Wilkinson Ackworth Half Marathon

Dominic Bannister was in majestic form in the Wilkinson Ackworth Half Marathon.The former British Cross Country Champion of Shaftsbury Barnet Harriers stormed under the finish gantry to take victory in 66 minutes and 24 seconds.He also won the Yorkshire Half Marathon Championship event which was stage within the race for the 8th consecutive year.

Chris Birchall of Leeds City was 2nd in 67-25 with Dave Norman from Altrincham a close 3rd in 68-07.Last years winner Ian fisher of Otley AC came in 4th in 68-30,after nursing a hamstring problem in the latter stages.Neil Renault of Long Eaton 5th in 68-46 with Nathaniel Williams from North Yorkshire Moors AC in 6th place in 68-47.Darron Bilton from Leeds City illustrated what a quality race it was by finishing 7th in 68-51.

Leeds City won the mens open team event and the Yorkshire Championships.

The womens race was a much closer contest with Julie Briscoe from Wakefield Harriers just managing to hold off a strong challenge from Vicky Whitehead from Valley Striders.Briscoe finished in a time of 80-04 to record her 1st victory in the race and also the Yorkshire half marathon championships.Whitehead was just ten seconds behind and took the silver medal in the Yorkshire Championships.Mary Wilkinson of Bingley Harriers was 3rd in 83-21.Her late entry rendered her ineligible for the Yorkshire Championships so Kate Nelson from Knavesmire Harriers in 83-34 took bronze.

faye Banks from the home club was fifth in 84-40 with support from Angela Hannon in 11th 89-48,and the ever realiable Christine McCarthy who was 15th in 91-39 to take the womens team medals in the Yorkshire half marathon championships.Holmfirth Harriers wom the open race womens team prize.

Louise Gilchrist of Valley Striders set a new British record for women over 75 with a time of 1-56-36.