VETERANS Jack Riley and Lou Myers are confident of scoring a runaway victory in this year's Wuthering Hike fell race.

The two man team won't actually be the first back to Haworth at the end of the 33-mile cross-moorland race on March 14.

But they'll almost certainly win the prize for the oldest competitors in an event which attracts more than 100 teams from all over the country.

Jack, of Cliviger is a familiar face on the fells and is still going strong at the age of 75.

His 'junior' partner is 70-year-old Londoner and another Hike regular, Lou Myers.

Jack's big regret, he tells entries secretary, Judith Benjamin, is that the race does not take place a day later - when he'll be another year older!

The former Burnley Michelin worker has taken part for the last 15 years, his times ranging from around eight hours, slowing to 10 hours last year.

He says: "It is a classic race and I have always enjoyed it."

Entries are on a par with this time last year, with competitors coming from across Britain and including a six-team women's contingent from Scottish club, Carnethy. Lee Thompson, of Roughlee, is defending his title won in a record time of four hours nine minutes last year with Graham Wilkinson.

This time though he'll have another Clayton-le-Moors Harriers clubmate alongside him in former winner Mike Wallis.

The Wuthering Hike, previously known as the Haworth Hobble, covers some of the toughest moorland terrain, taking in Boulsworth Moor and the Long Causeway at Cliviger.

Because the going is so testing, competitors have to run in pairs and must carry basic survival equipment with them at all times.

More competitors are welcome. To enter, contact Judith on Skipton 01756 795344.

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