AFTER a brief, firm respite in 2018, the rains returned with a vengeance to replenish the bogs on the Withins Skyline route at Haworth to their more usual “man-eating status” for the senior race and; made the junior Quarry Runs particularly muddy, adding to the fun of these frantic races.

Due to the energy sapping conditions underfoot no new records were set but bog dodging and mud coverage more than made up for that!

Despite the mud and bogs, Ilkley Harriers’ Tom Adams made light work of the whole thing to return home a clear winner in the senior men’s race (41.17) a fair way ahead of nearest rival, second placed Pudsey and Bramley’s Joe Baxter (43.02) and third man Todmorden Harriers’ Andrew Worster (44.20).

In the ladies race, Calder Valley’s Holly Page finished in a very respectable 13th place overall to win the ladies race (49.05) by a wide margin from Ilkley duo of Rachel Carter, 2nd (55.27), and Fay Walsh (55.53).

The junior Curly Wurly Rat Runs got off to a fast and furious start with the under-9s racing to lead the way up the narrow path out of Penistone quarry.

Ilkley’s Robert Carter was first out of the quarry and never looked back as he went on to win the race in an impressive 2.49 from Wharfedale Harriers Dylan Alcock (2.57) and Keighley and Craven’s Albie Ellis (3.08).

In the girls’ race Wharfedale’s Elena Hopper sped round the course, splashing her way through the mud and improving on her third place in 2018, to win in 2.54 from Ilkley’s Harriet Carter (3.10) and Alice White (3.18).

In the under-17 race, Horwich’s Toby Middleton led from the start to win in 11.28 from Otley’s Jenson Brogden (12.12) and Ilkley’s Harry Stead (12.16).

Bingley Harriers’ Theo Clay won the under-15 boys race (6.30) from Ilkley duo Archie Budding (6.45) and Dylan Shinn (7.08).

In the girls’ race, Wharfedale’s Amelie Lane proved she is a force not to be messed with as she won in 7.01 from Holmfirth Harriers’ Annie McLean (7.28) and Ilkley’s Erin Doyle (7.35).

Keighley’s Archie Peaker won the under-13 boys’ race (6.22) from clubmate James Sadler-Townsend (6.37) and Ilkley’s Alexander Wolfenden (6.42).

Keighley’s Katie Buckley won the under-13 girls’ race (7.38) from Wharfedale’s Layla Kirkley (7.55) and Settle Harriers’ Charlotte Peart (8.28).

In another win for Keighley and Craven’s junior runners, William Oakden won the under-11 boys race (7.09) from Bingley’s Charlie Robinson (7.10) and Wharfedale’s Hugo Bishop (7.17).

Bingley’s Abby Clay won the under-11 girls’ race in 7.43 from Keighley’s Bethan Buckley (7.57) and Wharfedale’s Isabella Wright (8.29).

After the races, all runners were able to take part in a very different competition in the legendary chocolate throw-out where the ability to catch flying candy is of far greater value than running ability.