Bank Holiday Monday saw three intrepid senior Harriers travel to Mytholmroyd to take on the 6.7 miles and 1100ft of Coiners Fell Race in what turned out to be an excellent afternoon for running, well above ground at least!
The race is named after the notorious gang of 18th century gold coin counterfeiters based nearby in Cragg Vale and the race route takes in Erringden Moor, Stoodley Pike and Bell House Moor with spectacular views of Cragg Vale, passing by the old coiners cottages of Bell House and Keelam.
Racing with full kit as per the organisers instructions, Katie Walshaw continued her excellent start to the season with a very impressive 7th placed finish overall in 53.12 and over three minutes ahead of her nearest rival. There is no doubt that the course suited Katie’s climbing prowess and penchant for long demanding ascents.
Duelling again a little behind was Adam Sunderland and James Washington, who as in past races found there was very little between them. Adam’s ability to climb the hills from the start proved pivotal and although James managed to gain some time on the descent, even his 007 number couldn’t get him back on terms. Another fantastic race between them with Adam finishing in 26th in 58.49 and James in 29th in 59.07.
Full results from the chipped time race including splits can be found here:
https://www.cvfr.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/coiners2023.html
In total 206 runners completed the 7 mile route – a record entry for the race which also caused a 30 minute delay to the start.
This is a tough little fell race, well organised by Calder Valley Fell Runners, and being relatively close should be one for consideration in your diary!
Before the seniors race at 1pm, there were also a number of junior races and it was great to watch three further Harriers take place in these.
In the u11 race, Imogen Brewer finished 13th in the race in 11.21 (2nd girl), with Arthur Gibbs just two seconds behind in 15th place in 11.23.
In the u13 race, Florence Gibbs finished 34th in 17.12.
These are a great introduction to fell running and are by no means easy races. Just like the seniors, all the juniors were also required to carry full kit, which is no mean feat when some of the kits were clearly adult size!
Really well done to all those who travelled over and competed and proudly shone in the Amber vests.
