Recommended Races
The committee have put together a list of recommended races you might want to give a go. These are suggestions of races we have all enjoyed and are generally local events. There are a variety of races that will hopefully suit everyone and some that might persuade you to get out of your comfort zone and try a fell race, road race or trail race for the first time.
It’d be great if we can get a good turn out at these races, share travelling and support each other. If you come across any other races you think might be of interest feel free to email info@otleyac.org.uk for it to be added to the list.
Date | Race | Brief Description | Website Link |
1st Jan annually | Giants Tooth Fell Race | 2.75 m 478 ft climb fell race | https://www.halifaxharriers.co.uk/club-races/the-giants-tooth-fell-race/ |
25/01/2025 | Kirkstall Calverley Cutter & Kirkstall Bridge 10k | 16k or 10k run trails and canal path | https://greatowlrunning.eventrac.co.uk/e/kirkstall-calverley-cutter-and-kirkstall-bridge-10km-12148 |
02/02/2025 | Dewsbury 10k | Flat 10k with an interesting T-shirt logo (google it and you’ll see what I mean) | https://racebest.com/races/kwr59 |
08/02/2025 | Harrogate Hustle | Choice of 13/20/35 miles. Very friendly local event, a good one for anyone new to trail running ultras | https://www.sientries.co.uk/event.php?elid=Y&event_id=13945 |
02/03/2025 | Muddy Boots 10k | A really friendly local multi terrain 10k. As the name suggests it can get a little muddy on the field sections. There’s also a 1k Fun Run for kids so the whole family can get involved. | https://racebest.com/races/hawtu |
16/03/2025 | Thirsk 10 | Local 10 mile road race, a good one to try if you are new to this distance and a great race to add into marathon or half marathon training. | https://racebest.com/races/thirsk10 |
1st. 8th and 15th April 2025 | Bunny Runs | 3m 300ft fell races. A bit of mid week fun for Easter, minimum age to enter is 12, £4 entry on the night of £10 pre registration for all 3 races. Several prizes available including one for fancy dress | http://www.wharfedaleharriers.co.uk/events/bunny-runs/ |
06/04/2025 | Baildon Boundary Way | A very popular local multi terrain half marathon. This race throws a bit of everything at you, tow path, wood, moor and a couple of challenging hills. | https://racebest.com/races/7r5g3 |
20/04/2025 | Guiseley Gallop 10k | 10k through the woods at Esholt. Entries are now open and you can enter on the day if you are undecided till the last minute. | https://bookitzone.com/andy_mccue/eDjFFX |
Beginning May annually | Dick Hudson’s | 7m 1100ft fell race across the moor. Good race to try if you’ve never done a fell race before. This years date is TBC | http://www.wharfedaleharriers.co.uk/events/dickhudsons/ |
Mid May annually | Up the Odda | 10k 2 lap trail race which can be entered as a solo or in pairs, who run 1 lap each. This years date is TBC | https://racebest.com/races/qrrvt |
29/05/2025 | Apperley Bridge Canter | This race also goes by the name of the ABC. Approx 10k trail and back road race from Woodhouse Grove School. Unusual in that it’s an mid week evening race. Always well attend by local clubs which makes for a friendly event. | https://racebest.com/races/gwr5v |
Beginning of June annually | Otley Chevin Fell Race | This is a lung busting 2.9m fell race up the Chevin with 900ft of climb. This years date TBC | https://www.facebook.com/p/Otley-Chevin-Fell-Race-100082987729345/ |
07/06/2025 | Wharfedale Trail Half Marathon | This popular half marathon trail race is not an easy route with over 2000ft of ascents but the scenery is well worth the effort. Walking the hills is quite normal for anyone entering this race so do not be put off by the climbs. The club usually does a recce in the May for anyone wanting to know the route in advance. | http://www.wharfedalemarathonevents.com/ |
