At last it’s back, after three cancellations the organisers must have begun to think they wouldn’t get this race over the start line again. But being a local jewel in the crown, as well as an introduction to the winter trail and cross country running calendar, it’s clear the organisers rallied all their efforts to make it happen. Hosted by Horsforth Harriers from its established base at Woodhouse Grove School and now in it’s 16th year this chip timed challenging multi terrain event with a race limit of 550 is fought out on tracks, paths and road and is part of the Leeds race series 2021. More colloquially known as the ABC it attracts runners from clubs across the country as well as increasing numbers of unattached runners. Eccleshill Road Runners were no exception to this as new fewer than 12 blue and whites took on the challenge, commiserations to those in the team who were sidelined due to injury. A change to the route format this year due to Covid restrictions meant runners were not walked up to the usual start line on Woodlands Drive but instead completed a loop of the (usual finishing) field to thin out the runners before they exited to begin to tackle the challenging, hilly and multi terrain course around Apperley Bridge and Horsforth on quiet roads, tracks and paths. The previous few days of heavy rain made conditions under foot a little tricky in places but by and large the course was far more negotiable than expected. Early rain gave way to changeable, windy, sunny and at times showery conditions Leading the team home was Marc Steele in 51:55 (elated to not have to run an additional 20 miles this week!) followed by Ian Stow 54:21, Stuart Wagstaff 61:49, Julie Steele 62:13, Sarah Rawlings 62:23, Garry Ellison 62:25, Robert Sutton 62:53, Brian Perfitt 62:58, Jayne Robinson 66:30, Linda Bussey 68:33, Debra Grant 71:00 and Sarah Myers 82:14. Well done Everyone! Big thanks to our support crew standing out in the blustery and at times wet conditions!
