IN 1982 a group of St Bede's Old Boys began to follow the training advice of Bingley Harrier Dennis Quinlan printed in a local newspaper prior to the first Bradford Marathon and duly entered the race. They were never the same again. They were runners but they wanted to become athletes!

They continued their training after the marathon, meeting each week at St Bede's School, forming themselves into an athletic club, St Bede's. Within two years the original five members had grown to 30 including, for the first time, female runners.

The number of its members has now increased to 75 (men and women) and they have new premises at Esholt Sports Club. This is a picturesque setting by the river with woods adjacent and they are able to do most of their running between spring and autumn off road. They are very grateful to their hosts, the cricket club members, and both clubs are keen to develop the excellent facilities which already exist and expand membership on both sides.

For the past three years the club has organised the John Carr 5k series. These three races which are open to all runners, senior and junior, are to commemorate the death of one of the club's best athletes who tragically died in April, 1997. These races, which attract many participants, appeal to fun runners, works teams and more serious athletes.

There is a full programme of events with road, cross-country and fell runners catered for. Highlights include the Washburn Valley Relay, The Leeds Country Way Relay and the Calderdale Way Relay.

Prize-giving takes place in February each year at the annual dinner. These offer individual merit. In addition the club has been the Yorkshire Veteran's Team Champion seven times since 1993 in the women's section and five times in the men's section since 1993.

New members of all ages are welcome. The most recent recruits are 18 and 20 respectively but three of the original five members are vice-presidents of the club and are still active in its affairs.

One member, Joseph Masley, who ran in the Chevin Chase on Boxing Day to help raise funds for his travelling and living expenses, left this country on Friday, January 5, bound for Ecuador.

He will live in the rain forest and will be part of a team working on agricultural and forestry development. Half of the funds raised will be passed on to Fernando, the project manager, to be used for the indigenous people of the rain forest.

If you would like to support 18 year-old Joe, of Avondale Crescent, Shipley, then ring 01274 772543. Joe has been supported by St Walburga's Parish and the Shipley Catholic Men's Society. Joe hopes to start officer training in the Royal Marines next year.