Airecentre Pacers encourage all of our members to participate in running events. It not only focuses your training, but it’s a great way to socialise and see some wonderful parts of the area.

Official club clothing (vest or t-shirt) must be worn when racing for the club under UK Athletics Rules (when races / events have been booked using your club membership number and discount). The only exception to this is when running for a charity and wearing the charity’s approved running vest/top. To promote continued club spirit and whilst not mandatory, the wearing of club outer clothing e.g. hoodies, is encouraged when attending races.

Race number may only be swapped with other runners in accordance with the rules for that race and only with the approval of the Race Director.  Some races do not permit number transfers; if you transfer a number without permission you could be expelled from future UKA events.

Many race organisers do not permit the wearing of headphones for safety reasons, and will disqualify runners who wear them.  If in doubt, don’t risk it!

We organise a couple of races throughout the year including:

• The Lord Archer 1-mile time trial. Set on flat paths around Highroyds in Menston, the time trial is held on the first Wednesday of every month from April to September. The aim is to improve your time throughout the summer in order to win the coveted Lord Archer award at the Annual Awards in November.
• Club handicap race. Usually held on a Saturday in October, the race takes in the Chevin Chase route. The twist is that you’re not allowed any phones, watches or timing devices and have to predict your finish time with the timers. The person who finishes the route nearest to their estimated time will be presented with the club trophy at the AGM. After the race we always go for a large brunch somewhere local!

The club takes part in two inter-club leagues:

PECO Cross Country League

The PECO Cross Country League is a series of 5 cross country races taking place from November – March. All races are organised in and around Leeds and clubs affiliated to the League compete across men’s and ladies’ divisions. Each race is about 4-5 miles. Each race is a muddy but very friendly affair, welcoming runners who may be new to cross country running.

Harrogate District Summer Race League

The Harrogate District Summer Race League (HDSRL or HRL) is a friendly league of Yorkshire running clubs which organises a series of summer evening races each year (May – July). The races are roughly 5-6 miles, on road or off-road paths and start at 1945 during the week. It is a lovely series of races and there is always a good spread at the end. The league competition is followed by a handicap race and presentation evening. There are league prizes for individuals, club teams, and for the handicap race.

The club has a men’s team captain (William Woodhead ‘Woody’) and a ladies’ team captain (Poppy Cartwright) for both inter-club leagues. They cascade information from the league organisers, encourage members to participate and support members on race days.

Parkrun is a fantastic series of free weekly timed 5K runs at 9am every Saturday morning. They are a great way to start as a beginner, improve your speed as an experienced runner, or just simply motivate yourself to get out every week. They always have a very positive and encouraging atmosphere, with every age, ability and speed cheered on. Many Pacers attend Parkrun each week particularly at Bradford Lister Park, Bramley, Harrogate and Woodhouse Moor. We’re excited to support the new Chevin Forest parkrun when it starts following resumption from Covid-19.

Of course there are any number of other events and races to take part in. You’ll find many Pacers at local races such as Otley 10 mile, Ilkley Half Marathon, Up the Odda, Fountains 10K, Harrogate 10K, Baildon Boundary Way….to name just a few! Members often post details of their favourites on the private club Facebook page so keep an eye out for recommendations.

Here are some good website resources for finding the race to suit you:

• Schofield Family Race Results(ukresults.net)
• Fetch Everyone Race Finder
• Run Britain
• Runners World
• YVAA – for age 35+
• Racebest
• Northern Running Guide listings