184 runners competed on a hills and mud themed run, starting and finishing on the football field of Holmfirth Harriers HQ at Honley. Heavy going around the field boundary set the scene for this 6.5 mile race, with the first half mainly climbing and the second mainly descent.
The ladies were headed by Mags Beever, F35 Holmfirth in 46m-04. 51 finished, including Bingley’s Marisol C-Vivar placed 9th in 55m-09 and Tamsin T-Jones 15th in 57m-40. Marisol started with a handicap as she arrived late (that’s never happened before has it?) to see the runners receding into the distance.
Lead man was David Watson, M40 Holmfirth in 39m-04. 122 finished, plus 11 guests. Bingley were represented by:
Paul Mitchell 13th in 45m-02 Peter Covey 61st in 54m-14 First M70 Peter Ellerton 62nd in 54m-22 Third M65 Dave Barber 94th in 61m-30 Third M70
Holmfirth’s race details had advised minimal catering after the race, but this did not deter their enthusiastic bakers from providing an appetising selection of cakes and savouries. As numbers were a bit down on the norm, perhaps due to the races’ hilly reputation and a clash of fixtures, it was a very ample offering.
The next exciting episode (GP3) is on Tuesday evening May 27th, 7:30pm start. The route will probably be the same as 2 years ago. If so, it’s an interesting mix of a circuit around Kirkstall Abbey, road, riverside and canal paths and field paths. I really enjoyed the last one and there was a big attendance of nearly 300.
Report by Peter Ellerton.