The weather was fine and dry for this classic race with the sun in a blue sky. The ground was frozen for the most part but the surface had begun to thaw somewhat making grip a little tricky on the steep, sheep nibbled descents to the finish. Jack Ross of Staffordshire Moorlands led them out, was neck and neck with Tom Brunt (Holmfirth Harriers) at the top of the big climb on the way home and finally pulled away to finish 25 seconds in front of Tom at the finish. Finishing times of 26 mins 40 secs and 27. 05 respectively. Darren Holloway (Pennine Fell Runners) had a fantastic run to finish third in 27.50, just beating team mate Muir Morton by five seconds !
In the ladies, Pennine Fell Runners finished first, second and third. Naomi Greaves finished first in 35.18 having led from the top of the big climb on the way back . Mary Edgerton ran a superb race and just managed to hold off team mate Clare Parker by nine seconds - times of 36.22 and 36.21 respectively.
Pennine Fell Runners had made it one of their Club Championship races and enjoyed considerable success, apart from superb individual performances, they won both the Mens and Ladies Team Prizes.
Many, many thanks to all who helped out and in particular to those who offered to help at the last minute - to give them all a well deserved mention, Gerry Goldsmith, Jane Hewitt, Grayham Simpson and Glossop Kinder Velo cycling mates Paul Tickle and Gerry Peat. Many thanks also to Fiona and David the landlords of the Lamb Inn for the use of their car park park and for being so understanding of race needs.
Thanks to all who entered, hope you all enjoyed the race and hope to see you all again next year.
The Race will be held on Sunday 13th January 2013 at 11.00am.
Brian Shelmerdine
Race Organiser