7 days ago
Will a 50-year-old fell racing record tumble at Grasmere Sports?
Graham Moffat, holder of the 50-year-old record in the Grasmere Lakeland Sports and Show Under-17s race, as pictured back in 1975 (Image: Supplied)
A fell-running record that has stood for half a century is set to come under the spotlight at Grasmere Lakeland Sports and Show.
The 50-year-old record, set by Sedbergh runner Graham Moffat in the under-17s fell race at the show, has become a legendary benchmark in youth fell running.
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Mr Moffat's time of nine minutes and 3.6 seconds has remained unbeaten since he set it in 1975, and organisers say this could be the year it finally falls.
Moffat being sponged down after completing his triumphant race in 1975 (Image: Supplied) John Hibbert, chairman of the Grasmere Lakeland Sports and Show, said: "It's a 50-year record, celebrating its golden anniversary, and we probably need to witness the gold standard of fell running, if we are to see a new name in the record books.
"We've long talked about wanting to see someone break Fred Reeves' record, but Graham Moffat's record is even older.
"It's incredible that nobody has beaten it over the past five decades, but perhaps this is the year that we will see it finally tumble.
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Moffat, collapsed on the finish line after setting the now 50-year-old record in the Grasmere Lakeland Sports and Show Under-17s race back in 1975 (Image: Supplied) "Athletes in that age category should have glory in their sights, as they could make a real name for themselves, if they can become a Grasmere Sports record-breaker."
The under-17s race climbs 208.78 metres up Butter Crag before runners turn for the fast and technical descent.
Mr Moffat, now in his mid-60s, said his own motivation came from the fierce rivalry between senior fell runners Fred Reeves and Tommy Sedgwick.
The under-17s race climbs 208.78 metres up Butter Crag before runners turn for the fast and technical descent (Image: Picasa) He said: "Everyone needs heroes to look up to and I had Fred and Tommy.
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"Unless there are role models like that, it's hard for athletes to get the right motivation.
"I practised hard and took it seriously because I wanted to emulate their achievements."
Mr Moffat had just left school when he set the record.
It was his final year in the under-17 category before moving up to compete against his idols in the senior race.
Although he has only faint memories of the day, a YouTube video shows him setting off in the race, crossing the finish line, and collapsing from exhaustion before being revived with a wet sponge.
Fell racers on the start line at Grasmere Sports 2024, in soggy and wet conditions (Image: Grasmere Sports/Emma Taylor) One detail he does remember is that his race number nine was later handed to John Noakes, TV presenter, who was competing in the senior event.
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Mr Moffat said: "I remember John Noakes from Blue Peter competing in the wrestling and the Senior Guides race.
"When I'd finished my race, the organisers took my number and gave it to Noakes."
The record remains out of reach for most.
The closest time in recent memory was set by Johnny Bland in 1989, who finished in around nine minutes and 15 seconds.
More recent winners have typically clocked between nine minutes 44 seconds and nine minutes 46 seconds.
This year's under-17s race, sponsored by Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, will award the winner the J and ME Batchelor Cup, £60 in prize money, and a medal.
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Tommy Sedgwick, former fell-runner and now Bellman of Grasmere Lakeland Sports and Show (Image: Supplied) The fastest girl will receive the Tom Sedgwick Challenge Cup.
Organisers say Mr Moffat will not be able to attend the event as he is on holiday, but the occasion will still honour his achievement.
Mr Moffat said: "I don't remember much about the day but am very proud to think my record has stood for 50 years.
"I hope some youngster will one day get the right motivation and determination to beat the record."
