Ian Roberts Memorial Fell Race 2022

Posted: April 2, 2022

Race Day – Sunday 20th March 2022

Blessed with glorious spring sunshine & on a weekend with only a couple of other local races taking place, we were very pleased to see over 120 runners make the start line at Marsden Cricket Club for the 2022 race – back in its traditional March slot, so no vegetation chopping required! There was still a brisk breeze up Pule Hill, but with just a windproof top to carry, some fast times were guaranteed.

The 6.5 mile race route takes the runners over Marsden Moor via the Pennine Way & the Standedge Trail and was remarkably dry in most places, with just the occasional bog & wobbly bridge to contend with. Last year’s winner Rob James of Royton Road Runners was keen to defend his title, with the previous runner-up, Steve Knowles from Pennine, also back & hoping to go one better. Throw in to the mix Holmfirth’s own Tim Brook (3^rd in 2021) and recent recruit Phil Hinchcliffe & you had the makings of a great race at the front. As it turned out, they were all led out by Saddleworth’s Chris Phillips, who had built up a decent lead before falling & twisting his ankle on the dreaded tussocks on the descent to Butterly Clough. After checking Chris was OK, Rob James & Ruandh Mon-Williams of Ilkley Harriers battled it out for the win, which Ruandh claimed in a new record time of 47.05, with Rob close behind in 47.36 (also beating the previous record), whilst third place & 1^st V40 went to Tim Brook, who finished in 50.20.

For the ladies, Helena Croft is certainly reaping the rewards of an excellent winter’s training, finishing 21^st overall and 1st lady in 57.22. Further back, Judy Howells from Wharfedale finished 55^th overall, 2^nd lady, in a time of 67.09, whilst 3^rd lady was Kath Farquhar, 58^thoverall in a time of 69.22.

We had 19 Harriers starting the race, so there were plenty of battles within battles around the course and top 3 category placings to go with them. Tim Street & Phil Hinchcliffe were close behind Tim Brook, in 5^th & 6^th places respectively, so scooped the team prize between them for Holmfirth. With Helena & Kath (1^st FV50), Debbie Hall, finishing 70^th overall, 6^th lady & 1^st FV40 completed the Holmfirth Ladies 1st place team. Elsewhere, Rob Kersey was 1^st V70, with Bill Hunter 2^nd V70 and Barbara Hinchliffe 1^st FV60. And it was great to see some old faces returning (Logan Anderson & John Field to mention but two) & some new faces in amber on the fells (Simon Platts & club captain Damo)!

The other age category prizes were shared around a number of clubs, with Joe Lawrence (2 Para) 31^st overall & 1^st MU23, Steve Knowles from Pennine 11^th overall & 1^st V50, Dave Clarke (U/A) 33^rd overall & 1^st V60 and in a first for the race, Malcolm Coles (FRA) was 1^st V80!

The food afterwards lived up to its pre-race billing &, thankfully, there was more than enough cake to go round! Everyone who had helped in any way was roundly thanked & we also showed our appreciation to Marsden Cricket Club for allowing us to use their clubhouse once again. Thanks also to the National Trust, Natural England & Yorkshire Water for once again allowing us to race over the beautiful Marsden Moor. Thanks also to Richard Smith at Up & Running Sheffield, who sponsored the race by providing us with the waterproof numbers. After yet another fire on the moor in the run-up to the race, we told the runners at the start of the race that we would be making a donation to the National Trust & I’m pleased to say that we are able to send them a cheque for £150 to help continue the valuable work they do in protecting the local environment.

Steve ‘Mozzie’ Frith was out snapping on the course once again & took some great shots of the runners up on the catch. The link to his photo feed is below – if you like a particular shot, then let him know & perhaps drop him a donation – he’s raising funds for Mountain Rescue Search Dogs:

Steve ‘Mozzie’ Firth – flickr photos

A couple of other “local” photos are also attached below and in our gallery.

Results (Holmfirth unless stated): 1^st – Ruandh Mon-Williams (Ilkley Harriers), 47.05; 3^rd & 1^st V40 – Tim Brook, 50.20; 5^th – Tim Street, 51.37; 6^th – Phil Hinchcliffe, 51.59; 21^st & 1^st Lady – Helena Croft, 57.22; 22^nd – Adam Wakelin, 57.31; 24^th – Adam Sunderland, 58.02; 34^th – Wayne Byram, 61.52; 41^st – Simon Platts, 63.30; 51^st – Ian Goulding, 66.07; 52^nd – Keith Baird, 66.23; 58^th& 1^st FV50 – Kath Farquhar, 69.22; 68^th & 1^st V70 – Rob Kersey, 71.43; 70^th & 1^st FV40 – Debbie Hall, 72.16; 73^rd & 1^st FV60 – Barbara Hinchliffe, 73.13; 80^th – Logan Anderson, 75.44; 83^rd – Damian McQueen, 76.09; 97^th & 2^nd V70 – Bill Hunter, 81.37 & 100^th – John Field, 83.14 (119 finishers).