Afternoon everyone – here’s the latest Fell Update for you.
November 2024 – first snow of the winter & the start of the storm season!
First up, the penultimate race in this year’s senior champs and a trip to the Staffordshire/Derbyshire border for the BL Roaches race on Sunday 10th November. Clashes with other events, including the West Yorkshire Cross Country race at Middleton Park, meant that it was a very select duo that took on the 15 mile, 3700ft course. Cementing their positions at the top of the respective standings, Tim Brook and Fran Whitworth both bagged the maximum 25 points, with Tim coming back 9th overall (& 3rd MV40) in 2.22.37, whilst Fran was 94th overall (& 2nd FV50) in 3.11.32, so well done to them. Our very own John Taylor, who sadly passed away in 2002 with a heart condition known as Cardiomyopathy, still holds the record for this race, a blistering 1.50.10 set in 2001. To give you an idea of how good that was, this year’s winner Harry Holmes of Matlock AC is no slouch, but he wasn’t able to break the 2 hour mark, coming back in 2.02.55!
Unfortunately, Storm Bert put paid to the Lee Mill Relays on Sunday 24th November, which was a real shame, as we had 3 teams entered. Thanks to Jean for rallying the troops – I think the organiser is planning to carry over the entries until next year.
As hinted earlier, the current leaders in the champs are Tim Brook for the Men & Fran Whitworth for the Ladies, scoring 237 points & 216 points respectively. Injury meant that Adam Sunderland couldn’t compete at Roaches, so hasn’t completed 2 Long races this year, which unfortunately rules him out of the running for a podium place. However, one man’s misfortune brings another’s opportunity, meaning Phil Hewitt (177 points) & Michael Sanderson (174 points) can battle it out at Mytholmroyd to see who takes second place behind Tim! For the Ladies, Fran is also uncatchable and you’d have to say that the other placings are also nailed on, with Diane Lee on 194 points and Steph Dickinson on 177 points. Mytholmroyd (on 1st December) is this year’s final Champs race and is filling up nicely, particularly as it’s also doubling-up as this year’s Yorkshire Vets Fell Champs race. At the time of writing, we have 30 Harriers signed up, from U23’S to V70’s, which is fantastic – might even bring back the odd prize or two!
For the juniors, the organisers decided against putting on races at this year’s Shepherds Skyline event, which is a real shame – I remember taking my boys over there a few times to battle the bogs beneath Stoodley Pike & the races were always well supported. Here’s hoping they make a comeback next year. With that being the case, I’ve suggested we replace it with The Stoop Rat Runs on Sunday 22nd December to finish off the year in style, with everyone resplendent in Santa hats! In terms of the championships, well done to Niamh Sykes (U11G) and Arthur Gibbs (U11B), who have completed the required 5 qualifying races and will win their categories.
I’ve started planning next year’s Fell Champs & as with last year, the Section Secretaries/Captains are liaising to try & avoid too many clashes throughout the year. First up (for seniors & juniors) is likely to be Stanbury Splash once again, as it’s such a good race to introduce people to the fells. I’m pleased to say we’ll then be heading over to Langsett for the welcome return of the Mickleden Straddle, back after a 5-year absence due to Covid & then access issues – bring your gloves!
As you’ve probably heard, Ian Goulding & Jon Burdon have agreed to take up the reins of organising the Holme Moss race, which is excellent news. They are going to shadow Andy & Jean for the 2025 race, with a view to taking over completely in 2026, so many thanks to them for this. It’s a big commitment, but I’m sure they’ll make a great job of it & it helps to maintain our long-standing Blue Riband race in the Holme Valley.
Good to see a few out & about, including Tim Brook, Jamie Wood & Debbie Hall at Shepherds Skyline, Bob Dickinson, Adam Sunderland & Sophie Cromwell at Soyland Moor, Andy Shortt & Mark Henderson at Padfield Plum Fair Scamper, Hannah Austin & Craig Sheard (in his first ever fell race) at the Beast of Bamford, Jim Durrans & Phil Hobbs at David Staff Memorial and Tim Brook at Edale Peak Raid Mountain Marathon, where he finished 11th overall (would have been 3rd if he’d turned up on time…..!).
And don’t forget it’s the Tinker Cup on Saturday 21st December. This is our oldest & most prestigious club race, so get yourselves entered! As it’s a handicap race, anyone can win (even me) & it’s a great atmosphere, whatever the weather. If you’re not able to run, then they still need plenty of marshals & helpers, so please let Diane Lee or Helena Croft know & they’ll find a job for you!
Finally, some local(ish) races over the next few weeks:
The Stoop (BS) – Haworth – Sunday 22nd December
Wormstones (AS) – Glossop – Tuesday 31st December
Auld Lang Syne (BM) – Haworth – Tuesday 31st December
Giant’s Tooth (BS) – Ogden, nr. Illingworth (Halifax) – Wednesday 1st January
See you on a hill sometime.
Cheers,
Phil