31st December 2021
On Phil Hobbs’s recommendation, six Harriers were tempted to head over the Moss & race on New Year’s Eve.
Wormstones is a small local fell race, just under 5 miles, starting in an old part of Glossop. The day was dry and an unusually mild 13 degrees. The race had more entries than usual and just over 150 were there on the day, fancy dress optional.
For me this was the first and last fell race of 2021, after a year dominated by training for my first marathon. After a slightly nervous wait on the start line, we were off down country lanes and then off road, through a small wood and across a stream. The route soon turned upwards and headed to the open moors. I found myself towards the back of the pack but going steadily. The 1350 ft of ascent was a steady slog and happily, being a Harrier, I ran it whilst many walked. Past the trig point, on to the tops where the views stretched for miles and then we were heading down. A very boggy descent down to farm paths but on a gentle, non technical gradient that allowed for full speed. Not having done the race before I thought it was downhill all the way to the finish, but a couple of small uphills were lying in wait, before a final downhill to the finish line at the Beehive Pub.
First back, fresh from claiming the first novice title at the Tinker Cup, was recent recruit Jamie Wood who finished 27th overall in 41.15. He managed to hold off the challenge of the day’s youngest competitor Jack Sunderland, who set off like a rocket & stuck to the task, finishing 37th in 43.45, which also gave him bragging rights back at home, as his dad Adam Sunderland couldn’t keep with the pace, finishing 57th in 46.50! A little further back, we then had Phil Hobbs (95th in 53.10), Nick Helm (99th in 54.00) & Diane Lee (142nd in 64.18).
Proceedings were rounded off with a pint in the Beehive. It was a great race and an excellent way to finish the year.
Diane Lee
