Several variations of this course have been used for previous Yorkshire Vets and PECO races. This race HQ was Barnbow Social Club, Manston Lane, Leeds and hosted by St Theresas AC. The Social Club is sited adjacent to the old Vickers tank factory and there were impressive steep ramps nearby used for tank test-driving.
The 5.5 mile race course was undulating fields and woodland, with a fast and long downhill field to start. It was a warm, dry evening, attracting 197 runners. The downside of the fast start was the long drag back to finish. No Bingley ladies competed.
Race winner was again David Watson, M40 , Holmfirth in 28m-20s.
There was particularly strong competition in the M50 class with Paul Mitchell being edged out to 4th M50 with a time of 32m-57.
Other Bingley finishers were:
Bryan Parkinson 2nd M60 in 36m-05
Stuart Thompson 2nd M65 in 36m-40
Peter Ellerton 3rd M65 36m-40.
Bryan has been improving steadily this year and it is good to see Stuart regaining good form.
The Yorkshire Vets oldest competitor, 84 and nearing 85 Jon Johnson unfortunately had a fall during the race and was taken to hospital for a check-up. It turned out that he was sore and bruised but fortunately no bones broken. We hope that it has not shaken his confidence too much and look forward to seeing him at future races.
Report by Peter Ellerton