The Tinker Cup Race Report 2025
The 105th running of the Holmfirth Harriers Tinker Cup took place in near-perfect conditions, with 51 runners lining up for this historic handicap race, first held in 1908.
While race-day weather was very good, rainfall in the weeks leading up to the event meant the course was soft underfoot and muddy in places, adding an extra challenge to the traditional 6.90-mile route.
Richard Anderson was first home overall, producing a strong run over the testing terrain in an impressive time of 47:56. Helen Haigh, HHAC President, was the first female finisher, continuing her impressive cross-country season after returning from injury with an excellent performance in 51:59.
The overall Tinker Cup winner was Mark Henderson, who ran superbly to claim the prestigious trophy in a highly competitive field with a handicap time of 41:38. Second place in the handicap went to Keith Baird, who put in a solid performance with a time of 43:32, closely followed by Barbara Hinchliffe in third place with 43:35.
Jordan Millar was the first novice home, finishing in an excellent time of 51:55, a fantastic achievement. Geraldine Booth was the first female novice, completing the course in 1 hour 26 minutes in what was her very first race, making the achievement even more special.
For the full results, please click on the link below:-
This year’s event was kindly sponsored by The Driving Academy, whose generous support and prize donations helped make the day a great success. Sponsorship was very kindly organised by one of our runners, Andy Jones.
This marked my fourth year as Tinker Cup race coordinator, and I would once again like to thank my fantastic team. My thanks go to Diane Lee for organising the volunteers, Jackie France for managing the entries, James Spencer for arranging all land permissions along the race route, James Washington for organising the wonderful chilli, and Roger Bradley, Phil Hobbs, and Phil Senior for their help in setting out the course.
As always, the Tinker Cup would not be possible without the dedication of the volunteers, marshals, handicappers, and organisers, whose hard work ensured another smooth and enjoyable running of one of the club’s most treasured events. A brilliant afternoon of racing and a fitting celebration of Holmfirth Harriers’ long-standing tradition.
Helena Croft
Ladies Captain
