Denis Stitt Memorial Fell Race – 24 May 2012

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Thursday 24th May saw Holmfirth Harriers host the annual Denis Stitt Memorial Fell Race from Cartworth Moor Cricket Club. The short Category A race had been moved from its traditional August slot to take advantage of the longer evenings, but as a result, numbers were down slightly on previous years. Conditions were pretty dry underfoot for the 2 lap race but it was very warm, so the effects probably cancelled each other out for the 51 starters.

Whatever the conditions, the start is always a frantic dash down the track away from the cricket club and this year was no exception. Ben Mounsey of Calder Valley sprinted away from the rest of the field and was out of sight by the time the race entered Malkin House Wood. He maintained his lead and finished in 29.51, over 2 minutes ahead of the Holmfirth pairing of Alistair Rees (32.19) and Jim Durrans (33.04).

To celebrate her England call-up, Katie Walshaw managed to lower her own ladies record, finishing 4th overall in a time of 33:07. Following closely behind was Helen Berry, 6th overall in 34.43, with Nicky Spinks from Dark Peak the 3rd placed lady, 20th overall in 39.47.

With club captain John Ewart finishing 5th (1st V55) in 34.04, the men's team prize went to Holmfirth A on 10 points, with Holmfirth B (Gavin Baxter, Andy Shaw & Jon Burdon) collecting the 2nd team prize with 34 points. Katie & Helen were joined by Karen Sinkinson, who finished 4th lady & 1st F50, in claiming the ladies team prize.

A good turnout from the Harriers, with 30 runners all desperate for some Championship points meant some close little battles further down the field and we picked up a number of the age category prizes into the bargain. Andy Shaw was 12th overall, 1st V50, whilst Helen Pettit was 34th overall, 2nd F40 & Barbara Hinchliffe, making her return to racing after a long time out injured, was 35th overall, 1st F55. Ever-green Tim Cock was 40th overall, 1st V70, just ahead of Neil Midgley, 41st overall & 1st V60, whilst Richard Smith Snr. claimed 2nd V65, finishing 43rd & managed to keep ahead of Bill Hunter, 44th & 2nd V60.

Special mention must go to our visiting Swedish journalist, Anders Burman, who was over in the UK writing a piece about fell running & was taking part in his 4th race in as many days! With a video camera strapped to his chest, he raced round the course, finishing 10th overall & 1st V45. More used to trail running & biathlons in his homeland, he certainly seemed to enjoy the evening, although perhaps that had more to do with the post-race refreshments on offer?!

Russell Bangham thanked his team of marshals, registration and time-keepers and also Cartworth Moor Cricket Club for the use of their facilities once again. He'll be back in July to organise the 25th (and his final) Holme Moss Fell Race from the same venue – let's hope it's a little cooler!

Results (Holmfirth unless stated): 1st - Ben Mounsey (Calder Valley), 29.51; 2nd & 1st V40 – Alistair Rees, 32.19; 3rd & 2nd V40 – Jim Durrans, 33.03; 4th & 1st lady – Katie Walshaw, 33.07; 5th & 1st V55 – John Ewart, 34.04; 6th & 2nd lady – Helen Berry, 34.43; 9th – Gavin Baxter, 35.54; 12th & 1st V50 – Andy Shaw, 37.03; 13th – Jon Burdon, 37.09; 14th – Graham Howatson, 37.20; 15th – Kevin Yewlett, 37.56; 16th – Phil Hobbs, 38.27; 17th – Paul Crowther, 38.49; 18th – Ian Arnold, 39.16; 23rd – Ian Shuttleworth, 40.24; 24th – Andy Keast, 40.28; 27th – David Drake, 41.57; 29th & 1st F50 – Karen Sinkinson, 42.21; 31st – Chris Beadle, 43.16; 33rd – Paul Shaw, 44.40; 34th & 2nd F40 – Helen Pettit, 44.53; 35th & 1st F55 – Barbara Hinchliffe, 45.08; 38th – Robert Halstead, 45.17; 40th & 1st V70 – Tim Cock, 46.34; 41st & 1st V60 – Neil Midgley, 46.46; 43rd & 2nd V65 – Richard Smith Snr., 48.54; 44th & 2nd V60 – Bill Hunter, 49.51; 45th – Jim Sommerville, 50.08; 46th – Dave Knight, 50.13; 47th – Rebecca Halstead, 50.28 & 48th – Diane Lee, 51.07 (49 finishers).

Phil Hobbs