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Top runners turn out in force

5/ 7/2008

TOP fell runners turned out in force for last Saturday’s Blackstone Edge Fell Race.

It was the first short race of six in the British and English Championship series.

The ladies were first off, and despite the boggy conditions winner Angela Mudge, of Carnethy Harriers, beat the course record set in 1997 by Carol Greenwood. Mudge timed 32.38 which was an improvement of 1 minute 16 seconds on the previous best.

Altrincham and District’s Olivia Walwyn was second in 33.44, while top Yorkshire runner Natalie White of Bingley Harriers was third, clocking 34.05.

Fiona Maxwell was seventh overall and first in the over 40s category.

Calder Valley took the three ladies’ team prize with 31 points.

More than 200 runners set out in the men’s race. By the time they had descended to the ‘bog of doom’ they were strung out in a line.

The main contenders soon got down to business, and Cumbrian runner Morgan Donnelly took an early lead.

By the time they reached the Summit Rocks, Rob Hope, who runs for Pudsey and Bramley, had got his nose in front.

It was then nip and tuck all the way down the fell, but when the runners rejoined the tarmac road Hope opened up and romped home in 27.09, only 36 seconds outside the course record held by Scotland’s Colin Donnelly and set in 1989.

Six seconds behind, in 27.15, was Morgan Donnelly, and he was followed by Three Peaks record holder Rob Jebb who runs for Bingley Harriers.

First in the over-40s class was sixth placed Ian Holmes, a former English champion. Mike Wallis took the over 50s prize, while the team event was won by Bingley Harriers with 25 points.

The over-40s team event was won by Borrowdale with 40 points.

The Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Robin Parker, presented the awards.

He also made a special presentation to local farmer Steve Shepherd who, for the past 22 years, has made his facilities available to the runners by way of power, water and cover. This year he even went to the effort of mowing a field for the athletes to use.

Kev Shand, one of the organisers, was happy with the way the day went and said: "The weather was kind and once again Steve’s help was invaluable.

"The Calderbrook Church Ladies did a fine job with the refreshments, and I would also like to thank the small committee put together for this event for their hard work and dedication."