Dave McGuire did The Cullingworth Fell Run on Wednesday evening:
"I came 8th out of around 40 runners, in a time of 29:03. No computer times, no fancy race numbers - just a sticker with your number penned on it and £3-00 to enter.
The race was originally part of the Cullingworth summer Gala - but they couldn't organise the insurance for the race and so it was moved to mid Sept. It was was promoted on the FRA website, to begin at 19:30 to complete 4.8 miles and 500' climb - up on Hainworth Moor close to Howarth and Bingley. Great event, even if there were teething problems like not super clear route marking which cost me one place. And with light fading at 18:50 the start was brought forward to 19:05 and the distance shortened to more like 3.8 miles. The last few runners 'home' were still returning in the dark - not the best considering very complicated footing, no lighting up on the moors and some hefty sized cattle to side step calmly along the way!
But in true fell running style, everyone met after for a drink and a couple of plates of sandwiches to share plus a generous provision of prizes - x4 tinnies of lager or a bottle of wine handed out to the first few home and then a couple of cans given out to around half the entrants.
Fell running is definitely something to experience, however, the running and in particular the footwork is extremely technical and challenging and requires good coordination and concentration to avoid ankle injuries. Great set of folk who take part - check out Wharfedale and Keighley & Cravenwebsites for fell fixtures if this sounds like something to try out. Next year the fell race will be included in the gala - try one out next summer or try one throughout the year!!"
It sounds like an interesting race Dave. Well done on your time and placing.
