Nicholas Bradley

Once while climbing on Pillar Rock in my youth, I looked across the valley to see maybe 20 runners, probably led by Joss Naylor, doing the Ennerdale horseshoe. Fell running was something done by superhuman sticks of blokes with nerves and sinews of steel. Something clicked though and only 20 years later I got into fell running through marshalling the Ras y Gader/Cader Idris Race. I was puzzled - not about why the winners did it, but why would someone race with no hope of winning? That’s the mystery of the joy of competing with no hope—or desire—than to do anything other than your best. I learnt that mere mortals could run up hills and survive!

I became involved in racing more and gradually became Race Organiser (RO) for the Meirionnydd winter series races and Chair of the Ras y Gader/Cader Idris Race Committee. Fell running and racing has given me so much over the years - apart from twisted ankles. Even now, 25 years on, I may creak a bit getting out of bed but running (downhill with the wind behind me and, if I’m lucky, the person in front getting closer) I can still feel the joy of moving fast-ish!  

As Treasurer of the Welsh Fell Runners Association (WFRA), I aim to keep the Committee informed on the resources we have available and maintain the reputation of the WFRA by paying our bills promptly! I also prepare the annual accounts for the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and the Charity Commission. For this little input, I get to hear the views of fellow Committee members and share my thoughts on ways forward for our fantastic sport - a great return!