Race Date: Sunday 18th September 2022

Race Report by Saleem Rafiq

The Epilepsy Action Bradford 10k is run through the centre of Bradford on closed roads. The route is out and back going past a few car showrooms, a housing estate, and semi-rural roads, heading towards but not quite reaching Bingley, before a turnaround and climb back to the finish.

The most striking thing about this run was the lack of support on the majority of the course. As always the marshals were excellent and some were vocal. Other than that however, this race is run in virtual silence other than the brief section where you go past runners coming the other way.

I hoped to achieve a PB on this course and accordingly planned to go slightly faster than the required pace on the first slightly downhill half and hang on for the gradual climb back into town.

Obstacles to this came in the shape of a steep short hill soon after the start, a guy tripping and falling right in front of me, and the inclines looking quite scary after completing a fast 5k. However, I managed to stick to the plan and speed up for the final mile although my sprint finish along the final (well-spectated) drag was with gritted teeth.

Nevertheless, I was pleased with a PB by just short of a minute and the opportunity to have a tasty brunch before the short drive home.

A flat and fast course touted as one for PB chasers and first timers, the Epilepsy Action Bradford 10k starts and finishes in Bradford’s City Park. The event is highly rated and well organised, and participants are rewarded with a medal and a technical t-shirt.

1102 runners took part in the 10k. Winner of the men’s race was Jack Cummings of Ilkley Harriers AC, in a time of 31:29. The women’s race was won by Becky Penty of York Knavesmire Harriers, in a time of 34:42. Two Striders competed in the 10k.

Striders Results