The Autumn Handicap
has been held in one form or another since 1896 and in 1967
it was held for the first time from Beckfoot Lane near Cottingley
Bridge.
This traditional club event is held within the grounds of St. Ives Estate, Bingley. The Handicap winner is awarded the Hannah Lister Trophy
to go with their 'favourable' handicap - non-winners receive an 'awful' handicap.
Although this is a Club event, guests are welcome.
This years' race will be held over the same course as last year. It
is recommended that runners become familiar with the course before the
event. There is a map of the course here . Last year the
whole course was marked out only for some of the markers on Marley
Hill to be repositioned.
THE SENIOR COURSE – 5.75 MILES
Competitors must be age 17 or over on the day of the race
The old course record of 32min 31 seconds was set by Rob Jebb in 1998. The new course is slightly shorter and is quicker and easier to follow.
Start at the side of the Car Park and then run through Betty’s Wood, past the wood sculpture of the snake, and down the path to Altar Lane. This section will be taped.
Turn right and then sharp left and down the path towards the river. Follow the riverside path past Ravenroyd Farm and onto Blakely Cottage. Turn left up Marley Hill and at the top turn left again and follow the path along the top back to St Ives. This section formed part of the old course.
Just before entering St Ives turn right up Altar Lane. There will be a Checkpoint at this junction. At the top of Altar Lane turn left through the style and head down the path to Lady Blantyre’s Rock. Follow the path pass the Coppice Pond, across the road and then 50 metres later turn right down the hill. Near the bottom of the hill turn left and then right into Cuckoo Nest Wood. This path leads to the bottom fields and the finish is at the end of the last field.
THE SHORT COURSE – FOR UNDER 17 AGE GROUP - 3.75 MILES
Competitors must be under 16 or under on the day of the race
Minimum age 13 years on the day of the race
The route is the Bob Smith senior course in reverse.
Ben Marriott recorded the fastest junior time 23min 12 secs
Start at the side of the Car Park and then run through Betty’s Wood, past the wood sculpture of the snake, and down the path to Altar Lane. This section will be taped. Turn left and up Altar Lane for about a mile. At the top turn left through the style and head down the path to Lady Blantyre’s Rock. Follow the path pass the Coppice Pond, across the road and then 50 metres later turn right down the hill. Near the bottom of the hill turn left and then right into Cuckoo Nest Wood. This path leads to the bottom fields and the finish is at the end of the last field. |
