Phil Hewitt wins the
mens Fell Champs

The very snowy Tour of Pendle on Saturday 19^th November brought this year’s Fell Championship to an end, with the mens competition still wide open as 6 of us had completed at least 6 races so far in the year. As it was, although last year’s champion Dan Shaw was first back on the day, finishing 19^th overall, he hadn’t completed enough races to qualify, so it was left to new dad Phil Hewitt to scoop the prize, topping the table with 167 points, ahead of Dan Stewart on 158 points & Phil Hobbs on 149 points, so many congratulations to him. Good to see Logan Anderson & David Milton also qualify by completing the required 7 races. During the year, we’ve had over 40 taking part, with 5 racing at least 7 times and it was good to see some new faces venturing onto the fells. Hopefully 2017 will tempt even more of you out there!

For the ladies, only Jordan Mullinger made it over to Pendle, but what a race she had, finishing 99^th overall & 5^th lady in only her second long fell race – a great effort against some decent competition. In the championship, 15 ladies took part during the year, but only Helen Berry was able to complete the necessary 7 races & has duly retained her title, once again scoring 101 points. Again, it was pleasing to see some fell newbies amongst the ladies & we look forward to encouraging more to take part in 2017. The Local race competition (based on the 4 races Holmfirth organise) was won by Helen Berry, ahead of Jordan Mullinger, whilst the All-to-Count competition was won by Phil Hobbs on 255 points, ahead of Phil Hewitt on 236 points & Helen Berry on 228 points.

Looking ahead to 2017, I have once again endeavoured wherever possible to avoid any clashes with Road Relays, Cross Country events, Vets Grand Prix races etc & have also tried to tie in races with the juniors so that we have a significant Harriers presence at as many events as possible.

The format for 2017 will be the same as this year, with 7 races to be completed from the 15 available & which must include 2 of each length. The calendar will be announced very shortly, but the first race will be something slightly different, the Kinder Trial fell/orienteering race from Hayfield on Saturday 21^st January – time to brush up those map-reading skills! This is followed by a return to a race we haven’t been to for a few years, the Wadsworth Trog on Saturday 4^th February, based on the moors above Hebden Bridge. Both of these races are pre-entry only, so check out the Fellrunner website for the entry details. The juniors will start off at an old favourite, the Stanbury Splash Rat Runs on Sunday 15^th January, which also has a senior race & is an ideal way to start your fell-running career! See you there. 

Final Standings Club Fell Championships 2016 (EXCEL FILE .XLS)

Phil Hobbs