Bradford City Run changes ‘to draw athletes’ (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Disaster move. Meddling for meddling sakes. The last two half marathons have been great. A testing course (but that is the point - surely?), with a large scenic section and a finish in the great Lister Park.
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Now we have a city centre run (just like the Epilepsy Action 10k). It also THE DAY AFTER the Pain Barrier (which is in Tong). I have signed and paid for the Pain Barrier, so for the first time I will not be doing the BFD run.
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Plus, after re-reading the story, last year (and the year before) I did the GNR & The Horsforth. There's enough free weekends. That is just a smokescreen because the council do not want to dip into the coffers, and instead are offering a second rate run.

what a load of codswallop!
the real reasons,

Meanwhile, organisers have said the revised route and location will “considerably” reduce traffic management and stewarding costs for Bradford Council.

“The location change and updated route brings the run into the city and will bring visitors into the city centre with the chance for them to see our stunning City Park.”

council meddling as usual, do some real council work!

"our stunning City Park.”

Do these councillors think if they repeat these statements again and again that we'll all believe it?
The state of the city centre is a common discussion in my local and I'm yet to meet anyone who thinks it's anything other than a waste of money.

Well perhaps this year they'll manage the run without cutting the city in two with the traffic chaos of recent years.
Just seal off the city centre, nobody will notice that!

As said above, there's another 10k from City Park isn't there? That said, just got my running shoes on and looking to challenge myself, so might do 10k. And if I continue and the Bradford Run reverts back to half marathon next year, who knows!

angry bradfordian wrote:
"our stunning City Park.”

Do these councillors think if they repeat these statements again and again that we'll all believe it?
The state of the city centre is a common discussion in my local and I'm yet to meet anyone who thinks it's anything other than a waste of money.

The bill stunned me. :-)

what logic about drawing more athletes for another 10k run??- there is such a great running community in Bradford who have demonstrated support of this growing half race - last year was fantastic -the Oct Bradford half - following the GNR had the makings of something great for the city - I am utterly amazed at the lack of logic with the planning of these things - if the water feature means so much you could start and end the race here but please keep those marvellous hills which is what makes Bradford such a special course - I am sooooo disappointed - all my training is based around Bradford for the GNR and the timing is perfect for a local half in Oct - with improved promotion this race could bring much needed toursim to the city - all which would boost the economy - overnight stays, shop spends - need I go on - what a shambles - please reconsider this half for 2013 - we should strive to be another Great Northern Run - have aspirations and inspire the city- there is nothing more stunning than running over Queensbury tops towards Wilsden, then dropping down to Heaton - the wow factor with the city pond is no comparism- Bradford leisure and tourism team once great with Maria, Mike and Gina have lost the plot.

budbabe wrote:
what logic about drawing more athletes for another 10k run??- there is such a great running community in Bradford who have demonstrated support of this growing half race - last year was fantastic -the Oct Bradford half - following the GNR had the makings of something great for the city - I am utterly amazed at the lack of logic with the planning of these things - if the water feature means so much you could start and end the race here but please keep those marvellous hills which is what makes Bradford such a special course - I am sooooo disappointed - all my training is based around Bradford for the GNR and the timing is perfect for a local half in Oct - with improved promotion this race could bring much needed toursim to the city - all which would boost the economy - overnight stays, shop spends - need I go on - what a shambles - please reconsider this half for 2013 - we should strive to be another Great Northern Run - have aspirations and inspire the city- there is nothing more stunning than running over Queensbury tops towards Wilsden, then dropping down to Heaton - the wow factor with the city pond is no comparism- Bradford leisure and tourism team once great with Maria, Mike and Gina have lost the plot.

Couldn't agree more.
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BFD is hilly. We all know this. Queeny even has a place called Mountain. It is as if the organisers are ashamed of this.
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I live in Thornton, and running up to and around Queeny etc is a challenge, but that is the point. And a hilly climb in the sticks is always better than flat tarmac.

budbabe wrote:
what logic about drawing more athletes for another 10k run??- there is such a great running community in Bradford who have demonstrated support of this growing half race - last year was fantastic -the Oct Bradford half - following the GNR had the makings of something great for the city - I am utterly amazed at the lack of logic with the planning of these things - if the water feature means so much you could start and end the race here but please keep those marvellous hills which is what makes Bradford such a special course - I am sooooo disappointed - all my training is based around Bradford for the GNR and the timing is perfect for a local half in Oct - with improved promotion this race could bring much needed toursim to the city - all which would boost the economy - overnight stays, shop spends - need I go on - what a shambles - please reconsider this half for 2013 - we should strive to be another Great Northern Run - have aspirations and inspire the city- there is nothing more stunning than running over Queensbury tops towards Wilsden, then dropping down to Heaton - the wow factor with the city pond is no comparism- Bradford leisure and tourism team once great with Maria, Mike and Gina have lost the plot.

as much as I agree with you - the numbers just don't add up. I think in 2010 there were almost 1000 runners ? In 2011, with pretty good conditions, there were barely 500. The course is fantastic, I live in Thornton, so to run through my own village gave me a real push ; but organisers are faced with the reality than there could be as low as 300 runners.
The Epilepsy 10 is a popular event, a flat fast course ; which makes this event pretty pointless in comparison. I suspect this will be the final Bradford City Run.

budbabe wrote:
what logic about drawing more athletes for another 10k run??- there is such a great running community in Bradford who have demonstrated support of this growing half race - last year was fantastic -the Oct Bradford half - following the GNR had the makings of something great for the city - I am utterly amazed at the lack of logic with the planning of these things - if the water feature means so much you could start and end the race here but please keep those marvellous hills which is what makes Bradford such a special course - I am sooooo disappointed - all my training is based around Bradford for the GNR and the timing is perfect for a local half in Oct - with improved promotion this race could bring much needed toursim to the city - all which would boost the economy - overnight stays, shop spends - need I go on - what a shambles - please reconsider this half for 2013 - we should strive to be another Great Northern Run - have aspirations and inspire the city- there is nothing more stunning than running over Queensbury tops towards Wilsden, then dropping down to Heaton - the wow factor with the city pond is no comparism- Bradford leisure and tourism team once great with Maria, Mike and Gina have lost the plot.

Couldn't agree more.

One of the few remaining reasons for people to visit the city from elsewhere is the stunning countryside and industrial heritage so near to the city centre.

This never seems to be promoted like it was in the days of 'Bradford's Bouncing Back' and instead they seem hell bent on promoting the pond to justify the huge cost and promised tourist increases.

the only advantage of this water feature is the shower at the end

have not done the Leeds Half yet looks like I will be heading there next year for my 'local' half - Leeds tourism will be rubbing their hands yet again
at least they know how to build a city - Welcome to Yorkshire!!

budbabe wrote:
the only advantage of this water feature is the shower at the end

have not done the Leeds Half yet looks like I will be heading there next year for my 'local' half - Leeds tourism will be rubbing their hands yet again
at least they know how to build a city - Welcome to Yorkshire!!

Done the Leeds half the last three years. It is nothing special, but if I don't enter I am the type that would put training off 'till tommorrow'.
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The BFD half was far better. More challenging, better route, better finish. It needed the odd tweak, but it should have been supported for another couple of years.
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LDS is too busy and too dull. I had more banter with folk doing the BFD than LDS.