BOFRA News
14 April 2013 - Race numbers on their way
After a bit of a delay; which was unfortunately outside of our control, we will be sending out your race numbers, calendars and car stickers this week.
Many thanks to Up&Running for sponsoring both the numbers and calendars once again
Time is pressing now, with just over a month to go to our first race, so if you have not already submitted your application , please do so ASAP to avoid overload before Sedbergh Gala.
I will also start allocating consecutive numbers from our list, so if you want to have the same race number as 2012, I will need you application by Saturday 20th April.
10 April 2013 - Coniston Gullies cancelled
Following the Coniston Gullies race in 2012, we received a number of complaints from the new land owners regarding poor parking and a number of other issues, which jeapordised our use of their land for future races. A number of attempts have been made to resolve the issue with the land owners without success and we now have confirmation that they will not give permission for us to use their field to stage the race this year. Whilst it has never been confirmed that it was BOFRA members who had caused obstructions on the road and track by their inconsiderate or inappropriate parking, it is a timely reminder that we all need to act responsibly when representing BOFRA, as the effects can have implications for the organisation as a whole. We are all volunteers, giving up our time to stage races for the enjoyment of our fellow runners, so please consider who will have to negotiate on your behalf when things go wrong.
Coniston Gullies was a classic race and every effort will be made to reach a resolution which will allow us to stage it again
As a consequence of cancelling the race this year, the senior championship race will be held at Reeth Show and in the absence of a suitable alternative for the junior race, the junior championship will now consist of the best 8 out of 14 races.
Trotternish Ridge on Sat 29th June
This is a new fundarising event which Isle of Skye Rotary Club is organising on the Trotternish Ridge on Sat 29th June to raise funds for local charities and good causes on the Isle of Skye.
The website is www.thetrott.org.uk and full details are available on that site. For runners there are two routes, a long endurance route of 36k and a shorter route of 21k.
If anyone is interested, please visit the website or contact the organisers.13 January 2013 - Firbank Fell Results
The second Kendal Winter League race; that relentless pursuit around Firbank Fell, was won by Steve Swarbrick from Bowland, making it 2 wins out of 2. First lady home was Carol Evans from Settle.
Full results can be found on the Helm Hill website
10 January 2013 - Silsden Fun Run photos
Further photos of the Silsden New Year's Fun Run added here
10 January 2013 - BOFRA AGM
The AGM will be held at 3.00pm on Sunday 3 Febuary 2013, at the Ex-Servicemans Club, (bottom club), Ingleton, North Yorkshire.
If there are any issues that you would like to raise, then please contact the chairman Ian Newbold or any of the committee by Friday 25 January 2013.
If you wish to join the committee or vote on any of the issues; or raise issues of your own, then you MUST be at the AGM in person.
There are number of vital roles which do not require a position on the committee, but which are nonetheless vital to staging the races. These are:- Registration
- Timekeepers
- Marshals
- Flaggers
6 January 2013 - Kendal Winter League, Scout Scar
The first KWL set off with a bang, with 172 competitors in the senior race. The race was won by Steve Swarbrick of Bowland and Edie Hemstock from Pennine was the first Lady. Full results can be found here.
Further information about the Kendal Winter League can be found on the Helm Hill Website
1 January 2013 - Silsden New Year Fun Run Results
This years race was won by Lucas Lee of Keighley and Craven in a time of 18:12. First Lady was Louie Pickles of Wharfedale Harriers in 20:05 and 10th place overall out of 97 runners. Results can be found here. The following is a note from the organisers
Sounds like a broken record but thanks to Beth, Linda, Alison and Brian, without whose good offices we couldn't function. Thanks to all the runners for coming and for bringing stuff for Santa's sack. We have already forwarded the profits to Silsden and Bramley. Waterproof numbers worked a treat (it didn't rain) but are invisible if you fasten your jacket over them! If you can help fill the gaps we would be very grateful. There are excellent photos available from David Brett and from Dave and Eileen Woodhead at woodentops.org.uk. Thanks to all the folk who turned up in their jimjams and the x-dressers in nighties!
