7miles/1200feet Cat: B(medium difficulty) M(medium distance)
1 Sam Watson Wharfedale SM 50:45
16 Dave McGuire Hyde Park V40 56:48
*87 runners completed the race.
A midweek train/bike journey combo to the start – the cycle was a very hilly and superbly scenic 10 mile ride up to the 16th Century pub; the Pack Horse Inn.
This was a really good fell route – not just an up and down job but a run across moorlands with the usual extreme climbs and descents.
Described by race organisers Calder Valley Fell Runners on the net as: “This Classic High Moorland Route Follows Good And Bad Paths With A Few Tussocks And Chest High Bracken Thrown In! The route is partially marked throughout but can catch the less observant runners out in mist (though this is not usually a problem at this time of year)” Awesome!
Weather was good and lots of natural day light. Stoodley Pike on the other side of Hebdon was often visible way off into the distance.
Not a massive turn out but it’s got to be one of the best off roads.
Fun prize giving along with quality ales before a beast of a thunder and lightning storm lit up the moorlands and nightfall. Luckily, a running acquaintance from Wharfedale Harriers, took me and my bike back into Hebdon Bridge, in the back of his van, otherwise I’d have had a real challenge to bike the 10 miles back ‘up and down (a seriously drenched) dale’ that evening! Thankyou Paul Crabtree and family!
