Race Date: 2nd April 2022
On Saturday 2nd April, due to injuries and clashes with other races, only two Harriers made the short distance across to Saddleworth for the first staging of the CraggRunners Five Trigs event. Classed as a “BL” with an estimated profile of being 30km/18.6miles long and having 900m/2953ft elevation of climb (the race is described as being a route-choice event, more on that later), it takes its name by visiting 5 trig points in a loop around the South Pennines.
As the race is part of this year’s Fell Championships, it was enough to persuade me to enter my first category “L” fell race. Aside from Blackstone Edge about 9 or 10miles in, which is always a challenging climb, the route has some very runnable sections along the Pennine Way and so makes a good introduction to those wanting to trial longer off-road distances. Conditions were close to ideal, not too warm or cold, with the ground being dry in most places. Great visibility allowed us all to take in the impressive views at the times that we weren’t struggling!
The race is described as being a route choice event, but with 9 checkpoints in order the only real chance to gain a route advantage was picking the best line through Ogden/Piethorne reservoirs from Crompton Moor before heading on towards Rakewood. Growing up in nearby Newhey, meaning that the route was pleasingly familiar to me, was a welcome (if probably minor) advantage for a change. Lots of discussion afterwards in the pub about route choices!
Prize winners were treated to Easter Eggs and engraved pint glasses. Overall, a very well organised and fun event that attracted runners of all abilities.
The race was won by Calder Valley Fell Runners Gavin Mulholland in an impressive time of 2:17:34. First female home was Gaynor Keane of Saddleworth Runners Club in 2:56:04.
Holmfirth Harriers Results:
2nd Place: Philip Hinchcliffe (M) 2:24:29
34th Place: Adam Sunderland (MV50) 3:24:56
Phil Hinchcliffe
