Latest news with #fellrace
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Fairhurst leads the Harriers over the line at Heptonstall
Harrier Sam Fairhurst in action at Heptonstall Festival Fell Race where he was first home for the club Beginning on the cobbled streets of Heptonstall before descending sharply into the wooded valleys of Hardcastle Crags somewhat lulling runners into a false sense of security before sending competing Horwich Harriers to face a strenuous climb up to High Brown Knoll is the aptly-named Heptonstall Festival Fell Race. An AS (short distance, steep ascent) category race of 9.5km and 500m ascent the course traverses varied terrains including grassy fields, muddy slopes, rocky bridleways, and open moorland. Advertisement Known for its extreme weather to test those hardy fell-runners endurance and resilience, the course is partially marked, so familiarity with the route is somewhat advantageous. The final stretch challenges participants with a steep ascent back into the village, culminating in a festive climax of community entertainment and a free pint at the finish line. Hugely popular with the Harriers, who will go anywhere for a free alcoholic beverage, a bakers dozen turned up to dry the barrels. With two Red Vests finishing in the top 10, first back was Sam Fairhurst - breaking the line in fifth position in 50mins 55secs. Matt Fawthrop was next home in ninth (53:57). Advertisement Other results: Nick Kelly 1:02:11 (36th), Kevin Newall 1:06:17 (47th), Charlotte Wilkinson 1:06:55 (52nd), Sandra Newall 1:07:56 (58th), Gary Chadderton 1:10:08 (74th), Doug Fleming 1:11:05 (78th), Alison Mort 1:12:25 (89th), Mark Seddon 1:13:02 (91st), Gary Porteous 1:15:48 (101st), Helen McDonald 1:16:51 (105th), Katherine Newall 1:22:54 (127th). The annual A J Bell Great North 10k is one of the UK's premier 10-kilometre road races attracting up to 10,000 runners and offers competitors a scenic tour of Newcastle's iconic landmarks such as the Tyne Bridge (crossed twice), Grey's Monument and the Civic Centre. In attendance for the England versus Wales and Northern Ireland versus the UK Armed Forces event was six-time England master, Gareth Webb. On a hilly course and a quality international field Webb placed ninth vet 65 in a time of 41:56. In parkrun, Andrew Crickmore was solo Harrier at Bolton and finished in a non-triskaidekaphobic 13th position (23:06). Suzanne Budgett was 109th (24:55) in her now local parkrun. Also, Lakeland way was Brendan Bolland at Keswick (176th, 29:30). Advertisement Richard O'Reilly accompanied his daughter on her very first parkrun at Haigh and starting from plum last, got quickly bored, left his offspring to it and went chasing off where he ultimately finished 21st (22:06) and second Vet55 to be closely followed by Leo Orrell 23rd (22:16). Sister Sophie Orrell crossed the line 147th (31:30). At enjoyable, but hilly, Witton Park, Graham Schofield placed 12th in 25:18. Parkrun veteran and regular Rob Jackson completed the treacherous Sale Water Park course in an excellent sixth (18:46), while the Middletons were at Fletcher Moss - Jason 77th (23:36) and Janet 295th (31:20). A bijou 102 runners took part at Kew Woods with Oliver Hughes 35th (27:14), while the usually large crowds at Peel Park seem to have been elsewhere after last week's completely mind-blowing 930 competitors, there was a mere 476-field attending this week. Tony Hesketh handed in his well-worn barcode as 278th (29:21), Isaac Parker exactly matched this week's fastest time (18:46) with a sixth position at Storey Fields and Gordon Stone cracked out a sub-30 in 124th (29:58) at Worden Park. Advertisement Not content with single weekend races, following parkrun O'Reilly headed south for the Chiltern Ridge half-marathon - a truly scenic if somewhat challenging trail race starting and finishing at Wendover, Buckinghamshire. The 21.1km (526m ascent) entirely off-road course offers runners undulating forest loops and stunning views of the Chilterns. The race itself features woodland paths, open countryside, chalky ridgelines and the seemingly flatless terrain includes hills with double-digit inclines as you pass through Coombe Hill and Whiteleaf Hill Nature Reserve. The greatest challenge, however, might be avoiding getting shot at by the Prime Minister's armed bodyguards if you venture too far off the marked course which passes through his official countryside residence at Chequers. On a day ideally suited for fast times with both the men's and ladies' course records being broken, O'Reilly ran his longest race in some time and was content with a fourth V50-59 position in a time of 1:50:26.
BBC News
16-06-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Fell runner recovering after heart attack during Pen-y-ghent race
A runner is said to be "recovering well" after suffering a heart attack near the finish line of a Yorkshire Dales fell 51-year-old man had been taking part in the annual Pen-y-ghent race when he fell ill and collapsed close to the village of Horton in Ribblesdale at about 15:30 BST on Ambulance Service said the man was airlifted to Airedale General Hospital after being treated by paramedics and Cave Rescue Organisation (CRO) volunteers at the scene. Race organiser Gary Allsopp said the runner was on the mend after suffering a "rare form of heart attack" and was "sat up in bed eating Jelly Babies" by Sunday evening. Almost 300 runners took part in the Pen-y-ghent race, which is organised by Settle Allsopp praised the efforts of the volunteers who came to the man's rescue, adding: "Without them what was a stunning Mountain Running Championship with amazing records could have ended with a very tragic result."His wife believes without the swift response of the CRO - who always support the mountain race - we would have been looking at a very different result." Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Fell race to take place through tunnels of Honister's historic slate mine
A unique fell race is set to return to the Lake District this summer. Honister Slate Mine will host the Bowels of Fleetwith race on Saturday, July 5, offering runners a blend of outdoor and underground terrain. The 6km course, just 20 minutes from Keswick, features a mix of rugged fell and a rare 1km section through Honister's historic slate mine tunnels. The race combines subterranean terrain with exposed mountain ridgelines (Image: Tom McNally) The route boasts an ascent of about 1,500 metres, including two iconic Wainwright summits: Fleetwith Pike (648m) and Grey Knotts (697m). Beginning at Honister Slate Mine, runners face a steep incline before entering the mountain via an old mine entrance. With helmets and head torches, participants navigate various underground chambers and passageways, areas not usually open to the public. The fell runners will traverse tunnels not usually open to the public (Image: Tom McNally) They then emerge partway up Fleetwith Pike, remove their equipment, and continue the ascent before traversing to Grey Knotts and descending back to the finish. The race, combining subterranean terrain with exposed mountain ridgelines, has attracted both seasoned athletes and newcomers. The event, in its fifth year, has built a dedicated following. With helmets and head torches, participants navigate various underground chambers and passageways (Image: Tom McNally) It's seen as an immersive experience, deeply rooted in the Lake District's rich landscape and heritage. Open to runners aged 16 and over, those under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. The entry fee is £30 per person, and due to limited capacity, booking is described as "essential." The race has become a distinctive part of the UK fell running calendar, providing a unique test of stamina in an environment unlike any other.
