Welcome to the Jack Bloor Races and Fund

Jack Bloor was a pioneering climber and fell runner, former chairman of the Yorkshire BMC, helped establish the classic Three Peaks Race, coached orienteers to World Class level, County Mountain Advisor to the Scouts and has many rock climbing first ascents in Yorkshire and the Lake District. 

Jack Bloor Fund was established to continue his work in helping those who lack the means to pursue their dreams in the outdoors. 

The JB Races were set up to raise money for the JB Fund.

Patricia Bloor

29.07.1930 – 09.08.2011

Patricia died peacefully in hospital surrounded by her loving children aged 81 years on 9^th August. 

A very much loved Mum of Hilary, Vivien, Robert and Roger, who will be sadly missed by all of her family, friends and all those involved with the Jack Bloor Race.

Photo: Patricia, Roger and Hilary Bloor at the 2009 JB Race

Next race 8th May 2012

Thanks to everyone who came to the 26th Jack Bloor Races

Congratulations to the two winners
Graham Pearce, Pudsey and Bramley 38.09
Laura Martin, Otley, 48.31

(L-R) Tom Adams, Graham Pearce, Chris Birchall and Terry Lonergan (Complete Runner)

(L-R) Laura Martin, Renee Saxton and Terry Lonergan (Complete Runner)

Graham said afterwards "This race is an absolute classic and is run in memory of a true Yorkshire hero who did a lot for the sport so I always try and do it. It's also a great circuit of Ilkley Moor taking in a lot of the landmarks, so a great run out. 

After the usual fast start to avoid the congestion around the old water pumping station I found myself languishing in about 20th place. I always seem to get caught napping on this race! But I managed to get into the lead up the drag to the Badgerstone, and by the top there were only a few in contention.

 

From there it quickly developed into a 2 horse race between Tom Adams and me, although Chris Birchall, previous winner, was never far off and I know from history he knows all the lines (it cost me dear last year).  After growing up and living in Ilkley most of my life, and having run on Ilkley Moor pretty much every week for at least the past 10 years you'd think I would have a pretty good idea at the route but I can be unreliable at times. But I managed to find the route OK this year, and Tom and I held Chris off despite a late charge by him towards the ruin at CP5. 

 

I really enjoy the last descent from the ruin and tried to run it pretty hard but I couldn't shake off Tom, so it came down to a sprint finish at which I just held on.

 

I was surprised to hear how close to the record we had run, although that was probably more due to the superfast dry conditions rather than superfast running!  It is very dry up there at the moment."

 

Results Report

The Jack Bloor Trustees would like to thank the the King family for their generous donation to the Jack Bloor Fund

The Gemma King Memorial Fund was established following her death on 6th June 2007. Gemma died following a fall during innocent childplay whilst on a family holiday exploring the Picos de Europa mountains in Northern Spain. She was just 11 years old.

Gemma’s Fund supports a number of charities which encourage and enhance children’s appreciation of wildlife and outdoor adventure. We are proud to be able to make a donation to the Jack Bloor Fund which seeks to support young people to pursue their dreams in the outdoors.

During her short life Gemma enjoyed many outdoor adventures with her family, school and clubs. Despite her tragic accident our conviction that children gain so much from experiencing wild country and wildlife remains as strong as ever. Together with our younger daughter, Laura and with the help and support of our many friends we continue to enjoy the great outdoors be it returning to the Picos mountains, competing in the Swedish O-Ringen orienteering festival, cycling to Black Sail hut in Ennerdale or running in the Jack Bloor Races on Ilkley Moor.

Finally, we thank so many people for their donations to Gemma’s Fund and for their continuing support for us. Thank you.

Rob, Lindsey & Laura King

In 2009 Gritstone Club member Tom Greenwood published ‘Memories of Dolphin’. The book is the collected memories of those who knew Arthur together with photographs, sketches and an appendix, which includes material about his life and activities. Also included with the book is a free DVD with rare film footage of Arthur climbing at Almcliff and on Gimmer Crag in the Lake District. The Jack Bloor Fund will be supported from sales of the book.
 
Copies of ‘Memories of Dolphin’ will be on sale at the race but can be purchased by mail order. An order form can be downloaded by visiting the Gritstone Club website

The Jack Bloor Races are supported by 

The background image on this page is taken from the original trophy, inspired by the Swastika rock carving at checkpoint two