Sunday 8th February saw 8 Midharriers take on the 12 mile Windy Hill fell race. A tough course as expected with it’s fair share of mud after all the recent rain. Well organized by Craggrunners with 3 feed stations, digital timing, helpful marshalls and a great atmosphere overall. The “no rain” weather made the route much more scenic and a mild wind just cooled us down.
Six green vests joined about 50 others on the early start which aims to allow slower runners not to feel too left out of the main race. Our 3 fast lads were in the main bunch half an hour later.
The long downhill start seemed bizarre as fell races usually have a good climb near the beginning but there were enough big hills later, especially the slog up the Roman Road to Blackstone Edge. Plenty of bogs and bumpy, stony tracks completed the route and hot chocolate or soup awaited all finishers.
Full results can be found here : https://my.raceresult.com/382504/#1_94D641
Of special note, Stuart Litster finished 5th overall and won his age category. Janine Jordan and Dawn Anderson did XC the day before and Katie Lockwood did a full marathon the day before too.
Other club members who got safely round : John Weaver, Ashley McCabe, Mick Bull, 1st V75 (ran with his daughter Lauren from Rochdale Tri), John Cox, Craig Sutherland.
Next club fell race is the Chicken Run at Hayfield on Saturday 14th March.
Photos Courtesy of Cragrunners & Dawn Anderson
Steve Batesman of RunningPix fame was out and about on the course and you can view his photo’s HERE. They are free to download and keep/share with family and friends.
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Middleton Harriers 