Two Eccleshill Road Runners took on the first event of the season for the Punk Panther Series. The Welcome Ultra offers a choice of 32 or 40 miles and starts off from Weston Lane Community Centre in the beautiful market town of Otley. The route then heads up to Clifton then across to Askwith then to Denton before crossing an iron bridge over the River Wharfe to Ben Rhydding, Burley-in-Wharfedale, up onto Burley Moor over to Shipley Glen then Baildon Moor, Guiseley, Yeadon over The Chevin to Surprise View and across to Bramhope and finally down to the finish in the village of Pool-in-Wharfedale where a hot meal awaits, along with a well deserved Tech T-Shirt, medal and certificate. A challenging race over open moorland providing stunning views but at times extremely boggy/muddy conditions!
Russell Naylor and Ian Storey chose the 32 mile option but those doing the 40 milers added on The Bingley Loop. An additional loop which takes in the extended Welcome Way, at Shipley Glen the route loops around Bingley before returning to Shipley Glen for an added challenge. Fantastic effort with Russell finishing in 6:19:32 and Ian not far behind in 6:48:07 (unofficial times), really well done guys and a big thank you to their support crew popping up around the course, Angela Storey, Sarah Myers, Marcus Myers, Annie Kisluk & Gareth Harland.