TEENAGE running talent Graihagh Turner has been climbing onto the podium and up many, many hills this season.
The 14-year-old from Penistone has been representing her local club, Penistone Footpath Runners but also South Yorkshire and England across many events this year.
Her list of achievements are stacking up.
She was second in the Yorkshire track championships at 1,500m and then seventh in the English school finals. She also managed to shave 11 seconds off her personal best over that distance.
She was also eighth at the English school cross country race which earned her a spot representing England at the schools’ home international.
Graihagh was also the Yorkshire under 15 cross country champion.
But it’s in the dangerous and challenging sport of fell running where she is really making a name for herself.
She is both the English and British champion at under 17 level – despite being two years below the maximum age limit – and it has resulted in her being called to represent England again at the home international championships next week.
Graihagh, a pupil at Penistone Grammar School, said: “I think it’s been my best year and I have made a lot of progress.
“I think before this year I was just getting introduced (to the sport) but I have figured out different ways to train and made changes that have paid off.
“My highlight was a new PB in the 1,500m and being selected for the England teams – I keep all the England kits in my bedroom.
“Fell running is running up big hills and they are really long, hard races at 5km.
“It can be up grassy hills or moorland or even craggy hills. It’s difficult and in a race this year one of my friends lost a shoe.
“The downhills used to really scare me but I have been working on that and have more control now.
“I am really surprised to be nominated for a Proud of Barnsley award. It’s great to get noticed for your achievements.”
