The Bradford Athletics Network brings together athletics and running clubs across Bradford, Kirklees and Craven districts. It is supported by England Athletics and comprises a dozen athletics and running clubs in these localities: Bingley Harriers & AC, Bradford Grammar School AC, Ilkley Harriers, Keighley & Craven AC, Longwood Harriers AC, One in a Million AC, Settle Harriers, Skipton AC, Spenborough and District AC and Wharfedale Harriers, and includes the Airedate Athletics clubs comprising Baildon Runners, Bradford Airedale AC, Eccleshill Road Runners, Queensbury Running Club, and Saltaire Striders (formerly St Bede’s AC).
BAN was established in 2009 as part of an initiative by England Athletics to develop the sport in all its aspect locally. BAN was one of the most successful networks, winning regional and national prizes. Since the networks became self-funding in 2013, BAN has generated its own income in partnership with local authorities and others to maintain its programmes:
- Junior athletics, with fell leagues, three cross-country leagues, SportsHall athletics, and representative squads – in association with Bradford Schools Athletics Association
- Athletics for 14 to 25 year-olds, particularly at the university and college campuses in central Bradford
- Beginners and community groups to increase the numbers of people walking, jogging and running regularly
- Enhanced training for more serious-minded runners
- Mass participation events in Keighley (BigK 10K) and Bradford (Epilepsy Action Bradford 10K and Bradford City Runs), and supporting the local parkruns
- Developing facilities – the new track at UAK school in Keighley, fixed courses in Cliffe Castle Park, and four Greenline Mile routes in central Bradford.
The focal programme for BAN in 2015-17 is “Run Bradford”, which aims to increase the numbers of people running in the locality.
