BOFRA News
11 August 2008 - Muker Show
Muker show has returned to the senior championship list. Click on the image to see poster and generous prize list.
10 August 2008 - Kilnsey Race application form
If you are planning to enter the Kilnsey Show fell race, then you can pre-enter and get free entry into the show. Race entry costs £2 for seniors and is free for juniors
The application form is available by via the following link and should be forwarded with the appropriate fee and a stamped addressed envelope to Mr. P. Dean, 18 Wood Lane, Grassington, Nr. Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 5LU, by 16 August 2008
2 August 2008 - Ambleside report
Ambleside Sports seems to attract the rain as well as some Top Guns from the fell circuit so no surprise when Simon Bailey and Danny Hope lined up against our BOFRA runners for our senior event, with Alastair Dunn and Ted Mason in a tussle for maximum points in the championship. Things are very tight between these two at the top. In the race Simon Bailey came home a commanding winner with Danny Hope 21 seconds adrift, closely pursued by Ted and Alastair in 3rd and 4th. There was over a minute gap then to the first v40 Mark Croasdale and first v50 in 10th place was Billy Proctor.
Bingley's Mary Wilkinson showed why she's one of the top fell runners on the circuit coming home in 11th and 1st lady with Lisa Lacon 2nd and Kendal's Becca Robinson in 3rd; first lady vet was Dawn Richards back in 7th place and 60 seniors ran on the day.
In the under 17's race we had quite a bit of confusion over route choices but taking it from the finish however they got there Tom Sessford took the tape 3 seconds ahead of Tom Doyle with Johnny Bradshaw and Ashley Kay closely following .
Hannah Bateson of Lancaster & Morecambe came home 1st girl with Melanie Hyder close on her heels, Emma Flanagan took 3rd place.
Another Lancaster & Morecambe runner had a cracking race in the under 14's - Ryan Croasdale came home clear of the field to get a well earned win, whilst Ellenborough's Hannah Bethwaite took the honours in the girl's race.
The under 12's saw a massive 59 runners compete and the top guns in the championship battled it out, with Ben Johnstone scraping home by 3 seconds from William Smith - these lads were well clear of the 3rd placed Liam Burthem. Lorna Jo Nunwick had quite a tight win from Elisha Johnson with Lily Hodgson in 3rd.
Finally a big thank you to all who helped at this event.
Barry Scholes
1 August 2008 - Important note from the chairman
Regarding Ambleside Sports, on Wednesday evening Tim, Paul, Phil and Barry spent over 2 hours cutting the Guides race courses. Next day, (Show Day) we went off in our different routes to flag different parts of the courses hoping to make it easier to follow also trying to avoid scaling walls where possible. Everything we could do regarding your safety was done. The under 12's race and under 14's race went well. The under 17's race which was flagged slightly different to how it's been run in the past was well flagged but someone took it on themselves to try and send runners a different way to the flagged route (not a BOFRA member) so this caused quite a lot of arguments after the race about the positions at the top end. Immaterial of what short cuts people tell you to do, unless it's a BOFRA committee member and everyone else has knowledge of it - DON'T DO IT! We don't flag and cut out in the pouring rain for our own entertainment, the points for the under 17's have still got to be sorted out for the four counters as a result.
Also at the start of the season we said runners would race in their own age group - strange then that it was pointed out to me that a junior ran in the senior race with a number - if we make the rules we should stand by them.
Last thing - Registration. Everyone whether a BOFRA member or not needs to do this - it's hard enough for our people on the line, without trying to work out who has not registered when we end up with the wrong number of competitors at the start or finish. It is simple, if you don't register, you don't get your points. This was a BOFRA event and should have run by BOFRA rules!
Barry Scholes
30 July 2008 - Lee Proctor update
Lee has chipped a bone in the side of his foot and torn some ligaments, so he will be out of racing for a while. Morale of the story? If you are going to pose for the camera, make sure you can see where you are landing! Hope you are not out for too long Lee.
29 July 2008 - Message from Donna Baistow
Donna Baistow (Scott, Luke and Zoe's mum) collapsed after watching the Cracoe race and was taken to Airedale Hospital by ambulance. Fortunately there were a number of our members around to ensure that she was looked after until it arrived. Donna was released from hospital that night and while she will undergo some further tests, she is making a good recovery.
Donna and Bob are extremely grateful for the assistance that was given on the day and for the number of people who have subsequently called to see how she was getting on. Whilst they don't know everyone who helped on the day, their thanks go to you.
