Grasmere Sports and Pete Bland Sports have joined forces this year to sponsor a fell-running bursary designed to channel vital financial support to Cumbria’s most promising young runners.
The standout winner of the main £500 prize is 15-year-old Emmy Ranner of Kendal (pictured), a member of Helm Hill Runners, who was presented with her award by Matt Bland of Pete Bland Sports.
Three further athletes were each awarded a £100 voucher to spend on equipment at Pete Bland Sports: Noah Cook, Lawrie Belshaw, and Marley Griffiths.
Matt Bland of Pete Bland Sports said: ‘’This year’s Bursary received eight applicants, all of a very high standard, which made the decision very difficult for the Bland family and the Grasmere Sports committee. However, Emmy Ranner of Helm Hill Runners stood out as a very strong candidate. At only 15 years old, Emmy has already represented Cumbria on the fell, track and cross-country and also represented GB at the Sky Running World Cup in Croatia. Emmy has the running world at her feet, and we all sincerely hope that this Bursary will give her the help and boost she needs to push on to bigger and better achievements.’’
Richard Stokes, of the Grasmere Sports Committee, said: ‘’We are very proud to be able to promote this award of £500 in our annual search for Cumbria’s most promising, upcoming fell runner. It is a real pleasure working alongside Matt Bland, and indeed the entire Cumbrian fell running community.’’
Libby Dixon, of the Grasmere Sports Committee, said: ‘’This is the first year I have been involved in the Grasmere Sports Bursary process. I have read eight applications, all of which are to a very high standard. As a keen fell and trail runner myself, I am in awe of the amazing achievements, dedication and commitment to training that the applicants have made. I sincerely hope the chosen applicants will find the bursary incredibly helpful in many ways, and I wish them all the best of luck in their future sporting careers! They’re all rising stars!’’
