Record broken after 12 years as hundreds enjoy Bradford 10k

Runners from Yorkshire and beyond hit the streets of Bradford for the return of the city’s biggest road race after a year’s break.

More than 1,200 people took part this year, according to Epilepsy Action, and there was a jubilant atmosphere as the klaxon, and cheers from the crowd, set the runners off at 9.30am.

At the starting line, ready to go (Image: Telegraph & Argus) At the starting line, ready to go (Image: Telegraph & Argus) At the starting line, ready to go (Image: Telegraph & Argus) The route this year was the flattest it has ever been, starting in the new pedestrianised streets of the city centre, moving along Canal Road to Shipley, before reversing back on itself and ending outside City Hall.

The lower incline and cool weather offered a very real prospect for the long-standing course record of 31 minutes and two seconds to be beaten, set by Tesfaye Debele in 2013.

Step forward Jack Cummings, from the Ilkley Harriers, who was first across the line with a time of 30:47 – knocking 15 seconds off the previous record.

Jack Cummings sprints for the finish in a bid to break the course record (Image: Telegraph & Argus) Jack Cummings sprints for the finish in a bid to break the course record (Image: Telegraph & Argus) And he did it, with a new record time of 30 minutes and 47 seconds (Image: Telegraph & Argus) Jack said: “I didn’t know it had actually been stood since 2013 so that now feels even better.

“I’m over the moon with it, I saw the course record, what I thought it was, that was my one goal today, just go out and see if I could get anywhere near it really.”

Jack was followed by Jake Ridding, from Sunderland Harriers & AC, in 2nd and Callum Zorn-Singh in 3rd place.

Jake Ridding, from Sunderland Harriers & AC came second (Image: Telegraph & Argus) Rachel Friend was the first woman to finish (Image: Telegraph & Argus) Rachel Friend was the first woman to cross the finish line with a time of 37:56, followed by Luci Robertson in 2nd and Margaret Beever in 3rd.

There was another first on Sunday in that a wheelchair participant took part.

Stephan Couture and his daughter Chloe completed the race together, with Stephan pushing Chloe in a wheelchair all the way.

Stephan Couture and his daughter Chloe (Image: Epilepsy Action) He said: “It was absolutely wonderful. It’s been an awesome event.

“We’re very proud of ourselves – we do absolutely everything together.

“This year we’ve done Paris marathon, London marathon and Manchester marathon.

“It’s so important for disabled people to be able to take part in these events, as it’s such an amazing feeling for that person.”

The Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Mohammed Shafiq was at the Bradford 10k (Image: Telegraph & Argus) Crowds of people in support (Image: Telegraph & Argus) Since the first race in 2008, runners have raised more than £600,000 for Epilepsy Action and over 16,000 people have crossed the finish line.

Louise McCormick, Bradford 10k Race Director, said: “It was fantastic to see so many people out this morning, taking part in the race.

“There was such a buzz at the start line, with everyone gathered waiting, and this continued as all of our runners returned to the finish, back in Centenary Square.

A runner holding a medal (Image: Epilepsy Action)  “It was amazing to see the course record be broken, especially as it’s the first time in twelve years.

“As well as this, we had our first ever wheelchair participant, who we are sure has inspired hundreds of runners and spectators today.”