28 July 2008 - Cracoe Report
Cracoe Fell race starts off like a cavalry charge in every age group…whether you’re 6 or 60 you need to be switched on to stay with the runners. The race climbs several fields with a hay cart to vault and a couple of walls to scale. Each age group has it’s own turn round point except for the under 17's who do the senior course but in a separate race. It always creates a bit of interest as to who’s the quickest; the senior winner or the under 17 winner. The under 17’s and seniors go up some rough moorland to the obelisk above Cracoe, on their way negotiating some wide drainage ditches and a sheer climb up to and round the summit before launching themselves down the tussocky ground, jumping the ditches at pace and back through the fields as quick as your legs will move to the finish line. This all sounds good in theory but Sundays race was run in the hottest conditions we have competed in this year which slows most runners down unless you’re an athlete who likes the heat.
The senior race saw 2 high flyers from the F.R.A. ranks putting their feet on the line - Mary Wilkinson and Gary Devine. A field of 60 runners lined up in the senior race, and Gary fresh from a win at Cowling Gala took on the lead from the start building quite a lead at the summit with Ted Mason back in 2nd place. Even with Ted’s fearless descending this course is hard to bring back loads of ground, so crossing the line in 21.46 Gary held on by over half a minute, Ted came home 1st BOFRA counter for the championship making the half way point in our fixture list very interesting with him and Alastair sharing the honours with 4 wins each. Back to Cracoe with Ted collecting 2nd prize Brendon Taylor came home in 3rd with Lee Athersmith in 4th - both these guys are accomplished runners and Lee has run in BOFRA races for several years. 5th and 6th runners were Lee Passco and Sam Watson; considering Sam normally struggles in the heat this was a good result for him. The first vet 40 back was the race winner Gary Devine, Gary Bastow was the first vet 45 and the in-form Adrian Pickles took the over 50 prize and 10th overall.
The ladies race winner Mary Wilkinson had most of the senior runners behind her just outside of the top 10 in 12th place overall with a brilliant time of 25.26 considering the heat it was quite a result. Top BOFRA counter was Lisa Lacon in 2nd with Helen Glover taking 3rd prize and 4th went to Judy Howells. Lucy Griffiths was 1st u/23, whilst Dawn Richards put in a big run to keep her Lady Vets challenge alive ahead of Val Done and Lynne Whitaker.
The u/17's saw Tom Sessford put in a fantastic run with a time of 23.18 which in layman’s terms would have give him 4th place in the senior race (over the same course). This gave him a 36 second lead over Johnny Bradshaw with Matt Fretwell getting a well earned 3rd closely following. Jordan Beard was 4th with Ashley Kaye running back with one shoe in 5th. Melanie Hyder had a convincing win from Emma Flanagan to keep the under 17 girls competition alive, with Jenny Dybeck taking 3rd prize in a very competitive age group.
The u/14's saw James Knox carry on his winning form with a classy run, well in front of 2nd placed Sam Westcott and 3rd placed James Hall. The u/14's girls saw Pippa Barrett go past Lauren Munro Bennett in the last field to cross the finishing line as 1st girl, and Charlotte Cox came home 3rd girl.
The u/12's race saw 41 runners competing with Ben Johnstone getting another win and probably sealing the championship with a clean sheet. William Smith was only 6 seconds adrift in second and David Goad came home third. Rebecca Flanagan had a convincing win in the girl’s with Martha Pickles one second ahead of Sally Handford in third.
The under 9's saw 31 juniors charging up the field with Lewis Goad getting a close win from Charlie Lowrie and Thomas Sumner in second and third. The girls were led home by Georgia Gray, Lucy Whyte and Emily Cox having 5 seconds between them in second and third.
This week we are at Ambleside Sports on Thursday which is our ninth race in the championship hopefully we will see you there or next Sunday at Farleton Knott.
Barry Scholes
27 July 2008 - Ambleside order of events
The Order of events for Ambleside sports can be found here
27 July 2008 - A message from Lee Proctor
As many of you will know, Lee Proctor suffered a nasty injury to his ankle after turning it at Cracoe. Lee sends the following message
I would like to thanks all the kind people who aided me following my fall at Cracoe today, particularly Andy Bennett, Colin Moses, Ted Mason and the rest of the men (sorry, I don't know all your names) who took it in turn to carry (piggy-back) me down off the fell. Also thanks to the lady runner (who was on her way to a shift at A&E) who examined my ankle, and to whoever it was that ran off to the pub to get me some ice.
A final thanks to Andy Bennett, who drove my car back to Kendal!
Hope to see you all at a fell race soon! Thanks again,
Lee Procter
21 July 2008 - Hawkswick Report
A record field of 62 runners turned up at Hawkswick in the Yorkshire Dales. Hawkswick Dash is aptly named; it's a blast from start to finish negotiating some steep climbs, moorland and a cracking descent in about 11 minutes for the senior top guns. What a fine win Ted Mason pulled off, he broke off his work on the farm turned up at the race, kicked our butts, collected his prize and back to work. This keeps his championship hopes burning brightly. Brendon Taylor put in a massive run to finish in 2nd ahead of the 1st v40 Mark Croasdale. What a run by young Jack Thompson who had horrendous blisters last week at Alva, he came home in 4th. Mark McGoldrick collected 5th place with Colin Urmston 1st v45 in 6th, Matthew Athersmith was 1st u23 and 7th overall. Andy Preedy was 8th, with 1st v50 Adrian Pickles showing his class in 9th. Martyn Speight another vet finished in 10th. The race took a slightly longer route but it would only mean seconds to the times.
