AN 84-year-old man from Baildon is gearing up to take on this year’s Epilepsy Action Bradford 10k to celebrate Bradford’s City of Culture win. 

Seasoned runner John Smithurst is looking forward to completing the run on September 18 – his first 10k in four years. 

His grandson Daniel Smithurst, 23, will be running with him on the day in support of the charity. 

John said: “I’m running the Epilepsy Action Bradford 10k this year to celebrate Bradford winning the City of Culture 2025.

"I’ve done the race many times in the past and it has such a great atmosphere.

"The Bradford 10k is a fantastic opportunity to meet up with my friends from across the running community in this great city – it’s why I keep coming back.”

John started running when he was 40 years old and said joining the Bingley Harriers running club had been the best decision of his life.

"I ran my first marathon at 41 and since then I have run ten more, including the London and Yorkshire marathons,” he said.

John is encouraging others to join him and take on the challenge.

He said: “This will be my first 10k in four years and so I am looking forward to the challenge and seeing if I can still get a good time at the age of 84.

"Anyone thinking about signing up for the Epilepsy Action Bradford 10k should go for it. Whatever your age or ability, you will love it.” 

The Epilepsy Action Bradford 10k is a key date in the Yorkshire athletics calendar which raises vital funds for the 600,000 people living with epilepsy in the UK.

Since it began in 2008, runners have raised over £570,000 for the charity, with almost 15,000 runners crossing the finish line in Centenary Square.

This year’s race takes place on Sunday, September 18, and there are 3,000 places open at a rate of £24 for affiliated running clubs and £26 for the general public.

For more information about the Epilepsy Action Bradford 10k or to sign up, visit epilepsy.org.uk/bradford or call the events team on 0113 210 8881. The closing date for entries is Wednesday, September 14, subject to availability. 

People struggling with diagnosis, or any aspect of epilepsy, can find support at epilepsy.org.uk or by calling the Epilepsy Action helpline on 0808 800 5050.