This year the sun was shining but the ground less dry than last year’s perfect riding conditions and we had 176 set off in the Harriers vs Cyclists race from the Leeds-Liverpool canal to the top of Baildon Moor and back – entries were split 139 male to 37 female; 117 runners to 59 cyclists. Entry to this local favorite is online only but we keep this open until the morning of the race day.
Before setting off there was a very respectful round of applause for John Capenerhurst who sadly passed away at the end of October. John was a longstanding member of Bingley Harriers and if you have done this race in recent years or any West Yorkshire League event he will likely have timed you – from us all, thank you John!!
After a minor altercation with the cows in the top field and some emergency marshals put in place the field set off in glorious sunshine. 16 year-old Charlie Albone, Shibden CC stormed back first on his bike in 35 mins 10 s and was followed some 50 s later by a former winner on foot Nathan Marsh, Leeds City AC, and then another runner Ewen Wilkinson, Keighley and Craven AC 17 s later. Well done, Charlie, an impressive ride. Victoria Wilkinson, Bingley Harriers ran in as the women’s race winner in 42:30 (28th overall) with Emma Moran, Bingley Harriers 42 s behind and battling all the way with Katie Walshaw, Holmfirth Harriers who came third by a second or so. Sarah Toms, RAFCA was the first female cyclist in 54.44 (130th overall).
The cyclists so nearly scooped up the prize beers this year but when you knock out the one e-biker from the first ten cyclists home the runners actually took it by 2 points!! All category prize winners etc can be found on this link- https://www.webscorer.com/race?raceid=412887 .
Thanks go to all the marshals and volunteers who make this race possible. To Milnerfield Farm for providing the start/finish field. To Saltaire Brewery for generously providing some Saltaire Blonde for the category winners (along with the usual cash prizes raised from the entry fees). Elite Physio and Steve Brooks for providing the winners tee-shirts (a first for us this year) and the Bradford and Bingley Rugby Club for hosting registration and the awards presentation. It really is always a pleasure to put this race on because of the enthusiasm of the participants so once again, we look forward to seeing you next year for more of the same…
Thanks to Bruce Duncan, Jo Buckley and Becky Weight for photos (in the Header)