Rose Gilldaley, joint winner of the 2023 Pete Bland Bursary gives an update on what the award has meant for her running ambitions.
I was extremely grateful to receive the Pete Bland Bursary last year as it enabled me to focus on my running rather than getting a job. The cross country season went well with me coming first in the Cumbria League and also the Cumbria Schools for Year 10 and 11. Unfortunately I was unable to run in the English Schools competition due to illness, however I was placed thirteenth in the Northern Cross Country under 17s.
My first race of the fell season was on 19th April at the British Athletics Uphill Only Trial at Skiddaw. Although I didn't achieve the result I hoped for, I was thankful for the experience of competing on the fells.
Looking forward, I hope to compete in some of the British Open Fell Runners Association (BOFRA) and Fell Runners Association (FRA) races including the under 18 International Mountain Running Cup.
We wish Rose every success in her running career and are proud to play a small part in supporting this. Go Rose!
