Running Log

The appropriately-named BRASS MONKEY HALF MARATHON organised by Knavesmire Harriers attracted a capacity 1,550 runners to the roads of York.

Matthew Pierson (Holmfirth) stormed around the flat course in damp conditions to finish seven minutes clear of the field in 65min 35sec.

First home from local clubs were Julian Mawson of Otley AC (74:58) in tenth overall and Nigel Bedell (Keighley & Craven) in 15th.

Duncan Clark (16th overall) contributed to a strong showing from Abbey Runners as he finished first over-45 to join team-mates Jeremy Rogers (ninth) and Andrew May (tenth) in the top 20.

Clubs from the Airedale Athletics partnership fielded 26 runners in total, with Will Kerr (78:08), Claire Elener (88:37) and Bob Shimmin (93:00) leading home good contingents from St Bede’s, Eccleshill and Baildon Runners respectively.

In the ladies’ race, Donna Booker (Idle) was third female over-35 and Pauline Munro (Bingley Harriers) second over-40.

Andrew Willbond (Dragons) was third male over-60, while Henry Heavisides (Ilkley) took first spot in the over-55 category in an impressive 81:31.

Pudsey Pacers had 27 runners out, of whom eight achieved lifetime bests. Among them were Paul Gaile with an impressive 78:28, ten seconds ahead of Ryan Turnbull.

Nicola Bradford’s 98:17 was equally outstanding, with John Marshall, Richard Gibson, Stephen Pattison, Dave Byrom and Sarah Turner the others to register PBs.

The Bradford Athletics Network launch their CLUB CHALLENGE project at Bradford City Hall tomorrow night.

The evening is being led by Katie Jones (England Athletics club support officer for West Yorkshire) and John Dennis from Keighley & Craven AC.

Coaches and committee members from all eight clubs in the network, plus invited guests from neighbouring clubs, are expected.

The aim of the project is to enhance the training experience for normal club runners and thereby improve their performance.

Clubs have to construct bids which will be evaluated competitively and independently. They will be investing their own money, which will then be matched by one tenth of the overall £36,750 awarded to the network by England Athletics.