Running Log

Numerous personal records were beaten in the Abbey Dash 10k from Leeds Town Hall to Kirkstall Abbey and back, with a record turnout of 4,916 runners enjoying near-perfect conditions.

The Regional UK Championships brought elite runners from the North, South and Wales and three men bettered 30 minutes, while Chester-le-Street's Aly Dixon was first woman home in a world-class 33min 41sec.

Strong teams were put out by Bingley, Eccleshill, Pudsey Pacers and St Bede's, while corporate teams were entered by Bradford, Beckfoot, Nab Wood and other local schools.

Ann Francis of Pudsey Pacers was third in the women's 40+ rankings with a personal best of 42min 19sec. Idle's Denise Frost was third in the 50+ list with an impressive 43min 15sec.

John Convery (Bingley) was leading local male, second in the 45+ category in a time of 32min 35sec, with clubmate Tim Midgley clocking 33min 33sec and Keighley's Marko Gvero timed at 34min 30sec.

Another Pudsey PB came from the fast-improving Nick Hart in an excellent 35min 50sec which secured a top-100 finish.

Throughout the race, new runners achieved personal goals - including Barbara Winslow from St Bede's, after only six weeks' training, comfortably beating her one-hour target by several minutes.

Forthcoming races:

  • Sunday, December 2, 9.30am - Percy Pud 10k, Loxley Road, Sheffield; contact: Percy Pud HQ, Fulwood Road, Sheffield, S10 3BL (NB: entry probably full).
  • Sunday, December 2, 11.00am - Thirsk 10-Miler, Thirsk race course (also 2.63mile fun run at 10am); contact: Race Director, Yew Tree Cottage, Wass, YO61 4BE or tel 01347-868374.
  • Sunday, December 2, 12noon - Santa Run, Temple Newsam, Leeds (3k or 6k runs); entry on day from 10am; contact: RNIB on 08453-450054.
  • Sunday, December 16, 10.30 - Travellers 6-Miler, Denby Dale Pie Hall (race-limit of 200); contact: Rosalind Bedford, 16 Keren Grove, Wrenthorpe, Wakefield, WF2 0NR.
  • Wednesday (Boxing Day), December 26, 11.00 - Chevin Chase (approx. 7-mile trail), Aireborough Leisure Centre, Guiseley (race-limit of 850 all pre-entry; fills quickly); contact: L Morris, 27 Springfield Road, Guiseley, LS20 9AN.
  • Sunday, December 30, 11.00 - Hot Toddy 10k (with one-mile off-road run at 10.30), White Hart Hotel, opposite Town Hall, Todmorden; contact: Peter Ehrhardt, Higher Green End, Shore, Todmorden, OL14 8SF.