Freckleton, situated between Preston and Lytham St Anne’s, was the venue for Terry Lonergan’s first half marathon back in 1977. So it was fitting that, 32 years later, he chose the venue to compete for the 100th time over the 13.1-mile distance.

At over 60, Lonergan was not going to add to his three previous wins (Garforth 1982, Oldham 1983 and York 1986) but still managed 86th place out of the 534 who tackled the challenge on a hot Lancashire afternoon.

His time of 94.27 meant that all 100 were recorded inside 96 minutes; his best being 67.55 over the York Brass Monkey circuit.

Lonergan said: “I have to be satisfied with my times but, more particularly, I am just really fortunate to be able to still run daily and take part in events. So many of my contemporaries have given up for one reason or another.

“OK, today the standard of performance may not be what it was at the peak of road running in the mid-1980s but it is tremendous to witness so many more people embracing a sport which I have enjoyed for nearly 50 years.

“Many people query why I still compete being so much slower, recording ‘personal worsts’, particularly my mother who says it is time I gave it up! Obviously, I’m not as driven as I was previously but for me taking part in races is the key to the pleasure of daily training.

“The two go hand in hand. Having done 100 10ks, and 100 ten-mile races. I’ll have to set myself a new target. But it’s not likely to be 100 marathons, I’ve only done 25!” At Freckleton, the former Menston St Mary’s PE teacher was third of the 15 in the 60 years age group.

Ilkley Harriers

ILKLEY Harrier Wendy Hutchinson competed in the Race for Life 5k in Harrogate. Wendy finished in 26.27 which was another PB for her.

The Beamsley Beacon Fell Race, starting in Addingham, follows a marked route to the summit of the beacon. From there the runners face the dilemma of following the same route back to the village or attempting a quicker descent using other public rights of way. Plenty of Ilkley Harriers turned up to take on the challenge and it was veteran Jim Ryder who was first back for the club in sixth position.

Ilkley placings were: 6, 40:11 Jim Ryder; 7, 40:28 Chris Gale; 9, 40:46 Ian Rowbotham; 11, 41:00 Jack Wood; 15, 41:43 Richard Joel; 18, 42:28 Jez Helliwell; 24, 43.56 Duncan Cooper; 25, 44:03 Steve Weston; 33, 44:54 Richard Reeve; 39, 46:06 Paul Stephens; 42, 47:20 Paddy Hagan; 52, 49:01 Alison Weston; 56, 49:30 Michael Waterhouse; 60, 50:37 Chris Oxlade; 62, 51:30 Jim Towers; 70, 54:44 Clare Smith; 76, 56:39 Rachel Hagan; 80, 59:29 Bob Payne; 81, 61:55 Sue Morley; 88, 82:22 Lyn Eden.

The Eldwick Gala Fell Race was won in 17.26 by Graham Pearce, a second claim Ilkley athlete.

Ilkley placings were: 11, 19.43 Ben Stevens; 16, 20.22 Jamie Hutchinson; 19, 20.46 Richard Joel; 62, 24.57 Jim Towers; 92, 28.10 Sue Morley; 109, 34.14 Lyn Eden.

Elizabeth McAndrew ran in the Jane Tomlinson 10k race and finished in a time of 61.14.

Skyrac Athletics Club

A group of young Skyrac athletes took part in the Ackworth open meeting at Wakefield on Sunday with Matthew Johnson second in the U-11 80m.

Rebecca Harrison won the junior ladies’ 1500m while Daisy Agar took part in the U-15 shot, 100m and 200m.

Andrew Ettenfield competed in the U-17 shot and javelin and Chris Thornton in the senior men’s 400m.

The next meeting is the Northern League for the seniors and U-17s at Leeds Met on Sunday at 11.30am.

Anyone who wants to train for 5k, 10k or the Great North Run is welcome to come along for free advice and training on Thursday evening at 7.30pm at Nunroyd Park, Yeadon, with Tim Agar.

Otley Athletic Club

Otley AC’s monthly handicap run was held last Tuesday on a new course, designed by member Liz Fawcett. On a beautiful sunny evening, over 30 members gathered at Leathley Church. The course was a very pretty, but hilly one held on the back roads around Stainburn.

Spring-heeled Malcolm Court, whose recent improvement in form clearly went under the radar of handicapper Andrew Robertshaw, finished a minute ahead of Ian Fisher, who had the run of the day completing the 10k course in 33.33. Billy Rayner, finishing in eighth position, extended his lead in the handicap table to 14 points over Ian Fisher, who moved into second place.

On Sunday the fifth race in the Black Sheep Race Series, the Rainton 10k, was held. Mick Jeffrey finished 49th in 41.22, extending his lead in the MV55 category to around 13 minutes. Younger brother Howard Jeffrey, returning from injury, had a much improved run finishing 88th, in 44.28. There were 289 finishers.

On Sunday the club held the finals of the Dream Mile at Menwith Hill. Jamil Parapia won in 4.38.81, beating Ian Fisher into second place in 4.41.71.

They were followed by: 3, Zach Whitehead; 4.52.46; 4, David Fox, 6.18.37; 5, Tom Hannah, 6.25.32; 6, Pete McGouran, 6.31.41.

On Thursday Otley are hosting the final Harrogate League race. The club meets at Otley Rugby Club, Cross Green at 7.15pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Runners of all abilities are most welcome.