The Holme Moss Fell Race, held on the 27th of July, delivered another fantastic day for runners, volunteers, and supporters alike. This year’s race enjoyed perfect conditions for a fell race, following previous years of extreme weather challenges. Despite a brief downpour during setup, the event went smoothly with 188 entries, the highest number in recent years.
The race saw 138 starters and 131 finishers, with a notably low number of non-finishers—only 7 this year compared to 22 in 2024. The last finisher, Simon Gregory, completed the race in a time of 5:09:10, showing that this challenging event is attracting very capable from first to last place. In fact, it was such a well-paced race that Rob Kersey, sweeping at the back, had difficulty keeping up with the final runner to Holme Moss.
Race Highlights:
The men’s race was a fierce battle at the front, with Andy Smith and James Nobles (both from Slaithwaite Striders) going head-to-head. Andy held a slight lead up to Bareholme Moss, but James’s superior descending skills allowed him to pull ahead on the way to Crowden Great Brook. However, Andy slowly reeled him in and overtook James between Black Hill and Holme Moss, eventually finishing in 2:43:00 with a gap of 2 minutes and 59 seconds over James.
In the women’s race, the competition was just as tight between Sally Fawcett (Dark Peak) and the current record holder, Helen Haigh (Holmfirth). Helen led at the first visit to Holme Moss, but Sally caught up on the climb to Tooleyshaw Moss and extended her lead after Laddow. Sally went on to finish in 3:19:27, placing 14th overall, with Helen, the 1st FV50, following in 18th.
Team Prizes:
- The men’s team prize was claimed by Dark Peak, who triumphed by just one point over Holmfirth. Pennine took third.
- Holmfirth’s women’s team, made up of Helen Haigh, Annie Garside, and Sophie Cromwell, won the ladies’ team prize. Holmfirth was the only team to complete a team of three.
Race Stats:
- 179 online entries, plus 9 on-the-day entries, bringing the total to 188 participants.
- 125 FRA members, 63 non-members.
- 138 starters, 50 non-starters.
- 131 finishers, with only 7 non-finishers, a significant improvement from last year’s 22.
- The event raised a substantial amount for local causes, including a £1,000 donation to the Holme Valley Mountain Rescue Team (HVMRT), bringing the total raised in the last four years to £2,150.
Charitable Contributions:
The event raised £349.45 for the Holme Valley Mountain Rescue Team through cup sales, raffle tickets, and catering donations, which we rounded up to £1000. The race also made an additional £100 donation to the Cartworth Moor Cricket Club for their support of the event. The proceeds from the race will also go toward updating trophies with new plinths, shields, and engraving, as well as covering costs for the new organisers, Ian Goulding and Jon Burdon.
Other Race Features:
This year, the race did not provide a memento, which helped boost the overall fundraising. In addition, 18 collapsible cups were sold to runners at a discounted price, generating further funds for the event. We also received generous donations from Beta Outdoor Sports of Sheffield, who provided a dozen prizes for the race.
Harriers Results:
Holmfirth Harriers had a strong showing with 14 runners starting and all completing the race. Seven Harriers brought home prizes:
- Ben Jarvis: 3rd overall & 2nd V40
- Curtis Firth: 10th
- Helen Haigh: 2nd lady & 1st FV50 (by 50 minutes)
- Annie Garside: 4th lady
- Sophie Cromwell: 5th lady
- Chris Beadle: 3rd V55
- Fran Whitworth: 2nd FV55
Final Thoughts:
This year’s race was another huge success, thanks to the dedication of the volunteers, runners, and supporters. The event will return next year on July 26th at 11:00 am. We look forward to seeing even more competitors and continued support for the new organisers, Jon and Ian.
Thank you to everyone who made this year’s race possible, and to those who have contributed to its growth over the years.
Harriers Results:
