This fell race at Lower Hopton Cricket Club was the first non-virtual race after 12 months off during the Covid pandemic for many, and there was a good turn out from across Yorkshire, including quite a few Harriers – both junior and seniors.
There was an air of nervous excitement, along with the chilly wind, as many athletes wondered how the “Covid secure” fell race would fair. They needn’t have worried – it was a very well organised race, with staggered starts and chip timing to facilitate runner social distancing throughout the race. Spectators were able to disperse along the mainly-woodland course, and get a good view of the steep field beyond, which was a challenging part of the course for most junior and senior athletes.Despite the current “four seasons in one day” April weather, the conditions remained good for running, although far less muddy than usually experienced in fell races. Most athletes were clearly enjoying being back racing, and there was a lovely positive atmosphere throughout the event, even on the steep ascent to the finish line.
There were some excellent performances from Harriers: provisional (non-gendered) results show Joe Minchella was 7th adult, Katie Walshaw 10th adult, Isabel Richardson 18th, Adam Sunderland 44th, Rob Kersey 92nd and Noreen Edery 119th.
We had Harriers taking part in the Under 16s category, in which the provisional (non-gendered) results show Jack Sunderland as 12th, Annie McLean 15th, Jamie Stewart 35th and Alexander Gilligan 47th.
Updated Holmfirth Results
Jamie Stewart 11th MU14, 27:56; Alexander Gilligan 15th MU14, 53:09; Annie McLean 3rd FU16, 24:39; Jack Sunderland 6th MU16, 24:07.
Joe Minchella 4th MU18, 20:45; Katie Walshaw 1st SF, 20:59; Isabel Richardson 2nd F and 1st Fu18, 22:26; Adam Sunderland5th M50, 25:27; Rob Kersey 1st M70, 29:02; Noreen Edery 1st F60, 32:24.
Link to full results here
