Welcome to the West Nab Race Page
NB: Final Race Instructions are here
As part of this year’s English Junior Fell Championships, Holmfirth Harriers are pleased to once again host the West Nab Races, to be run over our south Pennine moors and based in the small town of Meltham in the heart of Last of the Summer Wine country. All age groups will enjoy varied, challenging courses, with the U19’s joined by senior athletes for their ascent of West Nab itself. And in an interesting departure from the norm, we are delighted to help Alan Dorrington and his team host the Lancashire Junior Fell Championships for the U9-U19 categories, so extend a very warm Yorkshire welcome to those Red Rose athletes from over the border!
Approximate race distances & climb are indicated below. We are currently re-designing some of the courses, so route maps will be available as soon as these are completed. The routes will be fully marked and as in previous years, the majority of the courses will be on access land or on public footpaths. However, there will be parts on private land for which we have gained permission to use for the race only. We ask that all athletes respect this and do not attempt to run these parts of the course before race day. The areas will be marked on all the appropriate maps, but just to confirm that no-one must cross the private quarry above Sun Royd Farm or the land to the west and south of the old Royd ruin, other than on race day itself.
At the request of Meltham Shooting Club, who own the land beyond Wessenden Head Road around West Nab itself, the route from the road to the trig point on West Nab will be clearly marked & will follow the permissive footpath. Any spectators who wish to watch the race at that point should remain either below the fence or on the footpath only. No dogs are to be taken onto West Nab, as this is the height of the nesting season. Anyone ignoring this request will jeopardise future races & marshals will be in place to remind spectators of this. We would also point out that although the race is taking place at the end of May, we are still likely to be in the lambing season. Wherever possible, no dogs should be taken anywhere onto the race routes. Any that are must be on a short lead at all times, to prevent any problems with livestock.
As things currently stand, we need to limit the numbers of people out on the route, so would request that you do not recce or warm up on your course on the day. This will leave the route open to just those competing during each race. Obviously, if restrictions are relaxed, then this requirement may change.
You must not come to the race if:
Date – Saturday 29th May 2021
Race HQ – Unfortunately, we are now unable to use the Carlile Institute for Registration, as the expected numbers are likely to exceed their permitted capacity under the current Covid guidelines. However, we are pleased to say that Meltham C.E. Primary School (HD9 4DA) are happy for us to set up Registration in their grounds. As previously stated, as a result of guidance from Kirklees SAG, we are unable to offer any refreshments on the day, so please can you all bring your own food & drinks.
Parking – we have been given permission by Meltham C.E Primary School (HD9 4DA) to use their school field (weather permitting) for parking, so please make your way there and park where directed. There will be a small fee to pay on arrival, which will be collected of behalf of the school. There is also some public parking available behind the Carlile Institute, but this is likely to be limited, as well as a couple of other small public car parks in the village. Roadside parking on the old Royd Mills Road is not available this year, so please do not park there, as this is private land. In addition, please do not park on Calmlands Road or Wetlands Road, which are the narrow residential streets directly on the way up to the start/finish field.
Toilets - there will be toilets available on the race field. These will be provided with hand sanitiser which must be used outside the toilets, before and after use. Face coverings must be worn at all times if queuing and the 2m distance maintained.
Timetable
11am: registration will open at Meltham C.E Primary School. All entries will be pre-entry only and there will be no entry on the day. There is an entry limit of 100 per junior race (200 for the Senior/U23/U19 race) & entries will close on Wednesday 26th May (or earlier if the limit is reached). Depending on numbers, we may need to use a staggered-start system. Following the closure of online entries, you will receive an email with further Briefing instructions detailing your allotted registration & start times, plus other Do’s & Don’ts, including requirements for spectators. Ages are as 31st December 2021.
12.00pm: U9’s race (0.8k/35m)
12.20pm: U11’s (2.0k/100m)
12.50pm: U13’s (2.8k/130m)
1.30pm: U15’s (4.7k/220m)
2.15pm: U17’s (6.1k/335m)
3.15pm: U19’s/U23’s/Seniors (8.1k/520m)
Click here for link to maps - West Nab 2021 Route Maps
All start times are approximate, but no races will start before the times given. We will need to count all the runners in each race before the start and ensure that all are accounted for at the end. If you or your junior athlete withdraws from the race either before the start or during the race then please make sure you inform a race official at the finish. As you might expect, these timings are subject to change, dependent on the number of entries, the potential use of staggered starts and the need to clear the start/finish field after each race.
Given the current unpredictable nature of the weather, all runners are reminded that at a minimum, they should bring their waterproofs, hat & gloves with them to the race. In the event of bad weather, the RO will decide what kit must be taken, which will be clearly displayed at Registration. If there is a requirement that kit must be taken, then you will not be allowed to run without it. You will be checked at the start and importantly at the finish. In addition, the current regulations require that all runners MUST carry a face covering throughout their race in case of any incident where it might be needed.
There will be no results or prize-giving on the day, so once you have completed your race, please find your family and make your way home. Results will be available online and everyone will be sent an email with the relevant link. Prize-winners will be contacted separately.
We look forward to seeing you all back in Yorkshire & hope you enjoy your day’s racing in these strange times we find ourselves in!
Please enter using the link to the Event Website at the top of this page.