In the Ladies race the in-form Lisa Lacon would have beat the record from our normal start and finish so it was quite an achievement to come back in a time of 13.51. Further back there was an exciting tussle for 2nd lady with Val Done coming home like a steam train to pip Judy Marshall and Dawn Richards, Val was also 1st lady vet and this was her highest placed position in the ladies this season.
The under 17's took a new turn this week as Alva winner Tom Sessford sporting an injury turned up as a spectator, leaving Ashley Kay and Johnny Bradshaw battling it out up front. Two seconds parted them at the finish, with Ashley coming on top. Rossendale's Jordan Beard came 3rd with Matt Fretwell closely following. The under 17's girls saw the in-form Emma Flanagan take a comfortable win from Melanie Hyder with Pendle's Emma Spencer taking 3rd prize.
James Knox is stacking up the wins in the under 14's and put a six second lead over Ryan Croasdale in 2nd keeping him on track in the championship. James Hall was not far behind them in 3rd with three seconds separating Pascal Dark and Declan Bulmer. In the girls' Lauren Munro-Bennett looks the one to beat collecting an impressive win over Keighley's Pippa Barrett and Charlotte Cox in 2nd and 3rd.
The under 12's had 31 runners lined up which for here is fantastic. Ben Johnstone kept a clean sheet with a narrow victory over William Smith who is coming into some good form. Alexander Speight came home in 3rd with Phil Done getting nudged out of the prizes in 4th. The girls once again were led home by the in-form Lorna Jo Nunwick with Ludlow athlete Emma Clarke in second and Rebecca Flanagan a close 3rd.
The under 9's did a tough little course around the field with only 4 seconds separating the winner Joshua Newbold , 2nd Thomas Sumner and 3rd and 4th Charlie Lowrie and Robbie Johnstone. The girls were led home by Emily Cox with Kitty Morrison, Erica Nicholls and Katie Cox taking 2nd 3rd and 4th, 21 runners turned out.
Thanks to all who competed in our races at Hawkswick, a big 'thank you' to the land owners for the use of parking in the field and to all those who help in whatever way to keep these events happening. Next week's race is in the Dales at Cracoe. Hopefully we will see you there.
Barry Scholes
17 July 2008 - Hawkswick Dash Update
There has been a small change in parking arrangements for the Hawkswick Dash on Sunday. When you cross the small bridge in Hawkswick Village, we are now using the second field on the left (the one with the barn) not the first one as used previously.
12 July 2008 - Alva Games Report
Well! It was over the border to Scotland to the Alva Games. To those of us who went up camping we were blessed with a dry weekend. We always get a warm welcome at the games and free entry to the games for competitors. We've had loads of rain down here in England but the course up the Torry was dry as a bone and ideal for some runners. The Torry is a huge hill which dwarfs the town of Alva. The senior race is the main attraction and most of it can be seen from the showground, it is quite spectacular for the appreciative audience in the show ring.
The senior race had 66 runners completing the race with a very strong competition from Scotland. Alastair Dunn who was on for a Hat-Trick of wins took the bull by the horns and pulled off an awesome display of climbing to collect his 3rd win here, with Stirling runner Ewan McCarthy half a minute back in 2nd. The 3rd runner, Stewart Whitley held off the fast finishing Ted Mason by a fine margin - Stewart was 1st V40 and Ted was reasonably pleased coming away with a P.B. Bruce Elsworth put in a great run to come back in 7th place with Mark McGoldrick in 9th. First U23 man was Sam Watson in 11th with V50 Billy Proctor hot on his heels in 12th. Jack Thompson in his first year in the seniors would probably have been a lot further up but had some horrendous blisters which needed hospital treatment after the race so was quite a tough lad to finish in 13th.
Lisa Lacon must have broken any recent records in the ladies race with a magnificent win over last year's winner; Alva's Judith Turner. Third lady was Rowena Bell Scott and our other ladies were led home by Dawn Richards in 4th with Val Done, U23 Sam Morphet and Sue Narey in 5th 6th and 7th.
The dry conditions meant that all last years times in the junior events were beaten, the U17 winner Tom Sessford beat last year's time by almost half a minute to win a hotly contested race, with Johnny Bradshaw putting in a big effort to come home in 2nd. Tom Doyle had one of his best results so far this season to get 3rd place on the rostrum. The prize winners in the girls were 1st the in-form Melanie Hyder with local girl Rachel McIlwraith in 2nd and Rebecca Swindells in 3rd place.