13/07/2025 | Ilkley Half | It’s in Ilkley and is a half road marathon, what’s not to like? If we get enough club entrants again we might get an incentive from the organisers again, last year it was a free beer. After the race of course. | https://ilkleyhalfmarathon.co.uk/ |
05/08/2024 | Round Hill Fell Race | This is hosted by us but as we need only a small number of helpers on the day it is open to club members to enter. 8.7 mile / 1100ft feel race around Blubberhouses Moor. Can be a challenging route in parts, especially if it’s been wet, but this is a beautiful route. It’s enter on the day. | https://www.otleyac.org.uk/round-hill-fell-race/ |
14/09/2025 | Wetherby 10k | A very friendly 10k celebrating its 20th year. Every finisher gets a commemorative mug. The 10k is open to 15 year olds + and there is a 1.6m mini marathon at 2:30 for all ages. Always a great event. | https://racebest.com/races/g3qa9 |
14/09/2025 | Yorkshireman Off Road Marathon & Half Marathon | When is a half marathon not a half marathon? When you enter this race and find out it’s 14.8miles. Neither of these races are easy, the climb and the terrain are challenging but the sense of achievement (or is it relief when you finish is great. It can’t be that bad as many of us keep entering it year after year. | https://www.kcac.co.uk/club-races/yorkshireman/ |
12/10/2025 | Withins Skyline | 6.2m 820ft fell race. Good fun as it’s Halloween fancy dress. Cheap to better and you get a Curly Wurly. Juniors also have their own race an hour before the seniors. | http://www.wharfedaleharriers.co.uk/events/withins/ |
End of October Annually | Settle Loop | A 10 mile scenic loop on the trails above Settle. You can run, walk or bike this Sue Ryder fundraising event. This years date TBC | https://www.sueryder.org/get-involved/fundraise-for-us/events/settle-loop-challenge-2024/ |
Mid Nov Annually | Harriers V Cyclists | A very different kind of race, pit yourself against cyclists on this 5.3 mile / 954 ft route. This years date TBC | https://bingleyharriers.teamapp.com/events/26285907?_detail=v1 |
01/11/2025 | Thirteen Arches Half Marathon | Multi terrain scenic half marathon recommended by Sean Hornby as it’s a lovely route. | https://bookitzone.com/donna_cartwright/6DjFFX |
Usually the Sunday nearest to Bonfire night, annually | Guy Fawkes 10 | This is a hilly 10 mile road race through the wood and on the local back roads around Ripley. This is a really popular race amongst local clubs but the future is uncertain since the sale of Ripley Castle. Bag full of chocolate and a great t-shirt for finishers. One to look out for. | https://niddvalleyroadrunners.co.uk/guy-fawkes-10/ |
Boxing Day Annually | Chevin Chase | A lovely run round the Chevin on Boxing Day. Hungover? You won’t be at the end. Fancy dress is encouraged and the support from locals all the way round is fantastic. The Chevin Chase long sleeved t-shirt will be found in most members running kit. | https://airecentrepacers.com/chevin-chase/ |
Relays
23rd March | Northern 12 & 6 Stage Relays and Young Athletes’ 5k Upcoming Northern Athletics Championships | Northern Athletics | ||
6th April | English National 12 and 6 Stage Road Relays | ||
Late April | Bunny Relays Bunny Relays – Wharfedale Harriers | ||
June TBC | Bradford Millennium Way Relay Bradford Millennium Way relay-Save the date! ← Saltaire Striders | ||
2nd July | Danefield Relay Danefield Relay — Fellandale | ||
July | Golden Acre Relays Golden Acre Relay – Abbey Runners | ||
August/Sept TBC | Leeds Country Way Relay Overview – Kippax & District Harriers (kippaxharriers.org.uk) | ||
5th October | Hodgson Relays Hodgson Brothers Mountain Relay (hbmr.org.uk) | ||
19th October | British Fell Relays (Wharfedale) FRA Relays 2024 – Wharfedale Harriers | ||
December TBC | Gathering Winter Fools Relay Gathering Winter Fools Relay – Keighley and Craven Athletics Club (kcac.co.uk) |