THE drawn Bradford Bulls v Leigh Centurions rugby league match at Odsal on Sunday was preceded by a parade of runners from Bradford-Airedale, Leigh Harriers and Keighley & Craven clubs – and there were a series of inter-club relay races during the half-time interval.

This recalled the 1880s, when steeplechases were run around Valley Parade at a time when the hosts were Manningham Rugby League Club.

The initiative led by Run Bradford – which is starting a dozen new running groups across the district for all runners from the age of six upwards – and the Bradford Bulls Foundation, marks the establishment of a BRADFORD RUNNING BULLS group.

The group now meet for an hour from 6.30pm each Monday from the shop by the car park within the stadium.

It is open to all abilities, from complete beginners, and for further details call Janet on 07756-560765.

Qualified coaching is provided by Run Bradford and sessions cost £2, with future proceeds split between coaching and supporting the Foundation.

The group is linked to Bradford Airedale AC, who provide further infrastructure support.

The NATIONAL CROSS-COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS took place at Donington Park on Saturday.

Former Spen runner Joshua Woodcock-Shaw was a fine 37th for Leeds City in the senior men's championship, immediately behind clubmate Alan Buckley. A total of 1,730 took part in the annual charge.

Claire Duck of Leeds City was second in the senior women's race behind Lilian Partridge (Aldershot). Sophie Martin (Wharfedale) was 147th and Jenni Muston (Spenborough) 155th from the 739 ladies.

Lilli Carr (Keighley) was 16th of 449 in the under-13 girls' race, while among the under-20 women her clubmate Zara Knappy was 26th.

Lydia Farley of Bradford-Airedale improved on her Yorkshire performance to finish 60th, just ahead of Bingley rival Sarah Dewhirst.

Bethan Morley (Ilkley) was 30th of 354 in the under-15 girls' race and Alex Flaherty (Bingley) was 38th among the under-13 boys.

Alex Thompson (Wharfedale) was eight seconds and 20 places behind him and Finlay Whitehead (Keighley) a similar gap behind.

Jemima Elgood (Ilkley) was 54th in the under-17s, with Eleonor Robinson (Keighley & Craven) 70th. Reuben Mantle (Bingley) was 97th in the under-15s.