Kinder Downfall Fell Race – 9.8 miles, 2054ft of ascent.
Sunday 26th April 2026 will forever be known as the day the 2 hour barrier for the marathon was broken. However, 12 MACs had (literally) bigger things to be thinking about, taking on our fine county’s highest peak, Kinder Scout. This was the first race of the season for the club fell GP and what a glorious day it was! The sun shone, temperatures were in the upper teens and everyone was reaching for the sun cream. Some of us however failed to put some on and came away with a nice burnt neck. 🫣
The race clashed with the anniversary weekend of the mass trespass of the moorland around Kinder Scout on April 24th 1932. It was then privately owned and the trespass became a pivotal moment in the right to roam movement. It was thanks to the success of this that we were able to enjoy the race on this now public land. As a result of the extra footfall, car parks in Hayfield were near full by 10am with large groups of people walking the peak to commemorate the occasion, as well as the 201 taking on the race.
The race starts in the town at 11.30am heading along Kinder Road before hitting Snake Path and up Kinder reservoir. With it being such a warm day the ground was dry and the dust was plentiful. Runners were able to enjoy the views as well as the runnable single file section above the reservoir as the first big climb loomed.
The ascent then begins along the stream as we criss-crossed it several times on the way up William Clough. With plentiful loose rocks and technical ground to navigate this was a tricky but not entirely unmanageable climb, made a touch harder by the exposure to the sun! A tough grind up the 150m of stone steps and the big climbs were done.
We hugged the ridge line and although this was runnable, take your eyes off the ground at your peril. We leaped, clambered, side stepped and danced with our best twinkle toes over the rocks and boulders along the plateau before beginning to descend.
The final section of around 5km is a few steeply descending fields allowing those more confident on the downhills to go full send and pick off those in front. Then it’s a short stretch on tarmac and a last little hump to the finish in the grounds of the cricket club and park in Hayfield.
12 MACs ran, some sporting their club tops with GP points up for grabs while others were enjoying the day in ninja mode. Excellent running all round and a brilliant race.
Thanks also to those who came along to support including Sarah for taking some photos. There was a photographer on course so hopefully some more to follow.
All those who ran in no particular order are below. The GP standings will be updated in the coming days.
Roy Austin
Miriam Beastall – 1st FV40
Lee Bowman
Rich Bradbury
Chris Caunt
Mick Fowler
Ian Pitkin
Caroline Robertson
Tom Withers
Derek Chetwin
Caspar Reynolds – 7th overall
Mick Moorhouse – 1st MV70
Full results can be found here https://www.racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=20223&RId=278&EId=1&dt=0&adv=1