The U14's saw James Knox win by a huge margin to show why he's leading the championship. He was followed home by Ben Till, with James Hall taking 3rd place. Declan Bulmer seems to be getting better and better as the season goes on and came back in a close 4th. In the girls' Lauren Munro-Bennett had over a minute up on 2nd girl Nicole Narey with Faith Biddle collecting 3rd prize.
Ben Johnstone is one of our runners who has yet to be headed, he's got loads of guts and a clean sheet with BOFRA wins this year. Once again he put in a brilliant run to come home well in front. Will Smith kept up his challenge to take 2nd place followed by David Goad in 3rd place. Lorna Jo Nunwick is another to be headed, winning the U12 girls' race convincingly from Alva runner Shauni Dewar. Sophie Marshall got a well earned 3rd prize.
Well done to all our athletes in every age group who went up to the games and ran, we should be well pleased with how the weekend went. A big Thank You to all our friends in Alva and to all who put their leisure time into making sure these events go ahead.
Next week "The Dales" at Hawkswick.
See you there!
Barry Scholes
5 July 2008 - Kirkby Gala Report
Our runners turned up at Kirkby Gala to race to find that due to torrential rain in the morning a lot of the side shows had been called off because the Gala Field was soddened. Nevertheless the sports side of it continued and we got our normal warm welcome from the organisers of the Gala and despite the downpours our juniors enjoyed themselves with what entertainment was there. Both our juniors and seniors enjoyed the fine array of cakes and confectionery put on by the ladies at Kirkby.
The senior fell race saw a record number of seniors for this event and what's more astounding is that 33 of the 45 runners were over 40's. Was this a vet's championship race? Ted Mason never fails to amaze me, in a race which is quite runnable with road, fell and moorland sections he found another gear and held off Alastair Dunn to cross the line in first place. The pair of them were a couple of minutes in front of Bingley Harrier Lee Athersmith; 'a class act' on his day. Not far off Lee was the 1st over 40, Kendal's Paul Dugdale with Mark McGoldrick in 5th . Our next 3 runners were all over 50's with Adrian Pickles putting quite a gap between him and the chasing pair Jack Holt and Paul Harlow. 9th was Stuart Hunn, who was also the first u'23 man, followed by 1st o'45 Colin Urmston.
In the ladies race Lisa Lacon had a flyer to come back 13th overall in the main event and well in front of her rivals. Evelyn Dugdale was 2nd lady home and 1st vet with Lynn Whittaker taking 3rd place in front of Dawn Richards, Val Done and Sue Narey. This is one of the longest races we do in the championship, they may come steeper but they don't come much harder.
The under 17's once again gave us an exciting finish with Ashley Kay holding off the in-form Johnny Bradshaw, with the closely packed Tom Sessford, Matt Fretwell and Jos Addison hot in pursuit. The girls' race was just as exciting seeing Emma Flanagan and Melanie Hyder battle it out on the fell, with Emma ending up a narrow winner. Rebecca Swindells took 3rd prize. The under 17's championship is still wide open and I for one feel that any one of half a dozen runners could win it. So come on lads keep us on the edge of our seats!
James Knox put in an impressive performance in the under 14's and had over a minute up on 2nd placed James Hall. These were followed home by Pascal Dark and Declan Bulmer. Megan Stuart had a fantastic run to come back in 5th place and first girl, with Nicole Narey and Charlotte Cox taking 2nd and 3rd prizes.
Ben Johnstone carried on his winning ways in the under 12's and looks unstoppable at the moment. William Smith kept up his championship challenge in 2nd place with Kendal's Thomas Taylor in 3rd place with one second separating the next pair, which were David Goad and Phil Done. Rebecca Flanagan made it a family double on the day just holding off Helm's Loren Appleyard with Megan Solomon taking 3rd prize.
Lewis Goad led the under 9's home with Thomas Sumner and Josh Newbold hot on his heels. The girls were brought home by Emily Cox with Emma Gittings and Mikey McVey taking 2nd and 3rd placings.
Finally a big thank you to Kirkby Gala committee for making us welcome and a massive thanks to all who helped on the day. Roll on summer, see you in Scotland hopefully!
Barry Scholes
22 June 2008 - Helm Hill Report
The Helm Hill race made you realise how mad us fell runners are. Who else would go out in gale force winds with the rain blasting into them...British Summer time, it's great isn't it. What an horrendous day for our championship race to fall on, I think most of the runners just wanted to get the job done and get off home. Our helpers on the line were well togged up but the rain still got through, but our thanks must go to them and the guys from Helm who cut out and flagged the course. The day went quite well, our only hiccup was the under 12's race, where we have their positions but unfortunately we had some problems with our timer (sorry about this).
