12:41pm Monday 17th May 2010
The 108th Annual Bradford Whit Walk – the oldest amateur long distance race walk in the world, held continuously since 1903 – will be held on Spring Bank Holiday Monday, May 31.
Last year the event reverted to a closed race, limited to club members and residents of Bradford, the original object of the walk.
The traditional route, from Bradford city centre along the main roads through Shipley. Ilkley, Otley and finishing in Peel Park via Leeds/Bradford airport, was deemed too hazardous due to the increased volume of road traffic and the stringent safety regulations.
An alternative course of 35 kilometres, starting and finishing in Baildon and comprising five laps of Baildon Moor, was used last year, which proved to be successful, so the committee have decided to keep the walk alive.
Geoff Dowling, president of the Bradford & County Walking Association, the organising body, said: “We will try to keep the walk going as long as we are able.
“Most of the country’s long distance race-walks have been victims of the present day traffic conditions and we hope that the comparative traffic free conditions on the Moor will keep this historic walk alive for years to come”.
There will be a 35 kilometre event for long distance specialists and a 15 kilometre race to cater for the shorter distance walkers and ladies, both starting at 11am.
Changing facilities will be available at the Baildon Rugby and Cricket Club and the finish will be in the centre of Baildon.
The event is again supported by the Bradford Metropololitan Council Sports and Leisure Services bactive campaign and entry forms are available from Race Director Alan Brooks, The Well Springs, 50 Fieldhead, Birstall WF17 9BJ.
General information can be had from Geoff Dowling on 01274-490502.
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