this event. Last but not least, thank you to the residents of Ilkley and further afield for their support, goodwill and enthusiasm in what has been an incredibly challenging 18 months for everyone."


Victorious in 2019, Caroline Turner returned to retain the women's title, representing Lonely Goat RC and finishing the undulating course in a time of 1 hour, 21 minutes and 56 seconds. The men's title belonged to Scott Harrington, representing Otley AC and finishing in 1 hour, 11 minutes and 10 seconds. Ilkley Harriers retained both the men's and women's team trophy with three placings in the top ten from the home town club.


Speaking on behalf of the organisers was Trevor Yong, Chairman of Ilkley and District Round Table, who said, "We believe that this event is all about community; the runners, the spectators, the families and friends supporting the athletes and the people that we hope to help with the money raised. Whether you're completing your first long-distance race or completing your 90th, like Anastasia Lincoln today, we hope every participant had a great day."


The Ilkley Half Marathon plans to return at the same time next year with an increase in the number of entrants and the return of the event village from 2019.

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