Cheers Paul and Jean
Rise and shine on New Year's Day! - 1 January 2013
The hardy perennial which is the Silsden New Year's Day Fun Run will take place on Tuesday January 1st the 29th staging of the event. Once again in deference to the fact that many runners suffer from bad backs on New Year's Day (they can't get them up off the bed!!) the organisers are encouraging participants to turn out in their sleepwear, thereby negating the "got nothing to wear-my kits dirty" category of excuses for not turning out and providing an opportunity to wear ones Christmas Onesie in public.
Proceeds from the event will once again be split equally between Silsden AFC and Bramley Buffaloes RLCC. Helping to keep grassroots sport alive.
The event normally attracts some 60 to 100 hardy souls assembling at The Green in Silsden to begin the ascent of Bradley Road and Hole Lane, a climb of some 500'. They then cruise along Heights Lane before the tumultuous descent down Horn Lane and Bradley Road.
As ever each runner will receive a timed certificate, a mystery prize from the ever eclectic cornucopia and, donations permitting, a surprise from Santa's sack. Competitors traditionally have donated small wrapped donations.
As a special incentive to seriously challenge Dave Throup's 22 year old record there will be a cash prize of £1 per second shaved off the record of 15mins 25 seconds. A similar deal is on offer for any lady who can challenge Carol Greenwood's 20 year old record of 18mins 18 seconds.
The event starts at 11.15 am from The Green (Bradley Road ) Silsden with entries on the day at £2.50 being available from the start at 10.30 am.
Runners of all ages and abilities are welcome at this friendly family event. Enquiries about the event or offers of clerical assistance to Paul or Jean on 01535 655766.
The prize giving will take place in the Sunnybank Social Club afterwards.
4 November 2012 - Presentation Evening Raffle Prizes
Contributions of raffle prizes will be gratefully recieved for the Grand Prize Draw (well raffle) at the Presentation Night on Saturday.
22 October 2012 - Presentation Evening
Time is running out for you to book your place at the Presentation Night all tickets and menu selections must be with Sharon Newbold by the 27th October. Please click on BOFRA Presentation Night and fill out the application form and send it in ASAP.
6 October 2012 - Malham Relays 7th October 2012
Please do not park in the Lister Arms car park for the Malham Relays
Please note there are road works in Long Preston, which will delay your journey, if you are coming from Settle and beyond, using the moor road out of Settle to Kirby Malham will save you some time.
2 September 2012 - Bradley Fell race report
It was a mixed forecast for the 2012 Family day, but in the end it turned out to be a fine sunny day, in fact the conditions made the fast course all the more challenging.
As is usual practice, the races were started with the Under 9's race which attracted 25 runners, including 7 locals. The grass on the race route was quite long slowing down the runners, but Alexander Thompson from Keighley & Craven came through as winner in 3:01, just 4 seconds ahead of Will Atkinson. Third place went to Sam Smith. In fifth place in 3:23 was Emma Lloyd; who won the prize for first female runner as well as the first local girl trophy donated by Bradley Brownies. In doing so, she beat the existing girl's record by just one second. And one second behind on the day was Toby Meynell who took the trophy for first local boy. Second Girl was Katie Handley, with Niamh McInnes from Bradley in third.
The second race of the day was the under 12's which traverses the fields for half a mile to the Heath and back. 38 runners took part, but it in the end it was a convincing win For Elliot Brett of Keighley & Craven in 6:35. Second place went to Logan Hargreaves Madhas, with Wharfedale Harrier clubmate Jack Muir in third. Richard Done was first local. The girl's race saw a strong run from Katie Atkinson to finish as first girl in 7:46, 8 seconds ahead of Keera Nelson from Wharfedale Harriers in second and Laura Knowles from Keighley & Craven 4 seconds behind in third. Fifth girl was Lucy Fryers who collected the first local girl trophy.