The adverse weather conditions did not deter the hardy runners who turned up. The senior field saw 47 competitors set off, these were led home by Alastair Dunn keeping his championship campaign on song with Kettlewell's winner Ted Mason following him home in 2nd place, keeping pressure on the top spot. Paul Dugdale finished 3rd and 1st vet 40, with Mark Croasdale in 4th. First under 23 man was Jack Thompson in an impressive 5th place. Adrian Pickles was first vet 50 and had a great result to finish in 9th place. First vet 45 was Helm Hill's John Bagge. In the ladies' Lisa Lacon put in an impressive performance to finish 13th overall well in front of her competition. Jennifer Dunn finished 2nd with Kendal's Evelyn Dugdale coming in 3rd.
The under 17's once again had a different winner with Ashley Kaye putting plenty of daylight between him and Johnny Bradshaw. Jos Addison followed in 3rd place with Joe Johnston in 4th. Melanie Hyder gave an impressive performance in the race to collect 1st girl with 2nd place going to Melanie Morphet, so you could say it was a Mel one two. No one runner is dominating the under 17's and I think this championship is going to the line. I salute you, well done!
The under 14's saw a turn around, Ryan Croasdale breathing down James Knox's neck at the two previous races but Ryan turned the tables and put 21 seconds between him and James to get 1st place, with Daniel Walsh in 3rd. Lauren Munro-Bennett carried on her winning streak ahead of Megan Stuart with Zara Knappy in 3rd place.
Considering conditions I was amazed we had 35 under 12's turn up and once again Ben Johnstone took top spot followed home by David Goad, William Smith with Phil Done in 4th . The under 12's girls winner Lorna Jo Nunwick looks unbeatable at the moment, but we've a long way to go. Helm duo Loren Appleyard and Charlotte Milligan finished in 2nd and 3rd.
20 under 9's braved the dreadful conditions (I just hope none of them get put off). They ran a shorter course than normal but on the day it seemed like a sensible idea. The winner was Thomas Sumner closely followed by Lewis Goad with Joshua Newbold, Ben Singleton and Robbie Johnstone hot in pursuit. 6th place was first girl Georgia Gray followed by Katie Horn with Imogen Campion collecting 3rd prize.
Thank you all for supporting our races hopefully the sun will shine at some of them.
See you at Kirkby Gala!
Barry Scholes
19 June 2008 - A View of the Weets Fell Race, by Graham Breeze of Skyrac
You are one of three Skyrac runners at a fell race you have never run before (Barnoldswick Weets) and since it is sheeting down with rain on a mid-summer June evening you are sheltering in the car discussing 20:20 cricket. It is 5 minutes to the start and you suddenly notice every one has disappeared so you all leap out of the car and half a mile away on the top of a hill you can see runners. You sprint off in their general direction but do not really know how to get near them. You choose the wrong lane and start powering up a steep hill and then realise you are on the wrong track so with some guilt you clamber over two dry stone walls after running through wet, knee high, grass and panting you finally reach the runners to be calmly told the start line is at the bottom of the hill you have just raced up and just a few hundred yards from where you chose the wrong lane.
You race down the hill to see every other entrant on the start line raring to go. You start to take excess clothing off and tie your shoe laces while the starter explains to the gathered crowd that somehow even after 20+ years of fell running you are "new to the game" and he then shouts "Go!". You have had your adrenaline surge in getting to the line in panic and so you now experience the consequential dip as runners race past you.
It is pouring with rain and you find yourself near the back of the field with runners who have never beaten you in their lives thinking that Christmas has come early. You dig in and haul them back one by one crushing their dreams but then find your hastily tied shoe lace has come undone so you plod to the line trying not to trip over your flailing shoe lace while runners re-pass you.
You finish and then have a good laugh with your chums. Fell running? There is nothing like it. After all, it isn't cricket.
Results can be found here
15 June 2008 - Kettlewell Race Report
Kettlewell attracted record numbers in our latest event. It also attracted the rain, making conditions on the limestone course fairly
hazardous. But fortune favours the brave and in the senior event Ted Mason excelled putting nearly half a minute between him and Alistair
Dunn, making the championship look very interesting. This was a race for young guns with four under 23's in the top seven. Sam Tosh and
Tom Addison were third and fourth and new to the seniors, Jack Thompson and James Mountain took sixth and seventh.
Bruce Elsworth, who has run BOFRA races in every age group put in a sterling performance to finish in an incredible 5th place.
First vet 40 and 9th place overall was Mark Croasdale, Peter Wilkin of Thirsk took the vet 45 prize and Jack Holt the vet 50.
