Evening all – here’s the latest Fell Section update for you!
So, into August & the holiday season, starting off with a 2nd trip to Cartworth Moor for the AS Denis Stitt race on Thursday 8th, organised once again by John Ewart. Unlike last year, when we were blessed with glorious sunshine, it was a cool, wet evening at the top of the hill, so waterproofs were the order of the day for the marshals, although it was probably more pleasant for running! John has reported elsewhere on the race itself, but we had an excellent turnout of 22 Harriers amongst the 51 starters, with the pick of the results including Richard Anderson (1st overall), Tommy Holroyd (2nd overall & 1st MU23), Tim Brook (5th overall & 1st MV40), Adam Sunderland (11th overall & 1st MV50), Jonny Sykes (13th overall & 1st MV60), Helena Croft (15th overall & 1st lady), Sophie Cromwell (22nd overall & 2nd lady), Fran Whitworth (25th overall, 3rd lady & 1st FV50) & Barbara Hinchliffe (1st FV70). We also picked up both of the team prizes – Richard, Tommy & Patrick Needham for the Men and Helena, Sophie & Fran for the Ladies, so well done to all!
It was then a short hop over the M62 for the low-key BS Blackshaw Head Fete race on Saturday 31st where we had another great turnout on a beautiful, sunny afternoon on the tops. 15 Harriers took on the might of Calderdale & came away with a couple of prizes, as well as a sun-tan for their troubles! Having been pipped into 2nd place on a couple of occasions recently, it was great to see Tommy Holroyd finally go one better & win his first race in a great time of 37.34 for the 5.5 mile/900 feet course, nearly a minute ahead of Wharfedale’s Marc Sennett, so many congratulations to him – well deserved! Close behind, Tim Brook scooped the MV40 prize once again, finishing 4th overall in 39.36 and with Phil Hewitt finishing 9th in 42.21 and Michael Sanderson 12th in 43.28, Holmfirth also took the Mens Team prize (with 4 to count), so yet more beer to add to the collection! For the ladies, Fran Whitworth was 1st Harrier back, finishing 39th overall & 6th lady in 50.39, followed by Stef Dickinson (61st in 56.31) & Diane Lee (75th in 61.04). Well done to all that took part – it was a lovely day out & most of us stayed around afterwards to enjoy the fete, which had plenty of food, drink & entertainment on offer – the Hog Roast & the inflatable lobster being particular favourites!
In terms of the senior Fell Champs, after 12 races, the men are currently being led home by Tim Brook, who has completed 9 races, plus the Calderdale Way Relay, so is on 226 points. It’s then very tight for 2nd place, with Michael Sanderson on 177 points just holding off the challenge of last year’s champion Adam Sunderland, who is on 174 points. For the ladies, Fran Whitworth has completed 7 races, plus the Calderdale and is on 181 points, ahead of Diane Lee (164 points from 7 races), Becky Burdon (157 points from 7 races) & Stef Dickinson (156 points from 7 races) – all very close!
The juniors had a visit to Burnsall on Saturday 24th, but I haven’t seen any official results yet, although I have seen some photos & Niamh Sykes was absolutely flying down the hill, finishing 3rd overall & 1st GU11, so well done to her! I do know that there was a great turnout at the Denby Dash on Bank Holiday Monday, so well done to Henry McFarlane (2nd overall & 1st BU13), Niamh Sykes (7th overall & 1st girl), William Turner, Rowan Tivers, Ben Wilson, Eleanor Walker, Annabelle McFarlane, Bethan Morris & Riley Moxon who all took on the Pirate Ship Challenge, as well as Willow Moxon, who was 2nd girl in the Denby Gallop – hope the weather was kind to you all!
Coming up in September, the seniors have Great Whernside on Saturday 21st, as well as the Cross Keys Fell & Road relay on Saturday 14th, whilst the juniors have a month off. If you want to race at the Cross Keys, please let Michael Sanderson know ASAP. I’ve already started rounding up volunteers for the 2 fell relays in October – the Hodgson Brothers on Saturday 5th, where we definitely have 2 teams accepted, plus the British/UKA/FRA Fell Relays from Appletreewick, nr. Burnsall on the 19th, where currently we just have the Mens team & MV50 team confirmed. There is a possibility that we might get the Ladies or the MV40 team in as well, but that relies on other clubs not taking up their places, which I won’t know until the 23rd September, so don’t book that weekend off just yet!
Elsewhere, good to see those out & about, including Richard Anderson at Borrowdale (where he was 26th overall in a top quality field), Tim Brook at Dovedale Dipper (where he went one better than last year and only went & won the race), Paul Sammonds (I know!!) & Noreen Edery at Chip Chase (where Noreen was 1st FV70), Katie Walshaw, James Washington & Mark Henderson at Cracken Edge (where Katie was 12th overall & 1st lady), Tim Brook at Edale’s Ring of Hell Ultra (where he chalked up another victory!), Phil Hinchcliffe at Piethorne, Matt Crompton & Keith Baird at Crowden Horseshoe, Helen Ilsley at Grasmere Guides (where she was 2nd FV40), Richard Anderson, Ben Kellett, Curtis Firth & Erica Byram at the Heights 50k Ultra, (where Richard was 2nd overall, new member Ben was 3rd, Curtis was 4th & Erica was 6th overall & 1st lady), Patrick Needham, Adam Sunderland, David Milton, Janet Foreman, Kevin Yewlett & Richard Whale at Trunce 7 and Adam Sunderland, Leighton Moxon, Janet Foreman & Richard Whale at Trunce 8.
Finally, some local(ish) races to consider over the next few weeks (getting fewer as the nights draw in):
Ilam 3 Peaks (AS) – Ilam Hall – Sunday 8th
Trunce 9 – Oxspring – Monday 9th
Fat Boys Stanage Struggle (BS) – Hathersage – Sunday 15th
Five Trigs (BL) – Delph – Saturday 28th
Hope to see you on a hill sometime!
Cheers,
Phil
