Cross Keys Relay ’26

This unique event took place on Saturday, 19th September at the Cross Keys Pub above Uppermill, where teams of four runners contest a relay over two road legs of 3 miles and two fell legs of 2.5 miles. This format was originally designed to bring road and fell runners together in an event where they could appreciate each others skills and meet for a pint afterwards. Still one of the best days in the calendar and the sun always seems to shine. Road legs are two laps of a hilly circuit. Fell leg is a single lap of an undulating course over Saddleworth Moor.
The weather was miserable all morning but bang on schedule, the skies cleared, the sun came out and the race was on!
This year the Harriers entered 3 teams.
Team A: Aaron Marsh, Ashley McCabe, Stuart Litster and John Weaver.
Team B: Anthony Walsh, Katie Lockwood, Adrian Bowcock, Craig Sutherland
Team C: Claire Webster, Janine Jordan, Christine Clapworthy, Dean Clapworthy
First Middleton Team home and third overall was the A team of Aaron, Ashley, Stuart and John, a great result with brilliant runs all round – Well done guys!
Second team home was Claire, Janine, Christine and Dean with Tony, Katie, Charlie and Craig not too far behind (honest!)
A massive thanks to all our runners, some of whom came in at short notice – you are all stars!