Airienteers juniors miss out on national final   

Junior runners from Airienteers could hold their heads up high last weekend despite narrowly missing out on qualifying for the national final of the prestigious Yvette Baker Trophy.

On a foggy morning in Ashdale, near Helmsley, a mere 11 points out of nearly 900 separated them from a final appearance with the hot favourites, South Yorkshire Orienteers, pipping them to the post.

Top three finishes in their respective age groups from Ilkley’s Florence Haines, Leathley’s Helen Wood and Menston’s Annie Brown and Joseph Linney were the starring performances in a strong performance from the club’s youngsters.

In the senior races, Headingley’s Neil Conway was victorious on the longest brown course winning with a two minute margin over fellow Leeds runner, David Bowman.

Burley-in-Wharfedale’s Peter Jones missed on a podium finish by a mere seven seconds on the blue course closely followed by Ian Marshall, also of Burley-in-Wharfedale.

Orienteering returns to Leeds this weekend with a bang. On Saturday, the Yorkshire Night League kicks off with a race at Temple Newsam that promises fast times and quick running whilst, on Sunday, Park Wood and Black Carr near Tong in south east Bradford hosts a day time event. Beginners are especially welcome to both these events and details can be found on the Airienteers website at www.aire.org.uk.

Orienteering is a family-focussed sport combining physical exercise with the mental challenge of navigation. Airienteers is a friendly local orienteering club covering the wide area of Airedale, Wharfedale, Leeds and Bradford.

CONTACT: Simon Bowens, Publicity Officer, Airienteers. Tel: 0113 2252052 or 07921 039251.