The Ladies did us proud with 18 of them competing, these were led home by Holmfirth's Lisa Lacon who put in a brilliant performance with three quarters of the senior runners behind her. Helen Glover and Jennifer Dunn kept their eyes on the ladies championship with a second and third. First lady vet was Carol Life.
The under 17's once again changed hands with Tom Sessford holding off Johnny Bradshaw in a very competitive 31 runner race. These were followed in by Coniston Gullies winner; Matt Fretwell, with Helm duo Tom Doyle and Jos Addison closely following. In the under 17's girls Emma Flanagan put in an impressive performance with quite a wide margin over second place Melanie Hyder. Third place went to Emma Spencer. This age group is very strong and everything is earned the hard way with a great deal of effort.
The under 14's boys saw James Knox keep Ryan Croasdale at bay - these two lads are having quite a battle at the front. Following these were Sam Westcott, Daniel Walsh and James Hall in a very competitive race. The girls race was once again won by Lauren Munro Bennett with Keighley's Pippa Barrett and Charlotte Cox collecting second and third prizes.
The under 12's saw Ben Johnstone collect his 3rd BOFRA win this year, with William Smith and David Goad taking second and third. The girls were led home by another athlete with a clean slate this season; Lorna Jo Nunwick, with Megan Solomon and Ellamae Gibson in second and third places. This was a great turnout for the under 12's with 33 runners.
Considering we don't have an under 9's championship we still managed to attract 35 up and coming runners. In our under 9's races we like to think that our courses are not too severe in their introduction to fell running but I implore parents not to put them off running at an early age by putting too much pressure on them, it should be enjoyable when you are this age. Anyway getting back on to the under 9's race, Helm's Lewis Goad led home probably our biggest under 9's field with second and third places going to Joshua Newbold and Ben Singleton. The girl's first second and third were Emily Cox, Lucy White and Amy Wescott.
Well done to all our competitors and a big thank you to everyone who were involved in the smooth running of the races on a very wet day.
Hope to see you all again at Helm.
Barry Scholes
13 June 2008 - Member discount deal
For 2008, BOFRA have teamed up with one of their sponsors to provide nutritional products for BOFRA members at a discounted price.
Team Nutrition is a UK based company dedicated to developing tasty and effective sports nutrition. All of their hydration, nutrition and physio products are developed around the body's natural ability to process the ingredients effectively to ensure the products contribute to the competitive edge during leisure pursuits, training and competition. Team Nutrition, believe that theirs is the only range of sports nutrition supplements that are completely free of all preservatives, additives, artificial colours and aspartame. All of their products are certified drugs free as per the WADA code.
Having used a wide range of these products during preparation and completion of the 2008 Yorkshire 3 peaks race, I was pleased that they performed far better than expected. The drinks, gels and energy bars all provided effective and tasty hydration and nutritional support without upsetting the stomach - which in my experience cannot be said of other leading brands. My particular favourites were the nak'd and trek bars, natura fruit bars and the honey based gels which were both delicious and effective.
Team Nutrition will be coming along to championship races later in the season to provide samples of their products and nutritional advice. In the meantime, you can benefit from a special deal to claim a 10% discount on all products purchased via their website - www.teamnutrition.co.uk. For each purchase made, a donation will be made by the company to BOFRA, so everyone wins. Just put the code BOFRA10 in the discount code box at checkout to claim your discount.
Further information will be posted in due course, but if you have any questions just ask.
Tim Done
12 June 2008 - Fancy having your photos/videos on a national website?
If you have ever fancied having your photos displayed on a national website, for all to see and marvel at, then this is your opportunity.
Since the website was launched we have had a number of keen photographers who have kindly submitted their photos of our fell races for all to see. Website hits show this to be a particularly popular area, however only a handful of individuals ever contribute, placing a heavy commitment on them to keep providing content for your website.
Many parents regularly turn up and take photos of their children, friends, clubmates etc which are rarely seen by the subjects. Whilst it may entail a bit of effort on your part, it would be great if they could be shared with all. If you can spare the time to drop the photos onto a CD or forward them via Picassa (provided by Google), then I will happily spend the time uploading them onto the website.
The only stipulation I make is that photos are 'appropriate', correctly orientated and any necessary editing is done before the files are saved to file/CD. Your photo may end up on the front page of the website and if uptake is good, I will be in a good position to pursuade the committee to provide prizes for a photo competition!
Recent feedback about display of Andy Holdens fine video clips of Coniston Gullies on the website, show that videos are very popular and you would like to see more of them. I have tried numerous ways to embed video onto the website and none are reliable without extensive outlay on software. However the advent of You tube has allowed this content to be very easily displayed without difficulty, so let's see what you have got!
12 June 2008 - Calling all Garmin owners
I have made a bit of a start inputting a race route and course profile on the Sedbergh race page and whilst it looks OK, there is a bit of tidying up to do.
