Eccleshill’s Jackie Bywater made a last minute dash to enter this year’s Up the Odda, the draw of the tee shirt as a reward was just too much, emailing the organisers as the entry had closed she was allocated a place at the eleventh hour! In addition (“second claimer”) Dan Jenkins ran Roberts Park parkrun and then finished off his Saturday with the Odda! Both, coming back for the second year to run this rare Saturday race in the form of this popular race as it returned for 2024. Billed as a friendly trail race around woodland, trails and ‘Up the famous Odda’. The races are set around the trails and woods of the idyllic village of Hawksworth and in and around Menston. This is absolutlely a race for everyone, with the choice of a 2 lap race for the 10k or a 1 lap option for a 5k. Alternatively, there is the ‘duo’ event for those wanting to race as pairs. With 4 junior races to choose from with the 500 meter dash for 4-6 year olds, 1 mile for 7&8 year olds , 1 mile for 9-11 year olds plus the Hawksworth Dash for 12-15 year olds which is a 2 mile trail race taking in part of the main race including the Odda climb and a finish back at the school, there is something for everyone. The event was run in association with Baildon Runners and is sponsored by Vertu Land Rover Guiseley. As always all proceeds from the race go to Hawksworth C of E Primary School. Today’s conditions were perfect for trail running, nice and sunny with a bit of a breeze. Jackie finished in 71:55 and Dan running the two laps just once this year finished in a brilliant time of 47:37. Well done both!
