The point to point race 2026 took place on Tuesday 28th April, from the new start/finish point of The Laurels, Cold Hill Lane, New Mill. The points the runners needed to visit in no particular order were off March Lane in Shepley and in the village centre of Hepworth. In total 25 runners turned up to race on this sunny but cool evening, perfect conditions for a great competition. The magic of the point to point race in this handicapped format is that route choice and thorough reccying of the course are often the winning components.
First to return to The Laurels was David Williams – fresh from a 12 week cycle tour of New Zealand – his fitness showing through as he stormed up the 2 flights of steep steps to the finish. In second place our Fell captain Phil Hobbs, happy to be racing again after knee surgery followed by Chris Beadle also happy to make the start line after injury kept him out of the 3 Peaks Race the previous Saturday.
The runners returned thick and fast after this point with the first 14 back within 3 minutes, thanks to the handicappers and their great work. In fact the whole field was back within 8 minutes bar our president who had decided to take the scenic route and Rob Halstead who won the wooden spoon finishing an impressive 45 minutes after first!!!
The very edible prizes were awarded to the first 3 on handicap, plus fastest man and woman – well done to Tim Street whose local knowledge paid off with his blistering quick time of 40.23 and new member Annie Greenwood who is improving with every race with a time of 54.40. In addition we had several spot prizes and the wooden spoon award.
As an aside to the running race we also, for the first time, held a Best Cake Competition the brain child of Chris Barr. Also hotly contested this was judged by the time keepers while the athletes were otherwise engaged. After much discussion ( and multiple slices) based on strict criteria of “taste, consistency and appearance” the winning cake was the Millionaires Shortbread of James Spencer. He was awarded the Star Baker apron. The runners also very much enjoyed savouring the different entries after they had finished along with a brew.
Thank you to everyone who took part in all the fun and frolics and also everyone who helped with the event in some way. These people were:-
Handicappers, Roger, James and Kath
Marshals, Ben K, Rachael, David, Debbie and Roger (also to Bob for putting up with my communication break down)
Time Keepers, Steve Beardsall and John Buckingham
Sorting the results, Mike Hall
And to my family for helping me set up and clear up.
If you missed it and regret it don’t worry we’ll do it all again next year!!
Please click here for the full results.
Kath