The Under 14's race included some talented runners, including the under 12's record holder James Lund, who showed that the fast course suited him well. The Keighley & Craven runner was comfortable winner in 10:55, with Matthew Merrick from Bingley Harriers in second and Josh Newbold from Wharfedale Harriers in third. Next runner back was Victoria Merrick, keeping the trophies in the family by winning the girls' race in 12:06, pushing last year's winner; Sarah Pickering from Ilkley Harriers into second. Eleanor Robinson from Keighley & Craven was third girl, with Josh Swift taking the trophy for first local.
The senior race takes runners over the fields to High Bradley, where they join a farm track to the foot of the moor, followed by a sharp climb to the summit. The under 17s run with the seniors along the same route, but turn around 400m below the summit. This year the resident livestock made it necessary to re-route part of the course onto adjacent fields. The long grass and additional obstacles made slower times inevitable. Despite this, the race set off at a furious pace, and with last year's winner and record holder Tom Adams unable to compete due to injury, local runner Luke Maude set off from the front. Despite a chasing pack of four Wharfedale Harriers, the Skipton runner held on to his lead for the whole race to finish in a very credible time of 26:55 on the extended course. Dave Kirkham was just half a minute behind to finish second, whilst Gareth Hird managed to pass Jonny Bradshaw on the descent to claim third place by just 10 seconds. Next home and completing the Wharfedale quartet was Jason Hemsley to finish 5th and first MV40.
Ian Rowbotham from Ilkley Harriers has been quiet on the circuit this year, but his 7th place finish showed that he was still in top form to claim the first MV50 prize, whilst club-mate Geoffrey Howard was first MV60. Since Luke Maud has recently moved out of the village, he has had to give up his first local trophy, which was claimed this year by fellow Skipton runner Robbie Swift in 18th place.
The ladies' race included the winners from the last two races, but it was a strong performance from an in-form Clare Pearson to take first place and another win for Skipton AC in 31:35. Last year's winner Emma Barclay from Ilkley Harriers was the first LV40 runner but had to settle for second place in the open race this year. Kirsty Hall from Wharfedale Harriers was third, with club-mate, Lynn Whittaker as first LV50.
Whilst the seniors were battling it out, the under 17's were there in the mix. However with the benefit of a shorter course, the first two under 17's had no intention of being caught by the senior pack. First runner back was Declan Bulmer from Wharfedale Harriers followed by Jacob Boyle from Hyndburn. Ruaridh Mon-Williams was just caught by the first senior to finish in third place. Next under 17 was last year's winner Georgia Malir from Ilkley Harriers ahead of teammate Lucy Williamson in second and Zara Knappy from Keighley and Craven in third. First local boy was Phil Done in fifth place and Jenny Hutchinson completed the local line-up as fifth girl.
Thanks must go to all of the runners, helpers and supporters who made this a really enjoyable and successful event.
Tim Done
20 August 2012 - Gargrave Show Fell Race Report by Caroline Thompson.
The fell race at Gargrave show on Saturday 18th August did not disappoint. The multi terrain course had stood up to the rigours of the weather well and on the day the clear skies and sunshine; all apparently down to the 'Spanish plume', had further improved the conditions underfoot.
The event is normally included as a championship points race in both the British Open fell runners and the Wharfedale Harriers calendar but this year both BOFRA and the Harriers opted to take their points at other fell races in the circuit. Initially the organisers thought that this combined with the clash of the English championships race at Weasdale Horseshoe would affect the race numbers particularly in the Junior sections but this was certainly not the case. A good indication of the popularity of the race. A good feature of the event is that it attracts runners of all abilities and those with little or no experience can enjoy racing against the more experienced, often throwing up some surprise results.
The under nines race was the first to leave the show ring and eight year old Jath Lee of Keighley and Craven led home the twenty two runners. Alice Jones of Wharfedale Harriers was the first girl.
Seasoned campaigner ten year old Logan Hargreaves from Ilkley and a member of Wharfedale Harriers was the first boy in the under twelves category. His fellow club member Shona Hastings from Grassington was the first girl.
