12th July
Jessica Gardner

I first heard of the Ilkley half marathon last year when my partner and some friends were running it, but I didn’t enter due to the blistering heat (the internet says it was 25 degrees, but I remember it being nearer 30!) Instead I opted for a lovely swim at Ilkley Lido, which I would highly recommend!

This year however I thought I would enter; I left it til the last minute just to see how hot it would be but it the weather unreliably predicted 21 degrees. On the day it was actually 25-26 and I don’t think I would have made it round if it weren’t for the kind souls of Ilkley who lined the streets with their water pistols and hosepipes (pre ban!).

I collected my number the day before and had a nice walk round the town, watching the volunteers set up in the local park. Then came race day, Sunday 12th July. The race starts and ends next to the park in the centre of town and it has a Round Sheffield Run vibe – music, stalls, food stands etc, very friendly and great for spectators who line the roads of the town centre.

I would describe it as a race of two halves – the first few miles in town is great, lots of crowd support to keep you going, and then out into the countryside where you can have some peace and quiet, but still with pockets of support and hosepipes to help lift spirits. It’s an undulating route with some lovely views through the Wharfedale Valley. It is entirely on roads but the views make it feel more like a trail run.

There are plenty of well spaced water stations before coming back towards town to lots of cheering and heading back into the park to collect your medal, bottle of water, banana and have a well earned sit down. I would usually avoid running in that sort of weather but it was enjoyable and definitely worth trying something different.

The atmosphere in the park is great, with a band playing and everyone in good spirits, and the local pub gives a free pint to anyone with a finishers medal – winner!

I would recommend this race to anyone who likes hills and heat – and if you don’t I would say either give the lido a go, or even better book a weekend away in the UK – it seems that it’s a weekend where great weather is guaranteed!