Bradley Fell Race Results
Sunday 7 September 2014
Race Report
Visitors to Bradley Family Day were treated to a beautiful sunny day and some great entertainment in the form of the increasingly popular fell race, which takes in 3.6 miles of mixed terrain. The fast cross country course has a sting in the tail with a steep climb to the turn point at the top of Bradley moor, before a blistering descent to the show field. 160 runners took part in the races including Ted Mason from Wharfedale Harriers; the recently crowned BOFRA senior champion.
Whilst spectators basked in the sunshine, the conditions were not ideal for breaking records, with soft footing in most parts and some muddy trails where telegraph poles have been replaced near to the summit on Bradley moor.
75 seniors took part and top 5 positions were set on the climb, with race winner Ted Mason turning first and increasing his 26 second lead by a further 30 seconds on the descent to win in 24:10. Whilst his time was a minute off the record set last year by Jack Simpson, his descent almost equalled Jacks time.
Second place went to Craig Shearer from Keighley & Craven, who has had some decent races over recent weeks. Third place went to Lee Athersmith of Bingley Harriers, running in his RAF colours. Christopher Smale has been quiet on the fell running scene of late, but his 5th place to finish first MV50 in 26:46 was quite a performance. Mark Mon-Williams from Ilkley Harriers was 1st MV40 and Harry Atkinson was first MV60 in 33:20. Luke Maude who won the race outright in 2012 was Barlick Fell Runners' highest finisher in 14th place and claimed the first local trophy.
The lady's race saw Jann Smith from Ilkley Harriers finish comfortably in 32:31 ahead of Trawden's Fionnuala Swann in second and Katherine Kirkham in third. With the first two ladies putting a strong veteran performance, the first veteran prize went to 4th placed Carol Morgan. First LV50 went to Jackie Scarf who cycled to the show; suffering a puncture en-route, and set off with husband Phil 2 minutes after the main field. Her corrected time would have put her in 3nd place overall by just one second! The first local lady's prize went to Sadie Milbourn competing in the race for the first time.
The under 17's race follows the senior route, but turns short of the summit, taking in 3 miles of fast running. Josh Boyle from Hyndburn, who has been dominant this year in the BOFRA series led from the start to win comfortably in 22:48 ahead of James Lund from Keighley & Craven and Ruaridh Mon-Williams from Ilkley Harriers who were separated by just 4 seconds. Elizabeth Greenwood from Blackburn Harriers was first girl back in 26:14, with Hannah Thom from Keighley & Craven in second and Joanne Williamson from Ilkley Harriers in third. First local runner for the second year in succession was Alex Lulak.
The under 14's race turns on the main track short of High Bradley and crosses several styles to break the rhythm. In the end the winner was Joe Hudson from Keighley & Craven who has performed well in local shows over recent weeks, who finished in 10:47, just 6 seconds ahead of Euan Brennan from Ilkley Harriers. Just 4 seconds separated the next two runners back, with Katie Atkinson of Keighley & Craven, just edging the win from Briony Holt of Clayton-le-moors. Two seconds behind was third boy; William Thompson from Keighley & Craven. Emily Jones from Wharfedale Harriers was 3rd girl. First local runner was Frank Watkinson.
Twenty eight runners took part in the under 12's race which is mostly visible from the showfield and provides a great spectacle. Race winner was Sam Smith from Wharfedale Harriers, who has proven to be strong fell runner. His club mates, Alexander Thompson and Jack Muir were second and third. First girl was Lucy Fryers from Keighley & Craven, ahead of club mate Lilli Carr in second and Alice Jones from Wharfedale Harriers in third. Toby Meynell and Charlie Coughlin were 1st local boy and girl.
One of the biggest races was the under 9's which was full of our future stars. The race was won by Jack Bailey in 3:04 ahead of Nathan Caunt of Wharfedale Harriers in second and Henry Meynell in third; which also took the first local boy's prize. Wharfedale Harriers claimed the first two places in the girls race with Eibhlis Price beating Helena Roberts by just 7 seconds. Third place went to Hattie Bishop and Georgina Blandford won the prize for first local girl.
Thanks must go to all of the helpers, marshals, competitors and parents for making it another successful day.
Tim Done