The Epilepsy Action Bradford 10K road race was recently voted the fourth best in Britain for running a personal best and almost perfect conditions on Sunday put this to the test.

Entrants from around the country took part, with Ben Bennett of Nottingham finishing clear to win the men’s event in 33min 15sec.

Will Kerr (St Bede’s) thought there was a headwind from 6km to 9km, accounting for some slower splits, while Ian Ferris (Baildon) found the climb around Little Germany fine but struggled up the incline at 4km.

There were still many personal bests among the almost 1,000 runners.

From the Airedale Athletics training group at Undercliffe, Chris Reynier ran 49:20 and Laura Brooks clocked 57:16. Reynier only took up the sport a year ago at the Bradford 10K and has improved from 56:08 since then.

There was plenty of praise for the organisers at Epilepsy Action and the marshals provided by Airedale Athletics.

One entrant said: “I have to thank everyone involved in the organisation of this race as I thought it was brilliantly put together.

“I really enjoyed the whole experience from start to finish. The marshals were incredibly supportive and friendly.”

The image of Bradford received a welcome boost as another runner commented: “I loved the course and will be back again in 2011.”

Louise Simpson of Whitley Bay, one of several registered blind athletes, praised Lisa Butcher of Eccleshill Road Runners, saying: “We had a great run. Thanks for organising Lisa as a guide-runner.”

Most of the top local runners were competing in the North of England road relays in Manchester, allowing others to take the limelight on Bradford’s big day.

Kerr and Gerard Mills (Bradford-Airedale) were nip-and-tuck for eighth place before Kerr pulled away down Market Street.

Claire Elener (Eccleshill) was second woman home behind Bingley’s Mary Wilkinson, who won in 36:08.

Rob Samuels (Pudsey Pacers) was first over-50 in 37:29 and Oliver Downing (Bingley) first over-60 in 44:16. Helen Love (St Bede’s) won the ladies’ over-50s in 47:19.

Several unattached runners performed at a high level – not least Emer Dudley, winner of the ladies’ over-40s in 42:04.