As numerous are the races are in Yorkshire over summer it's possible to race every day of the weekend, sometimes even more than once a day.
Thursday 20th, Dennis Stitt Memorial, Holmfirth, 5 miles, 950ft
A good little 2 lap race which started from Carnforth cricket club (possibly the highest cricket club in England?) near the village of Holmfirth in West Yorks. Holmfirth Harriers were the hosts, approximately 1oo runners and I managed a 1st place by some 30 seconds from Yorkshire vet 50 king Steve Oldfield and local man Tom Brunt in 3rd.
Saturday 22nd, Gargrave show fell race, 3 miles, 950ft. 1400hrs
This was part of the Gargrave agricultural show and was one of the classic BOFRA series of races - superbly short and steep races which take place all over North England throughout the Summer. A brilliantly varied terrain race had 71 runners, with Lee Athersmith of Bingley winning in 23.12 whilst I was 2nd in 23.12
BOFRA race details: http://www.bofra.org.uk/index.php
The same day but starting at 1700hrs and 15 miles to the east - Burnsall feast sports fell race, 1.5 miles, 900ft
This was the classic of the lot. One of the legendary short races of the fell racing calendar which has been raced since the early 1870, an amazing record of 12.48 is jointly held since 1977 and 1983 by Fred Reeves and J.R Wilde which means there's a £1000 prize for anyone breaking the record!! The race is part of Burnsall village sports day so the place was packed with a superb atmosphere. Out of 140 odd finishers Superman Ian Holmes won in 14.26, I finished in 6th in 16.06.
All in all a big recommendations for anyone, on the August bank holiday you could do a show on the Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday...superb!
Also coming home with a 4 pack of Wychwood ales, a drill, a shield and a £40 means a good weekend away!
Congratulations on your successful weekend of running in Yorkshire. Thought you might do quite well in the Burnsall race after our chat in the pub in Horton. You took some good scalps in both races from my club. Well done.
ReplyDeleteYou should get your club to put a team out for the Calderdale way relay in december, fantastic club event 48 miles over 6 legs ran in pairs majority of it off roads over the moorland starting and finishing near Halifax. Over 100 teams run it, check FRA calender for details.
All the best, JP (Keighley & Craven AC)