Ian Roberts Fell Race 2014 Results

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As always thanks to Norman Berry for some superb shots link here to HHAC flikr albumns

More memorable shots from Yorkshires own David and Eileen Woodhead here.

Ian Roberts Memorial Fell Race (9th March 2014)

Blessed with glorious spring sunshine & on a weekend with little racing taking place elsewhere, our efforts were duly rewarded as 150 runners made the start line at Marsden Cricket Club for the 2014 race – something close to a record entry, certainly in the race’s present guise as a fell only race. There was still a brisk breeze up Pule Hill, but with just a windproof top to carry, some fast times were guaranteed.

The 6.5 mile race route takes the runners over Marsden Moor via the Pennine Way & the Standedge Trail and was still pretty wet underfoot. Last year’s winner Joe Crossfield, now running for Calder Valley, returned to defend his title, with last year’s runner-up, Andy Swift from Penistone, also back & hoping to go one better. Throw in to the mix the runner-up from 2011, Jack Ross from Staffordshire Moorlands and you had the makings of a great race at the front. Sure enough, Joe led from the front, with Andy & Jack just behind & the placings didn’t change until the climb of Pule Hill, when Joe felt his calf start to pull, so had to ease off. This gave an opportunity for Andy to take the lead, which he held until the dreaded tussocks on the descent to Butterly Clough, where Jack took a couple of tumbles, but still managed to get past him and hold on for the win in 48.33, with Andy close behind in 48.45. Third place went to Johny Helliwell from Calder Valley, another first-timer at this event, who finished in 50.18. The honours for first Harrier home went to Dan Shaw, who is clearly reaping the rewards of an excellent winter’s training, finishing 6^th overall in 52.14.

For the ladies, Helen Berry finished off a busy weekend, having represented Yorkshire at the Inter Counties XC Championships on Saturday, by finishing 22^nd overall and 1st lady in 56.39. Close behind, was Sally Newman from Calder Valley, who finished 36^th overall, 2^nd lady, in a time of 57.54, whilst 3^rd lady was Nicky Spinks from Dark Peak, 37^thoverall in a time of 58.07.

We had 15 Harriers starting the race, so there were plenty of battles within battles around the course and top 3 category placings to go with them. Jonny Sykes was just seconds behind Dan Shaw, finishing 7^th overall, 1^st V50 in 52.18, whilst Dan Stewart, hopefully putting his recent injury troubles behind him, finished 10^th overall, 3^rd V40 in 52.57. Together with Jonny McLean, who had another great top 10 finish in this race, Dan Shaw & Jonny Sykes scooped the team prize for Holmfirth. Lucy Needham, finishing 52^nd overall, 5^th lady & Fran Whitworth, 79^th overall & 3^rd FV40 completed the Holmfirth Ladies 1^st place team.

The other age category prizes were shared around a number of clubs, with Colin Walker from Pudsey & Bramley finishing 4^th overall & 1^st V40, Tanya Seagar from Stainland Lions 47^th overall & 1^st FV40, Mick Chambers from Saltaire Striders 48^thoverall & 1^st V60, Trish Mellor from Penistone 113^th overall & 1^st FV50, Gail Tombs from Calder Valley 118^th overall & 1^st FV60 & Tony Greene from Saddleworth, 128^th overall & 1^st V70. Johny Helliwell, Liam Gough & Richard Sunderland from Calder Valley were 2^nd Mens team, whilst Gillian Wisbey joined Sally Newman & Gail Tombs from Calder Valley to claim 2^nd Ladies team.    

The food afterwards lived up to its pre-race billing & thankfully, there was more than enough cake to go round! Everyone who had helped in any way was roundly thanked & we also showed our appreciation to Marsden Cricket Club for allowing us to use their clubhouse. Thanks also to the National Trust, Natural England & Yorkshire Water for once again allowing us to race over the beautiful Marsden Moor. Thanks also to Richard Smith & Jake Rowlands at Up & Running, who sponsored the race by providing us with the waterproof numbers.

 Results (Holmfirth unless stated): 1^st – Jack Ross (Staffordshire Moorlands), 48.33; 6^th – Dan Shaw, 52.14; 7^th & 1^st V50 – Jonny Sykes, 52.18; 8^th - Jonny McLean, 52.38; 10^th & 3^rd V40 – Dan Stewart, 52.57; 14^th - Jim Durrans, 54.09; 17^th – Chris Beadle, 55.47; 22^nd & 1^st lady – Helen Berry, 56.39; 49^th – Paul Fearns, 59.14; 50^th – Paul Crowther, 60.07; 52^nd – Lucy Needham, 62.06; 79^th & 3^rd FV40 – Fran Whitworth, 66.40; 88^th – Wayne Byram, 68.33; 104^th – Richard Hook, 72.06; 111^th - Chris Whitelegg, 73.08 & 131^st – Clare Ash, 82.00 (149 finishers).

Phil Hobbs

2014 results: