February 2026 and the reservoirs are finally full!
After a successful return to the racing calendar last year, the organiser of the BL Mickleden Straddle race was able to increase the entry limit from 150 to 200 runners and once again the Harriers supported the race in numbers, with 17 on the start line at Langsett Barn on Sunday 1st February, despite it clashing with the Dewsbury 10k! On a rare dry day, once we’d had the traditional pre-race photo (which even Michael got in on), it was time to take on the 14 mile/2400ft course, which has a bit of everything – steady climbs, fast descents & a few tussocks for good measure! First back for the club, making a welcome return to the fells after a few months away, Phil Hinchcliffe had a great race, finishing 15th overall in 2.03.42. Close behind & continuing her excellent recent form, Helen Haigh finished 17th overall, 3rd lady & 1st FV50 in 2.05.05, which was good enough to stay ahead of Curtis Firth (20th in 2.05.52) and Paul Sammonds (22nd in 2.06.00). We then had another close battle, with Paddy Needham (24th in 2.07.46), edging out Michael Sanderson (25th in 2.08.14) and Tom Heap (26th in 2.08.51) – packing them in! Adam Sunderland had spotted one of his local Colne Valley rivals (Marsden’s Scott Hutchinson) on the start line & was determined to get one over on him this time, which he duly did, coming back 29th & 3rd MV50 in 2.09.33 (with Scott 32nd in 2.11.07) – get in! Bob Dickinson was also happy to be getting back onto the hills & was pleased to break 2.20, finishing 49th in 2.18.52, ahead of the evergreen & very smiley Chris Beadle (56th in 2.21.53). Annie Garside was nursing a dodgy shoulder, but it didn’t slow her down too much, as she came back 60th overall & 6th lady in 2.23.43 and with Sophie Cromwell 69th & 7th lady in 2.27.15, the Ladies team prize was secured! Hot on Sophie’s heels, Dave Milton also ran well, crossing the line 71st, in 2.27.35, whilst not too far behind & flying the flag for the V60’s, Ian Goulding had a solid run, clocking 2.34.36 to finish 87th overall & 2nd MV60. Matt Crompton & Keith Baird often have a race within a race & today was no exception, with Matt just edging it, 104th in 2.39.03, ahead of Keith, 108th in 2.40.49. Fran Whitworth hadn’t been feeling too well in the build-up to the race, but toughed it out to finish 126th in 2.48.54, so well done to her! Overall, there were 148 finishers (from approx. 155 starters), with the winner being Ultra-running royalty in the shape of Tom Evans, who had a great battle with Matlock’s Dan Haworth, finally breaking away on the descent back from Cut Gate, to finish in 1.39.45, whilst for the ladies, Dark Peak’s Emily Cowper-Coles retained her title, finishing 6th overall in a great time of 1.54.10.
It was then the turn of the juniors, who made the short hop over to Mirfield for the Hoppits Hill races on Sunday 15th February. Unfortunately, the races clashed with the final meet in the PECO XC series that a few of the juniors have been taking part in, so it was left to Jasmine Clarke (5th GU10) and Arthur Gibbs (8th BU14) to fly the amber flag, so well done to them both.
Elsewhere, great to see a few out enjoying themselves, including Katie Walshaw at Runners And Riders (where she was 1st lady), Dave Milton at Pendle Way In A Day, Annie Garside at Kong Clough Head, Tim Brook, Tom Heap, Mark Henderson & Sophie Clarson at Windy Hill (where Tim was 4th overall & 1st MV40), Adam Sunderland & Mark Henderson at Hoppits Hill (where Adam was 27th overall & 1st MV50), Bill Hunter at Midgley Moor, Jamie Wood, Adam Sunderland, Annie Garside, Nick Helm & Diane Lee amongst the 421 starters (plus Phil Hobbs as sweeper & Matt Crompton marshalling at Dog Rock) for the first of this year’s English Championship races at Doctor’s Gate (where Adam picked up 10 English Champs points, finishing 21st MV50, which is bloody good going!), John Field, Matthew Rose, Ellie Rose, Paul Girdlestone, Neil Robins & Jo Robinson at LDWA South Pennine 24 and Matt Crompton, Keith Baird (& Maggie) at High Cup Nick.
Planning is well-advanced for the Ian Roberts Memorial race on Sunday 15th March, although I still need a few more volunteers to help things run smoothly. And cake…..we’ll need cake…..plenty of it! So get baking, please!
Looking ahead, the seniors have the next English Champs race at Black Combe on 7th March (entries still open), followed by Ian Roberts on 15th March, whilst the juniors will be heading over to Ilkley Moor on Sunday 1st March, followed by Pendle on Saturday 28th March.
Finally, some local(ish) races to try your hand at over the next few weeks:
Wolf’s Pit (AS) – Shatton, nr. Bamford – Sunday 8th
Beater Clough (AM) – Todmorden – Saturday 21st
Edale Skyline (AL) – Edale – Sunday 22nd
Heptonstall (BL) – Heptonstall, nr. Hebden Bridge – Sunday 22nd
Lad’s Leap (AS) – Crowden – Sunday 29th
Trunce 1 (BS) – Oxspring, nr. Penistone – Monday 30th
See you on a hill sometime.
Cheers,
Phil
