Bradley Race Results
Sunday 3 September 2006
Race Report
For the first time in many years, the rain poured down on Bradley family day, forcing the stalls and exhibits under cover in the village hall and cancelling many of the attractions. Despite the weather, a hardy bunch of fell runners braved the elements to provide a strong field in the annual fell race. The number of junior entrants was lower than that of the previous year, although many had competed in the final and deciding round of the FRA English Junior fell running championships the previous day, staged in torrential rain.
The runners were rewarded for their resilience and the sun eventually came down to shine on proceedings which started with the under 9's race. A strong performance from Tom Murfin of Settle Harriers (4:20) won 1st place ahead of Harry McGowan of Bradley school (4:35), with Daniel Cardus of Settle in 3rd in 4:52. Phoebe Crook of Bowland (4:58) was 1st girl ahead of Nea Weston from Ilkley in 6:04. Jamie Ridehalgh (5:43) was rewarded for his efforts, winning the prize for 1st local in his first race.
James Hall of Bingley Harriers (7:10) followed his 5th place in the English championship race the previous day with a strong performance in the under 12's race, to take 1st place from Ben Johnstone of Colne (7:18). Phil Done of Keighley and Craven AC who had won the English under 10's race the previous day, followed on with a strong run in the older age category to take 3rd place and first local in 7:27. In the girls section, Ella McParlane of Bradley (12:51) won a sprint to the line to take 1st place ahead of Joanna Kelly (12:52).
Silsden's Johnny Bradshaw (11:28) had a comfortable and well deserved win in the under 14's race, ahead of Matthew Cardus of Settle Harriers (12:05), with Jacob Uren from Keighley and Craven AC coming in 3rd in 12:58. Edward McParlane returned in 13:49 as 1st local.
The under 17's race included Thomas Sessford of Keighley and Craven AC, fresh from his 2nd place in the FRA race, which earned him 2nd place overall in the FRA under 14's English championship. However, Tom who had recently turned 14, was up against Bradley local; Luke Maude of Skipton AC in the higher age category. Luke, who had won his race the previous day to become the 2006 FRA under 16's English champion showed his class to stride home in 1st place in 23:48. Tom Sessford took 2nd place (24:36) with Jack Dugdale in 3rd (25:23). The first under 17 girl home was Catherine Gibbons of Ilkley Harriers, several minutes ahead of nearest rival, Helen Mercer of Skipton AC.
In the seniors' race, the 2006 Yorkshire under 20's champion and England international, Harry Coates of Skipton AC (25:25) continued his winning ways to take 1st place and the Frank Hopkinson memorial trophy, on a course made all the more interesting following the earlier downpours. Joe Mercer from Skipton AC (26:16) took second place, closely followed by Graham Pearce of Ilkley Harriers in 3rd (26:26). Ilkley Harriers took first two places in the ladies section, with Emma Barclay (30:21) putting in a strong performance to take first place, more than a minute ahead of teammate Alison Weston (32:42). Tracy Bailey of Keighley and Craven AC was 3rd in 35:19.
The position of first local had some serious competition with Neil Pate of Skipton AC (28:32) coming home in 8th place overall to take the title and Bob Marchant cup from previous holder John Wootton (29:24) by just 2 places.
Once again, spectators were kept informed of proceedings by Roger Ingham and his trusty loud hailer. Roger provided an information filled commentary, mixed with his usual anecdotes and Yorkshire wit. Johnny Marchant, former winner of the local trophy, presented the prizes and trophies. Thanks must also go out to all of those locals who gave up their time and braved the elements to ensure the race went ahead.
Tim Done