Holme Moss Fell Race- 15 July 2012

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"End of an Era"

The start of the 25th Holme Moss fell race was slightly delayed so that the assembled athletes were able to witness Holmfirth Harriers mens captain, John Ewart, present Russell Bangham with a 3D commemorative wooden platter depicting the course (photo 1). This was Russell's last year in charge of this event which will continue next year in the capable hands of Rob Kersey.

In the late 1980's Russell decided that a need existed for a category AL fell race in West Yorkshire and set about, with some fellow Harriers, trudging over the fells, to put together a course that was demanding, yet safe. As a result the inaugural event took place in 1987 which Russell both ran (See photo at bottom of page) and organised.

Since these early days the Holme Moss fell race has become a significant event in the National fell running calendar and has been selected five times for the English Championships. To meet the ever more onerous demands of the landowners etc the course of the race has had to be changed on several occasions but with the exception of 2001 (foot and mouth decease) Russell has successfully organised this event, since 1987, for 25 years – perhaps a unique achievement in fell running.

As one would have hoped, the sun shone on this auspicious day and the race started bright and clear, although the 119 competitors did have to contend with extremely wet conditions underfoot, following weeks of record rainfall. A major fresh landslip had also to be negotiated on the new part of the course at Great Twizle Clough.

The field quickly became extended by the difficulties underfoot, Richard Pattinson leading Neil Northrop throughout most of the race – an excellent run on his part considering the age difference. A fall by Richard on the way back at Ramsden Clough however gave Neil the opportunity to pull ahead and win the race in 2.41.38.

It was perhaps appropriate that Dark Peak, staunch supporters of this event over the years, should take the first team prize, Neil Northrop combining with Will Boothman (6th) and Mick Stenton (8th). The host club, Holmfirth Harriers, took the second team prize, led by Alistair Rees(4th) then Julian Rank (9th) and John Ewart (13th). Helen Berry – 2012 Yorkshire Champion – once again dominated the unusually small field of only six female athletes finishing first lady, 12th overall, in 3.04.08.

Other Holmfirth finishers included 14th James Durrans (MV40) 3.05.30, 37th Philip Hobbs (MV45) 3.29.51, 53rd Chris Beadle (MV40) 3.42.30, 54th David Knight (MV40) 3.43.07, 57th John Robinson 3.46.36, 64th Jon Burdon 3.50.46, 85th Ian Shuttleworth (MV45) 4.03.35 and 92nd Ian Arnold (MV55) 4.12.04.

The event was sponsored by Brooklands Nurseries. Access was kindly given by Yorkshire Water, United Utilities and Natural England. For the fifth year running, Cartworth Moor Cricket Club generously allowed use of their ground and pavilion facilities. The safety of the competitors was ensured by the presence of the Holme Valley and Oldham Mountain Rescue teams.

Chris Humphries
Race Secretary

Summary results

Full results

Photos

  
Neil Northrop (Dark Peak), the eventual race winner, stalking Richard Pattinson (Pudsey and Bramley). Photo: Norman Berry

 
Alistair Rees (Holmfirth) ascending to Holme Moss car park. Photo: Norman Berry

Russell Bangham (52) leading the field at the start of the 1987 Holme Moss fell race. Photo: Norman Berry

A full set of photographs of the 2012 race (by Norman Berry) can be found on our Flicker site here

Another set from Andrei Vais here