Nick Gant reports:
15th October 2022
Autumn is well and truly here. The nights are drawing in, the leaves are clogging the gutters and drains, and people’s focus turns to the MAC 10k handicap series. However, there is still plenty of opportunity for racing over the moors and trails and the Peak District and surrounding areas.
On a beautifully clear Saturday morning, three MACs took a trip to Holmesfield to participate in the GoBigMoor fell race organised to raise funds for the 3rd Holmesfield Scout Group. This is approximately 21km with 500m of ascent and is one of those annoying upside-down races that starts at the top of a hill. The route starts in Holmesfield and passes through woodland and fields before a long climb to the moors. After a death-defying crossing of the A621 the route follows moorland tracks past the defunct Barbrook reservoir over Big Moor, then past the trig point on Flask Edge. The final section takes the runners to the outskirts of Totley before a long climb back up to Holmesfield for tea and cake at the village hall.
Greg Hopkinson was first home, dropping back down to a distance where decimal points are still relevant, in 1h33m17s. First female was Fiona Kesteven of Totley AC in 1h49m52s. The other MACs were Nick Gant (9th 1h50m05s) and Megan Elliot (35th 2h10m18s).
It was a well organised event and if you are looking for a race next autumn (23rd October) I can recommend it.
