Junior Home

Welcome to Wharfedale Harriers Juniors

Training

Are junior training sessions are now normally on Monday Evenings, meeting in the grounds of Silsden School. We start at 6.30pm but please arrive 10 minutes or so before.  Youngers runners stay within the school grounds, whilst older juniors 10 and over may go outside for a run.

 

To maintain coach to runner ratios we sometimes having to limit numbers so please get in touch before you turn up. If your child is not part of these groups but wants to be considered, please get in touch by email with our Junior Coach, Chris Jones (juniorcoaching@wharfedaleharriers.co.uk)

Minimum age is 7 years old.

During the winter months training takes place on well -lit pavement areas around Silsden.  Juniors should bring a fluorescent jacket or wear light coloured clothing.  Our older juniors, typically eleven plus sometimes venture onto the country lanes in which case a head torch is desirable.

For the more capable and older youths there is the opportunity to run with either the men’s or ladies group who typically run 6 or 7 miles.

During the summer months we train on grass or off road.  Our beginners group train in Silsden Park, whilst our older juniors generally train on the various moors around Silsden.

Championship    West Yorks XC4 - Guiseley 024

Each year there is a Junior Championship competition which is open to all juniors who are members of the club. Points are awarded across the season for competing in a selection of races.  At the end of the year there is a presentation evening, with trophies for those who have done best during the year.

 

 


Races

There are a number of races and competitions that you can enter some are individual competitions and some also allow for team competition.

Junior Fell Race Calendar 2023

 Kendal Winter league     January – March

These races are based mainly around the Kendal area, some are a little bit nearer, and take place nearly every Sunday.  Entry fee is £1. There are no prizes at individual races, but at the end of the series there is usually a memento for those who have completed at least 5 races and trophies for the top 3 in each age category.

 

FRA Junior Championship      March-June   Rivington Pike Thumb

These take place all over the North of England, but quite a few are relatively near to home.  There are individual prizes at each race and also overall trophies at the end of the series.  Also for those who complete either 4 or 6 races, and are members of the FRA, there is either a T-shirt or Hoody at the end of the series.  There is also a club championship which is based on the best 3 individuals points from each event, but only U13, U15, U17 and U19 count.   In 2016 we came 3rd, where could we be this year if more people compete?  There is also a Junior Do at the end of the series, which involves some training, a free buffet lunch and then prize giving.

 

Coniston Gullies 038Bofra Junior Championship    May-Sept

These take place mainly over the North of England, but also with one up in Scotland for the more adventurous.  Many of these races are associated with Galas and shows, so they tend to be good family days out.  Entry fee for juniors is usually £2.00. You can just turn up and register/run on the day, but if you want to be eligible for trophies at the end of the series you need to be a member of BOFRA.  If you complete enough races and are a member you get a T-Shirt.  There are often opportunities for barbecues or picnic afterwards at these.

 

West Yorks Cross Country league   Oct-Dec

This is for those who are aged 9 years or older. You need to be registered with England Athletics to take part, and you need to register before the start of  the series.  There are usually 4 races across West Yorkshire.  There are both individual trophies and team medals at the end of the series.

 

Peco Cross country Series  Dec-Jan

School Year 4 and older.  These take  part at various locations across West Yorkshire.  Juniors can turn up and register on the day.

  • School years 4 – 6: 1 mile
  • School years  7 – 12: 2 miles

 

Yorkshire, Northern and National Cross Country   Jan-Feb

These are the highlight of the cross country season and attract the best athletes from across the region and country.  Minimum age for these is 11 on day.

 

Schools Cross Country

There are a number of local schools cross country leagues that you may be able to participate in. Entry to these is usually via your school, but you may be able to enter individually if you contact the organisers.

There are a number of other local race series.

Quarry Runs

Previously organised by Dave and Eileen Woodhead but now by Wharfedale Harriers the Quarry Runs take place on the moors above Haworth in January, Oct and Dec each year.  These are fun races round the old quarry on Pensitone Hill. Everybody normally receives a goody bag at the end, plus there are prizes for fancy dress and then at the end of prize giving there is the famous chocolate throw out where everyone has a chance to grab some extra sweets.


In addition to the above both the FRA and BOFRA organise a number of other races which are not included in the championships, details are on the various websites.

If you need more detail on any of the above please talk to Chris, Steve or Geoff at training.