A quiet few weekends in the athletics calendar leading up to Christmas are compensated by a flurry of popular events for all-comers wanting to exercise off the turkey as well as serious runners.

Boxing Day to New Year races are as follows:

  • Wednesday (Boxing Day), December 26, 11am - Chevin Chase (7-mile trail), Aireborough Leisure Centre, Guiseley (race-limit of 850 all pre-entry; fills quickly); Contact: L. Morris, 27 Springfield Road, Guiseley LS20 9AN.
  • Wednesday, December 26, 11am - 3-Mile Fun Run (fancy dress also), Red Lion Pub, Stainland, near Halifax (registration 9am to 10.30am on day).
  • Thursday, December 27, 11am - Christmas Relay (teams of three running 1.5 miles, 3 miles and 3 miles; teams can enter together or individuals can be made into teams on the day), The Knavesmire, Tadcaster Road End, Hamilton Panthers FC Pavilion; entry fees 30p per runner on the day only by 10.45. On grass so suitable for spikes. An informal event suitable for all ages and standards. Also primary age run - year 6 and under - just under 1 mile at 10.45 (enter by 10.30); contact: Dave Paver 01937-581165 or mobile on the day 07778-950200.
  • Sunday, December 30, 10am - Man vs Machine (4-hour off-road orienteering event with a difference - run or ride to collect as many controls as possible in the four hours, but don't be late back or miss the stew), Hawes, North Yorkshire; map-reading skills essential and local knowledge desirable; contact: Kudu Bikes, 1 Raynes Court, Upper Wensleydale Business Park, Hawes, North Yorkshire DL8 3UW.
  • Sunday, December 30, 11am - Hot Toddy 10k (with 1-mile off-road run at 10.30), White Hart Hotel, Todmorden; contact: Peter Ehrhardt, Higher Green End, Shore, Todmorden OL14 8SF.

The permanent partnership instigated under the initiative of St Bede's AC, together with Bradford-Airedale and Eccles-hill Road Runners, has taken firm root after these clubs' recent annual meetings.

An executive comprising Simon Forde, Barney Lerner, Jack Verity (club captain) and Paul Watts has been formed, together with four committees - covering training and performance, social and members' matters, development and recruitment and hosted races - under the leadership of Diane Craven, Chris Hainsworth, Dave Armstrong and Terry Maddocks respectively.

A kit and name has been agreed and awaits ratification from the authorities.

The first athletics club in Bradford, Airedale Harriers, was formed in 1880, one of the earliest in Yorkshire, and the intention is to build on that proud tradition.