Punk Panther
The first of the 2018 Punk Panther race series was held on Saturday. 77 runners braved the snowy conditions, whilst many entrants staying away due to travel and course concerns. The 32 miles long course offered two variations this year, an extra 7 miles that could be added at the half way stage for 39 miles in total, and due to snow drifts on Burley Moor a minor road detour, which made for a slightly shorter 31.5 miles long course.
Jill and Matthew Holt took the shorter 31.5 mile distance route, which had 4,230 ft of ascent, and deep snow as they left the start HQ in Otley and took in Baildon Moor and Shipley Glen before finishing at Pool Bank. As expected, large sections proved hard and tiring to negotiate with the pace slow at times. However, Jill still ran strongly and claimed 2nd FV50 prize, finishing in 6 hours 38 minutes, followed a few seconds later by Matthew.