Running Log

The Rivock Edge fell race proved a tougher test than advertised.

A crisp, blue sky welcomed 155 runners to one of a dozen such races organised by Keighley & Craven AC.

It headed off from the Bridge Inn at Steeton and the climb is a reliable 835 feet. But the advertised 6.2-mile distance turned out to be nearer to 7.3 by some watches.

Local rivals Wharfedale Harriers, based at Silsden, have been busy gathering a cluster of top runners. Ted Mason won in 49min 52sec ahead of Staffordshire Moorlands’ Jack Ross, with both well clear of third-placed Andrew Wrench (Todmorden, 51:35).

Four other Wharfedale runners made the top ten: Lucas Payne, Christian Holmes, Owen Beilby and Jonny Bradshaw. The organising club’s Shaun Wilkinson was eighth.

Helen Fines of Calder Valley was first lady in 56:35, two minutes ahead of closest rival Kate Bailey (Staffs Moorlands). Gill Myers and Tamara Hird of Wharfedale were next home, just over the hour mark.

Meanwhile, John Dennis of Keighley & Craven has been instrumental in the successful delivery of the new facility at the old Greenhead School, renamed the University Academy Keighley track.

While the new school remains to be opened, Dennis has negotiated special Saturday access for athletes from Bradford Athletics Network clubs. The fee will be £2.50, with sessions from 9.30-10.30am.

Access is by the pathway alongside the blue wooden fencing that separates the new construction site from the sports hall. Changing facilities and toilets will be provided but other facilities, including warm showers, will only become available later as the site is released to the public.

The dates that have been negotiated are December 4 and 18, January 15, 22 and 29, February 5, 19 and 26 and March 5, 19 and 26.

Track rules state that lane one is not to be used, lanes 2-3 are for middle-distance and endurance runners, lanes 4-6 for sprinters and 7-8 for hurdlers. No starting blocks should be used.

Sprinters and hurdlers should use the outer tarmac strip for walk-back/recovery; endurance runners the inside strip. The throwing event area is not yet available.