I intended to map out the rest of the championship courses in this way, but I failed miserably on the second race, by missing Coniston Gullies. If you have a
Garmin course profile for any of the BOFRA races, it would be appreciated if you could forward them by email so that I can provide course information before each race.
Tim Done
10 June 2008 - Alva Reminder
Just a quick reminder. If you are intending to run at Alva games, could you please notify Colin Beck (details on news item below) before 30 June 2008.
Colin will be at Kettlewell if you want to see him personally. Alternatively you can send your details to me by email and I will forward them on.
10 June 2008 - Coniston Gullies Video
Andy Holden turned out to support the runners at Coniston Gullies and took along his video camera. He took some great footage which shows just how challenging this course can be. With Kev Rogan's help, we now the video to view here. Hope you enjoy it. Cheers Andy.
Whilst on the subject of Coniston, I am trying to update all of the championship races with course profiles, with the assistance of my Garmin Forerunner GPS. Unfortunately I was relegated to spectator at Coniston, so was unable to obtain a course profile. If you took your Garmin watch could you please forward your workout by email to . Thanks.
5 June 2008 - Press clippings
I am starting to add press
cuttings to the results section as they provide a report of the race from a more local perspective. If you have any press cuttings that you
would like to add to the website concerning any of the BOFRA races, could you please forward them to
including details of the paper in which they appeared.
2 June 2008 - Alva Games race programme
The famous Alva Games 2008 take place on Saturday 12th July 2008, incorporating the British Championship Hill Race and British Junior
Championship Hill Race (under 17) as well as separate races for under 14 and under 12 competitors.
Competitors can enter on the day and do not need to be BOFRA members, however, the organisors like to list competitors in the official race programme, in which case they need details of those intending to race in advance. If you are planning to race at Alva this year, could you please inform BOFRA secretary; Colin Beck at 21 Airedale Mews, Carleton Park, Skipton, BD23 2TF with your details before 30th June 2008, so that he can pass them on to the organisors. Alternatively, you can telephone Colin on 01756 792869
29 May 2008 - Killington Sports Results
Killington Sports took place in beautiful sunshine. The Senior Fell race was won by Tom Addison of Helm Hill followed by Ted Mason of Wharfedale and Mark Addison of Helm Hill. First Lady was Helm's Jennifer Dunn with Lynn Whittaker from Wharfedale and Judith Marshall in 2nd and 3rd.
Full results as provided by the race organisors can be found here. Please let me know if there are any typos etc. whilst queries regarding results should be directed to the show organisors.24 May 2008 - Badgerstone Results
This postponed race took place this weekend and fourteen teams took part. Pudsey & Bramley dominated the event by taking the first team place with their vets team coming second. The Wharfedale team came third. As usual with this event, all sorts of teams took part and full results can be found on the Wharfedale Harriers website.
18 May 2008 - Sedbergh Race Report
The seniors' season started as 2007 finished, with Alistair Dunn returning in first place, followed by Mark Horrocks (who also took the prize for 1st V40). Ted Mason completed the trio coming back in third. Helen Glover started the season in style as first lady, with Nicky Lavery and Lucy Griffiths in 2nd and 3rd. Paul Tuson took the prize for 1st local.
The under 17's race saw Jonathan Bradshaw beat Tom Sessford and Ashley Kay into 2nd and 3rd places and sets the tone for some really good racing this season. This year has seen a huge increase in the number of members in the under 17 girl's category and three of the top runners competed today. Melanie Hyder took first place ahead of Emma Flanagan and Emma Spencer in 2nd and 3rd. James Brock took the first local prize.
The under 14's race promised to be a close fought battle, with James Knox moving up from the under 12's which he dominated last season fighting for the lead with Ryan Croasdale. Unfortunately, James mistook the turnaround point and failed to complete the full course. He declared his mistake at the finish and despite the obvious disappointment accepted his inevitable disqualification in a sporting manner. Ryan Croasdale cruised home to take first place, followed by Sam Westcott in 2nd place and David Walsh in third. This age group is set for some exciting races over the season. Sprint finish of the day has to go to Pippa Barrett, who arrived at the gala field fence together with Lauren Munro-Bennett and Megan Stuart. The race went right to the line, with Pippa holding off Lauren and Megan into 2nd and 3rd places.
Final race of the day was the under 12's, with a massive entry of 47. The charge to the fence was as ferocious as the seniors, but some of the younger runners were hampered by their size. Up front, Ben Johnstone and first local, David Goad led the field from the start, and returned in 1st and 2nd places ahead of Harry Cooling in 3rd. Lorna-Jo Nunwick dominated the under 12's championship last year and started 2008 as she means to go on, with another fine win. Lauren Appleyard and Rebecca Flanagan took 2nd and 3rd places.