Numbers dipped a little in the under fourteens race but there was some strong competition. The winner was Thomas Nelson from Mytholmroyd a member of the Wharfedale Harriers. First girl was Kelsey Rutherford of Blackburn Harriers.
A former prominent school boy boxer with the Sandygate club at Burnley was the winner of the under seventeens event. Wharfedale Harrier Declan Bulmer gave up his boxing to concentrate on his fell running so this has obviously paid off. Ten years ago the winner of this category was a certain Mr. Alistair Brownlee. Declan may be pleased to know that his time was just under two seconds faster than Alistairs! First girl was Yorkshire champion Lucy Williamson of Ilkley.
Sixty eight competitors gathered for the Senior race which is run over a distance of approximately 3.3 miles with an ascent of 274 metres. The athletes endurance is tested to the limit as they encounter a variety of ground, a river crossing, meadowland, ploughed field, pasture land, bracken, a tunnel of rhododendrons, woodland, a climb along the shoulder of Sharphaw to the Trigg point and back to half a circuit of the show ring with a last burst of energy for the waiting crowd; the best multi terrain course in the North of England.
Twenty three year old Jack Simpson, a farmers son from Pateley Bridge led the runners home. It was only the second fell race of the season for the talented athlete who normally competes in 10k road races. Jack a member of Leeds AC, he had a couple of minutes advantage over former England Junior fell running champion Luke Maude of Skipton AC. Twenty two year old Wharfedale Harrier James Craig was in third position. First lady was Claire Pearson of Skipton AC.
A successful event which was enjoyed by one and all.
Caroline Thompson
Results attached here
Kilnsey Fell Race - 28 August 2012
Application forms to pre-enter the Kilnsey Show Fell race
are now available here.
Please note that the forms must be received by the organisers by 12 August 2012
Pre-entry guarantees entry into the show, but not your place in the race. You will still need to register on the day before declarations close and before the race becomes full!!
All enquiries should be directed to the race organisers as per the entry form
21 July 2012 - Cathy's Lakeland 50 appeal
Message from Cathy Bradley:
In 1 weeks' time I will be taking part in the 50-mile ultra distance mountain race, called the Lakeland 50. This is quite a challenge I've taken on to raise money for Macmillan Cancer. The Craven Herald ran an article about it 2 weeks ago which makes an interesting read!
If anyone would be interested in sponsoring me to raise money for this very worthwhile cause, I would be really grateful. There are 2 ways you can sponsor me. Either:
- drop me a line and I will fill in your details on a sponsor form, or;
- go to my justgiving page
As an added bonus for anyone who sponsors me, you can also 'guess my time' and be in with a chance of winning a one night stay including dinner, bed and breakfast for 2 at The Angel Inn, Hetton - just let me know what time you think I can complete it in. A clue for you - anything between 11 and 15 hours!
You can or phone me on 07977 463924
Thank you all and happy running!
Cathy
15 July 2012 - PhD in uphill running
If you are competing in any of the forthcoming BOFRA races, you have an opportunity to take part in a some academic research into the effects of leg measurement on fell running ability. We have agreed to assist Cambridge University Student, Danny Longman in his studies and would like to encourage as many people as possible to take part. It is a simple process and full details can be found on the attached link.
14 July 2012 - Alva Games
Alva Results now available here. Conditions were challenging on the day, with much of the bottom of the course muddy and further up the course it was overgrown with bracken, gorse and thistles. After a heavy rainfall, the descent was very slippery.
Congratulations go to Alastair Dunn on his 7th consecutive victory and to Christina Rankin for setting a new Ladies record of 25:12 on her second consecutive win.
10 July 2012 - Alva Games update
Despite some heavy rainfall in the highlands, there are currently no signs of concern that the weather will adversely effect the games. However, the
show committee are making regular inspections of the ground and providing updates on
the Alva Games website. I will
be heading North on Wednesday, so suggest that you use that website as a resource in the event that the weather takes a turn for the worse. Whilst I
may not be in a position to place updates on the website, I will be close contact with the games secretary, Craig Dunbar and will ensure that the
BOFRA facebook page is updated with
any significant changes.
