The main prizes will be given on a cumulative basis with a Grand Prix Prize awarded to THE CHAMP who does best over the three races. There will be smaller awards to the winners of each individual event.

TTT 2007

Given the prolonged deluge which preceded this year’s event, a last minute change of name from TTT (Tarmac, Trail & Tussock) to FBS (Flood, Bog & Swamp) was under consideration but despite the threats of the weather forecasters, attendees were blessed with reasonably dry conditions and more sunshine than had been seen in the whole of the previous month.

Friday night’s uphill road race was dominated by Leeds City with Chris Birchall and Greg Hull taking 1st and 2nd spots in the men’s race and Emily Klee the first lady home followed by Melanie Hyder (Helm Hill).

Friday’s athletic endeavours didn’t finish there though.  Cambridge Harriers from Kent are regular visitors to the TTT and whilst they didn’t manage to get to Yorkshire in time to compete in the Friday night race, they did break their own personal best for erecting their club tent.  When questioned about their vastly improved performance over the previous year’s effort, their spokesman cited a new motivational technique, namely “we arrived at 9.45 and wanted to be in the pub for 10.” Sports psychologists take note.

Saturday morning brought a mixture of sunshine and showers to accompany runners on their 12.5(ish) mile challenge.  Greg Hull (Leeds City) and Martin Peace (Bingley) were never far apart throughout and only eight seconds separated them at the finish, with Greg taking the victory this time.  Owen Graham maintained Leeds City’s excellent weekend with 3rd place.  Heather Dawe of Ilkley had a slightly more comfortable time as 1st lady followed by team mate Alison Eagle.

Sunday’s 1.5 mile dash up and down the hill behind the event field saw 33 participants and 1 ironing board line up at the start. A shade under fourteen minutes later and Skipton’s Richard Barrett and Harry Croft had just managed to squeeze their way past Martin Peace to make up the men’s 1-2-3 respectively.  Melanie Hyder returned to be 1st lady home followed by another consistent finish from Alison Eagle.  The ironing board and its chaperone, Tom Walker, finished a creditable 14th.

Calculation of the Grand Prix placings saw overall victory in the men’s event awarded to Martin Peace (Bingley) by a single point from Richard Barrett (Skipton) who did however have the consolation of taking the O/40 prize.  Geoff Howard (Ilkley) took the men’s O/50 honours.  For the ladies, Alison Eagle (Ilkley) triumphed ahead of Becky Weight (Bingley) and Gail Tombs (Calder Valley).  Ilkley also took the team event ahead of Bingley. 

Thanks to all landowners, marshals, timekeepers and those manning the griddle and tea urn for their help at this year’s event.  If you’ve never sampled the TTT before come and join us in Kettlewell on 4th, 5th & 6th July 2008.