New year "Fun Run" returns to Silsden

Starting by the green on Bradley Road, the race gets off to a punishing start with a steep uphill section before the left turn on to the slightly less steep Hole Lane. A right turn on to Heights Lane sees the route level off before the long descent down Horn Lane and then Bradley Road itself to the very welcome finish line.

On the day, the weather gods decided on kindness to deliver an unseasonably warm day, making the run more fun and less trial by cold.

73 hardy but happy runners toed the start line, some with and some without remnants of the night before hanging over them. As is also traditional, many runners arrived in nightwear and various forms of fancy dress including minions and aged rock stars!

Keeping the oldest tradition alive, event creator Paul Buckley again competed to maintain his 100% participation. Birthday boys Benji Grundy and Trevor Metcalfe were also congratulated before the race commenced.

Steeton’s Alex Thompson led from the word go, whilst Steeton’s Eric Beaumont and Otley’s Ned-Gallagher-Thompson battled hard for second and third places. Thompson breezed home to win the race in 16.23 minutes. In the battle for second and third places, it was Beaumont who was2nd (17.53), just pipping Gallagher-Thompson into 3rd place (17.54).

Glusburn’s U17 girl Olivia Aldham was first lady over the finish line (21.11) having battled all the way with Steeton’s Sarah O’Sullivan, 2nd (21.16), and Otley’s Annie Chambers, 3rd, (21.29).

As is now expected, the presentation and post-race festivities took place in the Sunnybank Social Club. All competitors received a certificate and a prize, to be chosen at random as their name was called.

All monies raised form race fees are to be donated to Manorlands Hospice this year. A total of £267.00 was raised and Manorlands was chosen as COVID has severely affected their fund raising opportunities due to cancellation of events such as the Keighley 10k.