More Summit Pictures from James Stead
Results (Published 17:00 20/06/15)
There was a tough battle at the front of this race. On the steep ascent from the beck, Ted Mason veered to the left, whilst the pack headed straight up for the rocky outcrop. Of the followers only Adam Osborne followed Ted, probably figuring that he was the man to follow. By the time they reached the summit, Adam Osborne has taken the lead and was followed by Ted Mason, Ian Holmes and Chris Smale. When this news reached the field, the crowd started speculating about the descending abilities of Adam Osborne. Ted Mason and Ian Holmes are renown descenders and would Adam be able to match them? As events turned out, this proved to be his Achilles heal and both Ted and Ian passed him on the descent.
Behind these three another battle was developing. Chris Smale had made a good ascent to the top and at one stage was matching Ian Holmes. He looked to have secured 4th place, but the young Luke Maude managed to sneak passed him and push him down into 5th place, just in front of Tim Cowin of Howgill who was just ahead of Nick Charlesworth of Wharfedale. It was certainly tough in the top group.
The ladies race was a little bit less intense. Catherine Spurden took the glory by finishing in 19th position overall and first lady with the fastest winning time in the last eight years. She was followed home by Holly Martin of Pennine and then former race winners Lucy Needham.
Special mention should perhaps be made of Norman Bush of Ilkley Harriers. He runs in the Vet 70 category, yet he finished in 55th position, comfortably in the top half of the field, once more demonstrating what a top athlete he remains, in spite of his advancing years.
As for teams, Wharfedale just shaded it with their men's team coming first with 18 pts, with Barlick 2nd with 20 pts and Sam Stell's Stag AC team third with 40 pts. The Wharfedale ladies took first place too with 142 pts with Barlick 2nd on 190 pts with Trawden 3rd on 350 points.