A TALENTED teenage runner has been selected to compete for England in the Home Countries U18 International in the Lake District later this week.

Rebecca Flaherty, 15, who attends Bradford Grammar School (BGS), trains with Bingley Harriers & Athletics Club, and was selected for a place after coming third in a 5k qualifying race across the fell at Ambleside, in the Lake District.

She is joined by BGS fellow pupils, Emily Gibbins and Alex Flaherty, who is Rebecca’s brother, who both came fifth in the qualifier and will be reserves for the England team when they compete on Saturday July 24.

Said Rebecca: “The qualifier was a very tough race because it’s straight up and down a big hill, but most of my friends from around the country were there and we all know each other really well so it was fun.

“It’s surreal to think I’ll be running for England. It’s something I’ve wanted to do my whole life so it’s fantastic to be selected.

“Throughout lockdown I’ve been training with my mum and my brother, and at school Mr McCartney (former lead teacher for cross country at BGS) is amazing and takes us out running at lunchtimes and before school.”

Rebecca began competing competitively in Year 6. She came 4th in the 2019 English Schools’ Fell Running Championships (Year 8/9) and has recently competed for Yorkshire in the Inter-Counties Fell Championships, winning team gold. She also has a strong cross-country background. In 2019 she was West Yorkshire Cross Country Champion and came 4th in the Yorkshire Cross Country Championships.

BGS headmaster, Dr Simon Hinchliffe, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Rebecca, Emily and Alex. BGS running has been awarded many county honours in recent years, but this is the first England vest for a while so well done to all of them.”

A two-year plan to bring the World Mountain Running U18 Cup to Ambleside, had to be shelved due to COVID.

But in its place, the Home Countries U18 International Race will take place over the planned 5k route on Saturday July 24.