413 runners started in the first English Fell Championship race of 2018. The weather was good – 5-10C, dry, high broken cloud, and a light breeze on tops, but wet and muddy underfoot after heavy rain on the Saturday.
Victoria wasn’t deterred by the mud and was first female (and 28th overall) in a new record time under 3 hours, clearing Sally Newman’s record from 2000 by 10 minutes. Denise had a good run finishing 46th female and myself (Becky Weight) 71st (and 2nd FV60) out of 98. Both Denise & I were surprised how hard the race felt. I was still recovering from a bad cough / sickness bug which had stopped me running for 2 weeks prior to the race – that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it! Also great to get a ladies team out at such a tough race early in the season – many thanks to Vic & Denise.
Bingley results :
| 28th | 440 | Victoria Wilkinson | Bingley Harriers & AC | WSEN | 02:59:34 |
| 84th | 157 | Tom Gomersall | Bingley Harriers & AC | MSEN | 03:19:09 |
| 271st | 459 | Denise Wright | Bingley Harriers & AC | W45 | 04:16:26 |
| 348th | 429 | Becky Weight | Bingley Harriers & AC | W60 | 04:43:25 |
And for the Jebb / Taylor family (now running with Helm Hill near where they live) – Rob was 4th V40 a couple of places ahead of Victoria and Sharon was 4th female; with full family support out on Mam Tor.
| 26th | 212 | Rob Jebb | Helm Hill Runners | M40 | 02:57:15 |
| 88th | 397 | Sharon Taylor | Helm Hill Runners | WSEN | 03:19:40 |