Ilkley Harriers is hosting two races over the next couple of months in honour of a much-loved former coach and member who died early in 2020 - and both will be raising money for charity.
First up is the Pete Shields Ilkley Trail Race on Bank Holiday Monday 27th May.
It's a superb 6.9-mile (11km) route on tracks, through woodland, fields and moors and some short road sections, offering spectacular views over the Wharfe Valley and across to Ilkley Moor.
Just £13 to enter at this point, all profits from the race will be shared between Marie Curie, the UK’s leading charity for people living with a terminal illness, and the Revival Centre and Orphanage in Matugga, Uganda, which has been supported since the race started in 2008.
And then on Sunday 9th June there's the Pete Shields Ilkley 10k.
This is a brand new event and will be run on fully closed roads between the Lido in Ilkley and the turn off to Denton.
Pete Shields was a gifted runner himself and an outstanding coach. He was exceptional at getting the best out of all runners and especially skillful at encouraging young enthusiastic runners, who are the lifeblood of the sport.
So it's hoped the new race will attract a wide range of abilities and ages - as a fast, flat, out-and-back two-lap course, it offers the chance to run a new PB. But the course's style, with minimal climbing, also means it is a good opportunity for those less experienced wanting to tackle a 10k for the first time to give it a go.
All the profits from this race will be given to Marie Curie Cancer Care in appreciation of the help and care they gave to Pete and his family when he was very poorly - and to enable them to help other sufferers and their families in the same way, when it is most needed.
The Harriers believe the event will grow to be a fixture of the local sporting calendar and you can enter the very first running of it here.
Dates confirmed for the 2026 Lexus Ilkley Open
One of the "Seven Wonders of the World" on our doorstep
Questions raised over Ilkley 20mph scheme validity
Passenger Transport Services (PTS) will not operate tomorrow due to weather warnings
Council launches major consultation on housing
Appeal after stolen van in Ilkley
Storm Goretti: Yellow weather warning for snow in Ilkley
Acquisition will enhance Ilkley based SmartSearch services
New Cancer Support Group for Ilkley
Almost 200 Airedale Hospital workers to go on strike over pensions
Ilkley Colts stand out in new kit thanks to sponsors
New Ilkley English tutoring service helps students thrive
Changes to parking charges in Ilkley Town Centre
Retrospective "amphitheatre" plans by Burley Oaks
When the weather turns, turn to Your Ilkley
Entries to 2026 Ilkley Business Awards close on Friday
Help to navigating NHS and healthcare apps
Bus service diversions due to road closure near Bolton Abbey
Outside the Box joins Tinker Gallery for Printastic
Brand new local voucher platform set to launch next month
