Thumbs up for inaugural 10K race
8:48am Wednesday 23rd April 2008
The Epilepsy Action Bradford 10k has put itself firmly on the northern running calendar with 500 happy finishers, lots of personal bests and a fine winning time by Willy Smith.
The Keighley & Craven runner was clear winner of the inaugural event and his time of 31min 38sec confirmed that this is a fast course which will attract top performers in the future.
Morpeth's Sarah Graham was first woman in 37.54.
The 580 entrants and 20 elite athletes surpassed the break-even set by organiser Melanie Taylor, who declared herself "110 per cent delighted" with how things went.
Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with Altrincham's Nick Burke, who was second vet in an excellent 35.31, saying: "It was an enjoyable day.
"The organisation was excellent and the course is good, with a bit of a headwind just before the turning point.
"I found myself in a small group, which sure beats being alone when trying to push on for a time."
Jennifer Day, from Saddleworth, said: "Not queuing hours for the toilets was fantastic! I'll be back next year."
And Spenborough's Charlotte Jacobs added: "I did my first 10k race ever, finishing in a time of 1hr 4:13 which I am chuffed to bits with.
"I nearly pulled out on Thursday with dreaded shin trouble but nevertheless did it for the cause, so I'm overcome with delight."
Terry Maddocks, who organised the 40-strong team of marshals drawn from the three Airedale Athletics clubs (Bradford-Airedale, Eccleshill Road Runners and St Bede's), paid particular tribute to the local authorities for their supportive attitude to hosting the event.
He said: "The organising team, especially Paul and Melanie, did a fantastic job. I'm sure this will be an annual event, and this is just what Bradford needs."