Now I’m not normally one for fell running, but thought I’d enter myself for the Saddleworth Chip Chase to tick off something a bit different. Also, as you will most likely know, I’m a big fan of food, especially if it’s free (after race entry fees of course).
The course was nice and accessible, and certainly good for newbees to fell running (like myself). It was great to see Noreen Edery at the start. We started at the aptly named Running Hill Gate and then set off into the hills. The course started off nicely sign posted and there were plenty of people to follow. The views overlooking Manchester as you ran along the ridge were really good and with it being a stunning day it made it all the better. I foolishly went into sheep mode and followed the two runners further in the race and listened to a marshal telling us to turn right shortly after, at the tape we went down the path and then then right again and ended up on roads – rooky error – always study the map. While I was happy with roads, it didn’t seem right for a fell race. A couple of map consultancy sessions then we were back on our way having to pass people we’d already passed who clearly didn’t go as wrong as us. That aside, it was a good route, we went up Alderman’s Hill (walking / slow running) and then back onto the ridge with the lovely views of Manchester in the distance before heading downhill through some sheep fields and onto the finish near the Cross Keys Pub.
Noreen Edery was the fastest female harrier in P76 overall, and P1 in her age category (well done) in a time of 01:22:43
Paul Sammonds (me) was P16 overall, and P9 in age category in a time of 00:56:13.
Overall, the race was won by a brother of a Holmfirth Harrier……Lewis Hinchcliffe who runs for Saddleworth Runner’s Club in a time of 00:44:05, and the fastest lady was Martha Tibbot, also of Saddleworth Runner’s Club, who was 3rd overall and did it in a very impressive time of 00:45:24.
Would I recommend it to you all? Yes!
Would I recommend you study the map? Yes!
Did I enjoy it? Yes!
Did I get a chip butty? No, I got two chip butties as I asked with a nice smile.
Keep your eyes peeled for it next year, and hopefully see you there.
