Eleven Harriers took on the most recent race in our Fell and Trail League. The 10 mile race at Bolton Abbey took runners around the Abbey grounds and estate with a mix of paths, gravel tracks and muddy woodland trail. With over 500 metres of elevation gain, the course made for a challenging, but beautiful, race with plenty of lung-busting climbs along the way.
James O'Rourke led the Harriers home in a time of 1:23:40, finishing in ninth place overall and first in his age category (M50). The club's first female finisher was Amy Radford, who completed the course in 1:29:55. Amy was the third woman to finish in 17th overall.
Jenny Hopkinson won her age category (F55). Paul Hopkinson was second M65 and Andrea Ackroyd was third F55.
Other runners flying the blue and yellow flag were Sharon Cousen, Nigel Jamieson, Chris Standish, Jane Hobson, Margaret Deacon and Martin Ellis.
As a result, Amy has moved into first position in the Women's section of the club's League. Jane Hobson and Stef Dickinson lie in second and third respectively. James O'Rourke leads the Men's section pursued by David Ingle (Senior) and Chris Standish.
The next race in the League is the always popular Auld Lang Syne Fell Race near Haworth on New Year's Eve. Entries are open and there are no entries on the day.
It’s a busy period for the club’s fell and trail runners. Four Harriers ran in Saturday’s Shepherd’s Skyline Fell Race; the latest race in the club’s Fell and Trail League. The 6.2 mile course includes 1,100'of ascent, taking runners from the Shepherd’s Rest Inn in Lumbutts along the tops to Stoodley Pike. Amy Radford (1:07:35) and Stef Dickinson (1:15:17) both placed third in their respective categories. Jane Hobson (1:19:11) and David Ingle (1:27:44) also competed. Jane commented, “Puddles, wind and rain. Loved it!”
The previous League race was the Race You to the Summit Fell Race last Saturday. This race over 4.3 miles with over 800’ of climbing takes competitors from the Summit Inn in Littleborough to the White House pub at Blackstone Edge and back. The Harriers were again represented by Stef, Jane and David with Stef and Jane taking first and second place in the F50 category respectively.
The next League race is the Run Bolton Abbey 10 mile trail race next Sunday (9th). Eleven Harriers have entered to date and it’s not too late to get your entry in: https://racebest.com/races/yxkfe
Then it is on to New Year’s Eve’s Auld Lang Syne Fell Race near Haworth. Entries for this race are now open: https://racebest.com/races/4gqqz
James O’Rourke, David Ingle and James Franklin currently occupy the first three places in the Men’s section of the League. Jane Hobson, Amy Radford and Stef Dickinson are the top three in the Women’s section.
Three members of Halifax Harriers took part in the Holmfirth 10km at the weekend. This scenic, hilly, rural road race, organised by Holmfirth Harriers, starts in Hade Edge and tackles a tough, long climb before dropping down and circumnavigating Winscar Reservoir. Then it climbs back up Winscar Edge before a final gentle undulation and a quick downhill finish.
This event was chosen by the Yorkshire Veterans Athletic Association (YVAA) as their 10km championship race for 2025 and prizes were awarded to Margaret Deacon who placed 2nd home in her F55 category in 55:37 and Martin Haigh clinched 3rd place in the MV70 category in 65:50. Nigel Rigg also completed the course in 124th position in a speedy 52 minutes and 34 seconds.
229 runners finished the course which was won by Wayne Singleton of Barnsley AC, first lady was Lydia Race also of Barnsley AC.
Picture shows Martin Haigh with his MV70 award.