Dave and Eileen Woodhead turned up to cheer on the runners on have taken some great photos of the event. Once again there was great support from the gala committee who put on an excellent show.
Membership to date is up 30% on last year and there has been a significant increase in the number of ladies who have joined, so hopefully we will see some great racing in all of the age categories. Next race is at Coniston Gullies on 2nd June.
Tim Done
13 May 2008 - White Wells Reminder
Just a reminder that the White Wells race scheduled for 17 May 2008 was cancelled. Junior races will be run at the rescheduled Badgerstone relay on Saturday 24 May 2008.
If you have any queries, please contact the organisers - Bob Hamilton 01943 816776 or Dave Hird 01535 653826
11 May 2008 - 1 week to go
Well it's back round again - The 2008 BOFRA season is just a week away. Race numbers have been posted out and should be with members now.
The championship races are open for anyone to enter on the day, but if you want to claim points towards the BOFRA championship you need to be a paid up member.
As membership applications cannot be processed on the day, the last date to receive applications and get numbers out in time to claim points at Sedbergh will be Wednesday.
If you fancy a good midweek race to prepare, why not come to the Jack Bloor Fell race at Ilkley on Tuesday 13th May. It is a great run, with proceeds to a great charity. Full details on the attached flyer or visit the Jack Bloor Website
3 May 2008 - Race numbers are ready
The 2008 season race numbers have been delivered
and have definitely been worth the wait. Last season a number of members thought that the 2007 numbers were not durable enough
to last the season, so our numbers sponsor; CrossTrax have forked out for some top quality triathlon numbers, adding some neat graphics for good measure.
The numbers have been allocated and are ready to post out, so they should be with members midweek, in plenty of time for the start of the season at Sedbergh.
I have worked out that I have just one day free before Sedbergh to sort out any new membership applications in time, so if you want championship points from the first race, you need to get your applications in pretty sharply. Whilst membership applications will be accepted at Sedbergh, they will not be processed until after the race.
23 April 2008 - Dick Hudsons results
The first of the races on our calendar took place with a fine turnout of runners and cyclists. The race was won by cyclist Graham Pearce of 'Crosstrax', followed by Runners Ian Nixon of Pudsey and Bramley and Mark Horrocks from Wharfedale Harriers. Full results are attached as an XL file or Pdf file. A race report can be found on the Wharfedale Harriers Website14 April 2008 - Chairman's foreword - 2008 BOFRA Season
Having run in BOFRA events for 20 years now, how can I not try to convince other runners to put on their fell shoes and join us.
We are a family orientated organisation and are keen on encouraging athletes to compete at whatever level or ability.
BOFRA is a nice grounding for any runners who want a sense of achievement in their lives; it's not always the ones that win that get the most
out of races, the runners at the back of the field have everything to aim for without the pressures of those at the front.
It's a lot nicer to see a junior runner doing their first race come back with a smile on their face, than seeing a top runner get pipped
at the post coming out with a bunch of excuses or disappearing quicker than they raced!
Some of our senior champions have come from the back of the field and set a great example to other's when it comes to taking defeat on the chin, there's always next week. Paul Buckley a former BOFRA member hit it on the head when he said "it's nice to be winning, but it's winning to be nice". Everyone wants the good guys to win and your attitude to racing can influence your amount of support, so it's worth giving it some thought. With the start of the 2008 season quickly approaching, I hope you are all eager to give us your support in whatever way at our races, which start with a really nice day out at Sedbergh Gala on the 17th May.
Tim Done has taken over as Membership Secretary this year, so if you are signing up get your forms in before Sedbergh. Last year's Membership Secretary Andrew Biddle, after years of loyal service to BOFRA, stepped down from this position but will still be involved in other aspects of the organisation. He deserves a big 'thank you' for all the good work he's done. Tim's workload seems enormous with maintaining the website, stats and now the membership secretary, so any way we can make his job easier will be gladly accepted in whatever form.
Colin Beck will continue the great job he does as our Secretary which keeps the Shows, Landowners, National Parks, Pub Sponsors etc., happy and the smooth running of our events. Graham Grinstead will carry on this season as our Treasurer which means our finances are in safe hands. Kevin Rogan carries on his role as our President involves a number of tasks as the season moves on. Vice Chairman Bryan Morphet and wife Jayne will be there on the line for us at our events; and with the help of my wife Pauline, they do a sterling job, week in, week out. Without these people, there would be no point in turning up, as we wouldn't have any races. The Chairman's job will remain in my hands this year I will continue to provide support in whatever way I can. Lots of people get involved as the season progresses, but if you feel you can help us in any way it will be more than welcome. I'm sure we will all have an enjoyable 2008 season and I look forward to seeing you at our events.
Good Luck, stay fit and enjoy your racing.
Barry Scholes
BOFRA CHAIRMAN