Winter Hill Fell Race 11m/2750’ – By Paul Jackson

This time last year there were 3 A&T runners in this race. This Sunday in far worse conditions there was double that as 6 hardly souls braved the very wet, heavy conditions on Winter Hill for the opening Championship race of the season.

A 200 strong field set off at 10am, and straight into the climb to the stream junction, NE of Rivington Pike (CP1). The ground was very boggy and when you mix that with the tussocky ground it meant it was going to be a very tiring 11 mile run. The next checkpoint is the Shooting Hut, before a slog across Counting Hill to the fence line at the Belmont side of Rivington (CP3). From here it is a long track that takes you to the top of Winter Hill (CP 4) before you are sent back down the north side of the hill to a small knoll at the edge of Rivington Road (CP5). After summiting the knoll it’s straight back up to the trig point on Winter Hill (CP6) the hard way with a direct approach up the steep bank to the summit. Then back down an undulating trod to a bridge on the other side of Noon Hill (CP7). Once there you head across the moors back to the stream junction near the Pike (CP8).  The Pike is in sight from here and you think the end is near, but this was a really hard stretch as the moors were really boggy and every step was energy sapping.

After the stream junction you head to the path for the run in back towards the start. A real sting in the tail long steady climb towards the Chinese gardens before a fast rocky descent to the finish line.

The winner Rob Hope claimed first place after a tremendous battle with Graham Pearce (Both Pudsey & Bramley) to finish an excellent 1:34:50 bearing the conditions in mind.

For A&T first finisher was Simon Ford with a cracking run finishing 15^th in what is always a strong field.

Next in was Alex Foster finishing 28^th with a great run in his first competitive fell race in A&T colours. Alex showing great potential and will certainly challenge for honours in the Club and Grand Prix Fell Champs this year.

Me next closely followed by David Ruscoe who is getting fitter all the time. It would be great to see more of David on the fells this year leave depending.

John Foulds, no stranger to this race, was next in, great to see you back John. Soon after Marcus came in putting in a great effort despite not feeling the love for the race conditions.

All in all a great day out for our club and a real statement of intent with regards the Grand Prix with Simon and Alex starting the season top two in the Open category. This is very promising with Mark Ruscoe still to return from his broken hand.

I’m sure that we will put in a good challenge on the Vets front too as the season progresses.

Thanks to all for your great effort in a tough start to the season, and particular to those who turned out on a grim day to support us. It was much appreciated.

15^th   Simon Ford                 01:46:38

28^th   Alex Foster                 01:53:47

85^th   Paul Jackson (V40)    02:10:33  

98^th   David Ruscoe             02:14:40

150^th John Foulds (V50)     02:30:20

153^rd Marcus Taylor (V40)  02:31:17 

Next up is Midgley Moor (AS) on Saturday 26^th March, from Booth, Halifax, W.Yorks. This is a 5mile race with 1250’ ascent so it’s good opportunity for anyone wanting to give fell racing a try for the first time. Also it would be great to have some ladies turning out for this event to get our challenge going on all fronts, so c’mon girls, get your fell shoes out and give it a go.