The traditional Christmas Handicap Race is held over a hilly and usually muddy 8 mile course from the Fisherman Inn, Dowley Gap, Bingley. The course follows the Leeds - Liverpool canal to Hirst Locks from where a grueling ascent of Hope Hill is made. Runners have to pass the trig point before descending via the riding stables to Spring Woods. The return journey is made via the White House (no not THAT one!) over an even more grueling Hope Hill to retrace the route back to the Fisherman for a cold bath and a warm beer.

FREE ENTRY - LOADS OF PRIZES (Warning! some prizes may contain alcohol!)

Prize giving and winners celebration will take place at the Fisherman Inn.

ROUTE:
For those of you who might want to try your hand for the first time, here is a description of the route. It must be pointed out however that much of the route is up to the choice of each individual and there are one or two places where different paths are taken. Runners must however follow the path through Low Springs Wood and must touch the trig point on the way out and on the way back.

From the start on the canal near the Fisherman, follow the towpath to the locks at Hirst Wood. Turn left through the small opening and follow the footpath across the river bridge and straight forwards between the houses to the bus turn around. Opposite there is a footpath leading to Shipley Glen, follow this to a junction, climb the wall in front and ascend steeply to the Glen Road near Brackenhall Country Park. Take the footpath, crossing a cattle grid, through the farmyard which climbs through the fields to a gate on the left and the corner of Crook Farm Caravan Park. Through the gate follow the path up to the access road, turn left for a few yards and take a leftward rising path on the right to the corner of Dobrudding Farm caravan Park. From here a path leads directly to the trig point on Hope Hill. Go straight ahead and descend the path, steeply at first, which follows the edge of the moor to near the cattle grid on Hawksworth Road. From here a path on the opposite side of the road leads to the tarmac lane near Strawberry Gardens. Follow the lane a short distance until, just after it bends to the left, a path drops down to a white gate on the right. Through the gate go straight down across the fields (stiles) to the beck in Low Springs Wood. Cross the stepping stones and turn immediately left, following the muddy path alongside the stream. After about ½ mile climb a stile and follow the path alongside the stream for another 20 yards and re-cross the stream via a brand new bridge (or the stepping stones if you prefer!). Climb the stile (No Cycling sign) and bear left (ignore the path to the right) before climbing steeply to a wall/stile. Ascend gradually across the fields to the White House and Hawksworth Road. To the left on the opposite side of the road there is a lay-by. From the lay-by a path leads under some small crags to Bingley Road near a reservoir. Follow the road for a short distance and just before a right-hand bend a path leads off to the left onto the moor. Follow the path to a rough track (access road to Dobrudden Farm) turn left until it starts to level out and then take the path on the left to climb once again to the trig point. From here re-trace the outward route back to the Fisherman.