There have been a number of queries regarding the times of the Hill Races, so the following shall act as a rough guide:
- Under 12's - Between 1300-1315
- Under 14's - Between 1400-1415
- Under 17's - Between 1500-1515
- Seniors - 1615
Entry to the games is £6 for adults and £3 for juniors, with entry to the hill races being free of charge. Everyone must register at the BOFRA registration point on the west side of the arena prior to the races. The Games provide free passes to competitors, which I will collect in advance. There will be a BOFRA representative available on race day to hand out passes in the small car park near to the toilets on the west of the site. This will be for a limited period only, which will be announced on the Facebook page (but likely between 1200 and 1230 on the day). Those camping locally, can collect their passes from me on the Friday or Saturday.
Thanks, Tim
8 July 2012 - Helm Hill Races
Another great day at the Helm in very hot conditions brought a convincing win for Helm Hill runner Tom Addison on his local course. Ted Mason kept the BOFRA championships wide open finishing in second place to claim maximum points, with Todd Oates in third. ANother title contender; Matt Lockyer did not finish, so hopefully he can return strongly at forthcoming races. In the ladies' Jann Smith took her first BOFRA win, with Helm's Lauren Munro-Bennett, Diane Haggar and Ali Richards finishing close together for the next 3 places.
James Hall kept the pressure on, winning his 5th BOFRA race ahead of clubmate Declan Bulmer in second and Jacob Byrne in third. Lucy Williamson from Ilkley Harriers competed in her first BOFRA race of the season taking first place ahead of Zara Knappy in second and Sally Handford in third.
Chris Richards put on a storming performance on his home course to win the under 14's by 26 seconds ahead of Wharfedalers, Josh Newbold and Thomas Nelson; who were just 2 seconds apart. In the girls, Helm Hill runners; Katherine Lawson and Heidi Murray got the better of championship leader; Ellie Lambert to take the first two places.
In the under 12's Joshua Boyle completed his second BOFRA race of the season with a second win ahead of Wharfedale's Robbie Johnstone, with Elliot Brett from Keighley & Craven close on his heels. Helm Hill then excelled with the next two places, where Imogen Burrow inched ahead of Mia Walsh to win the girl's race. Third place was club mate; Katie Thurlow in 12th overall out of 48 runners.
The under 9's had 44 runners, with a strong turnout from Helm Hill and Ambleside. Ryan Whitehead was first back ahead of new BOFRA member Jack Hughes in second and Vaughan Sampson in third. First girl was Chloe Rylance from Ambleside ahead of Islay Aitken and Maddie Walsh. Unfortunately a timer malfunction meant that only the first time was recorded.
Thanks once again to Helm Hill for putting on a great race and for flagging the complicated senior course so well. Full Results have been added here
The next race is Alva Games in a weeks time.
20 June 2012 - BOFRA Prize changes
At the BOFRA committee meeting on 13th June 2012, it was agreed that the ladies' prizes should be adjusted to mirror their male counterparts and that all veteran categories should be rewarded on the day. As a result commencing at Hawkswick Dash, the prize list for all BOFRA championship races (but not shows, where they supply the prizes) will be as follows:
- 1st Man - £25
- 2nd Man - £20
- 3rd Man - £15
- 1st MU23 - £10
- 1st MV40 - £10
- 1st MV45 - £10
- 1st MV50 - £10
- 1st MV60 - £10
- 1st Lady - £25
- 2nd Lady - £20
- 3rd Lady - £15
- 1st LU23 - £10
- 1st LV40 - £10
- 1st LV45 - £10
Please note that these changes to the prizes do not affect your respective championship points
Work is ongoing to improve the parity between Men and ladies at the shows and there has been considerable improvement in this respect in recent years.