KNAVESMIRE Harriers men's and ladies teams moved up Yorkshire Veterans' Grand Prix series table after a good turn out at Meltham.

The men are currently top of the all-to-count standings and the Knavesmire women are fourth.

Barry Atkinson was the first Harrier home in fifth position and was second in the Over 45 category, completing the six-mile course in 39 minutes and two seconds.

Fiona Strange was runner-up in the women's race and was first home in the over-35 section in 46.51. Jean Snelling took the over-65 award in 70.31.

Other Knavesmire runners were: Bill Shiveley (40.23), Mike McGrath (44.08), Stephen Cook (44.35), Neil Holdsworth (45.24), Richard Gott (50.30), Ian Bithell (52.17), Paul Wilson (54.58), Julie Wilson (57.15), Joy Allen (59.50).

The next Grand Prix race is at Heslington on May 8.

Knavesmire's women finished 28th at the six-stage relays held at Heaton Park, Manchester.

Laura Ross ran the first of the five-kilometre legs in 22 minutes and 43 seconds followed by Sarah Nettleton (22.02), Joy Allen (22.49), Margaret Brown (21.30), Julie Wilson (24.47) and Kris Hanson (23.23).

Cameron Brooks was the first Knavesmire runner to cross the line in the Ackworth Half Marathon in sixth position, clocking one hour 11 minutes and 18 seconds.

Knavesmire women's team, comprising Julie Wilson, Susan Adams and Linda Schumacher were third in the Yorkshire team championships, also at Ackworth.

National service

YORK Acorn Running Club did well in the National Road Relays at Sutton Park, Birmingham.

The women's section had a team in the nationals for the first time and came 28th, the highlight being lead runner Clare Duck's fastest time of 17 minutes 51 seconds.

Sarah Tunstall added a good time of 18.27 for her three-mile leg.

Acorn's men finished a club record 43rd in a slightly larger field. Hywel Care's put in a blistering performance on leg nine, improving the team seven places with 28.26 for the 5.4 mile leg. Martin Lawn was fastest on the short leg with 17.34.

York Acorn Women (6 x 3 miles), 28th. C Duck 17.51, S Tunstall 18.27, H Garnham 20.56, C Douglas 19.29, J Simpson 20.12, S Dale 22.04.

York Acorn Men (6x 5.4 miles and 6 x 3 miles), 43rd, A Normandale 31.13, J Barnes 18.10, A Neesom 33.17, J Shemilt 17.46, M Raynes 31.52, M Dowson 18.11, A Burt 30.26, S Cowan 17.41, H Care 28.26, M Lawn 17.34, P Goble 30.37, M Kirby 17.38.

Former York Sixth Form College student Paul Bilton, who used to live in Wheldrake, clocked 3 hrs 14 mins.

Updated: 10:49 Wednesday, April 27, 2005