The Bradford Athletics Network (BAN) took a significant step forward this week by approving a new constitution.

The agreement between running and athletics clubs from a catchment area stretching from Settle to Kirklees is a step forward in the Networks’ efforts to promote participation and performance in athletics across the region.

The constitution will help BAN exercise greater control over its finances and cement relationships between BAN members.

Members re-elected Barney Lerner (Saltaire Striders) and Tony Kingham (Bradford GS AC) as secretary and treasurer of the BAN standing committee, while Mike Moss was elected chairman.

BAN may still increase in size, with Longwood Harriers, Spenborough AC and the Kirklees Athletics Development Group all interested in joining.

The first runners home in last week’s Bradford 5K Park Run demonstrated the broad spectrum of ages attracted to the event, with Wharfedale Harrier James Hall (junior under-14) winning the event in 17min 43 sec.

He finished two and a half minutes ahead of Bryan Parkinson (MV60) of Bingley Harriers. The pair were split by Matt Nowell (Bradford Airedale), who continued his return from injury in 19.53.

Another youngster running well was Rachel Pinder (junior under-19), who clinched second place in the ladies’ race behind Marisol Carrera (Bingley Harriers), who won in a time of 21.49.

Emma Stoney was third lady home in 25.13, while Lyndon Ross and Sophie Withnall, both of Eccleshill Road Runners, had personal-best times of 24.37 and 26.20 respectively.

Many road runners will be heading for York on Saturday for the ever popular and already full Brass Monkey Half Marathon hosted by Knavesmire Harriers.

Elsewhere, Ian Holmes (Bingley Harriers) will attempt to prolong a 15-year winning streak in the seven-mile (1200 feet of climbing) Stanbury Splash fell race at Penistone Country Park, Haworth.

The race starts at 11.30am and is preceded, an hour earlier, by shorter junior events at the same venue.

Also on Saturday, the British Open Fell Runners Association (BOFRA), hold their annual meeting at the Ex-Serviceman’s Club in Ingleton at 3pm.