A quick debrief of Saturday’s English Fell Running Championship race at Crowden, Glossop, North Derbyshire.
‘LADS LEAP FELL RACE 2024’
Organised by the legendary cheerful chirpy character Des Gibbons.
An early start and a scenic drive up through the Peak District for a quick dash around Glossop Parkrun and over the hill to Crowden Camping & Caravan Site were the event was being held.
Weather conditions were pretty good with sunshine breaking through and temperatures pleasantly mild. In the valley just light winds, which was certainly not the case higher up on the moor as wind began to pick up speed, and soon became very strong indeed. 16 Maccy Macs (15 men/1 Female, come on Ladies!!) made the short journey up into the high peak with the Ladies first off just after 11am with sole Female MAC representative Ayako Yokoyama – Nichols doing a sterling job on the fells moving swiftly around the 6 mile route (1700ft) in just over 1.20 for 82nd position.
It soon became apparent by the visual expressions and state of the returning female runners that conditions were pretty rough and boggy up top.
Just before 1pm the Gentleman made head way up the hill towards Highstone rocks with the best fell runners of the country going head to head against each other. Straight out of the blocks the pace was fast and there was no hiding in such a strong field. Across the top of the moor as predicted the route became a battlefield with men disappearing down bogs and tussocks with knee high deep mud it was leg sapping and wind gusts that were literally blowing you over.
A quick descent, followed by another climb back up through the quarry and back over Lads Leap before the final descent back into the valley and finish line.
Remarkably Macs Daniel Haworth must of made the hills and bogs vanish into thin air with some supernatural magic or something as he stormed around the course to take victory in the 2nd race of the English Fell Running Championships. A remarkable performance from Dan in 45.29
Next through the finish line Joe Oldfield continued to show great form improving with every race placing 16th. Not to far adrift Harry Holmes was next back for MAC in 38th. Greg Hopkinson completed the scoring team ( 4 to count) in 55th.
New member big Jim Bligh, delivered a fine performance for Mac just 30 seconds behind Greg in 64th.
Myself chased hard just behind Jim for 67th.
Richard Bradbury continued to show eternal youth by running strongly for 87th, with Kieran Allanson hot on his heels for 91st. Bob Foreman showed true determination by once again placing 1st Vet 65 for 158th. David Clifton just managed to hold off Jack Cummings for 216th & 217th respectively.
Mick Moorhouse the current English V70 Champion ran strongly again for 241st, with Mark Moriarty just a minute behind in 253rd.
Dale Peakall was next with his beaming smile in 279th, with Les Thurston rounding in the troops in 297th with all enjoying a great day out on the hills.
A quick wash down in the brook and post race cool down was well spent with stonebaked pizza & Beer that Des Gibbons had put on for the runners at the venue.
A Smashing day out, well done MAC.
Results-
Ladies Winner – Eve Whitaker – Leeds Uni – 51.54
Ayako Yokoyama-Nichols – MAC – 82nd / 1.22.20
Men’s Winner – Dan Haworth – MAC – 45.37
16th – Joe Oldfield – MAC – 49.29
38th – Harry Holmes – MAC – 51.39
55th – Greg Hopkinson – MAC – 53.21
64th – Jim Bligh – MAC – 53.54
67th – Luke Beresford – MAC – 54.15
87th – Richard Bradbury – MAC – 57.12
91st – Kieran Allanson – MAC – 58.10
158th – Bob Foreman – MAC – 1.05.29
216th – David Clifton – MAC – 1.13.17
217th – Jack Cummins – MAC – 1.13.21
241st – Mick Moorhouse – MAC – 1.16.58
253rd – Mark Moriarty – MAC – 1.17.59
279th – Dale Peakall – MAC – 1.27.45
297th – Les Thurston – MAC – 1.55.19
