Ben puts wind up foes with ninth win on trot
Calder Valley’s Ben Mounsey ran his heart out on Valentine’s weekend for another comprehensive victory. He finished more than four minutes ahead at the Windy Hill Fell Race, completing the nine mile route in 56.36.
The event on the hills surrounding Hollingworth Lake begins at Littleborough RUFC and takes in fast trails, runnable fells and one all-mighty, memorable climb that takes the total ascent to 1300 feet.
Mounsey’s victory indicates he has taken his running to the next level, winning his last nine races since coming second to Alex Baldacinni at Trofeo Vanoni in October.
He looks a strong contender for the 2016 British Fell Running Championship, with the first counting race at Blackcombe in March.
Jon Smith was a fine seventh and Ben Frenchette a creditable 23rd for Valley.
It was the first race in Halifax Harriers’ Fell League Challenge and first back for the club was Luke Meleschko in 1:10 for 29th place. John Whitlow was 74th in 1: 19, from Elizabeth Sanderson 1:23 (first F35 and 97th) and Andrew Irving 1:28 (136th).
Seven Todmorden Harriers took part and Dave Collins was their first runner back in 1.17.12, finishing 63rd and second in the V60 age category. Stainland Lions’ Ed Hyland made the most of a beautiful Valentine’s morning to underline his prowess at half marathons, coming third at this year’s Liversedge event in an impressive 1:17.48.
He was held off by Joe Sagar of Spenborough AC (1:13.39) and Andy of Valley Striders (1:15.13).
Mags Beever was Stainland’s first lady, finishing 41st overall. Her 1:27.39 wasn’t strong enough to beat Wakefield’s Jenny Latham, who was first lady home in 1:24.41.
Carl Smith of Halifax Harriers held on to 10th position in atime of 1:22:18.
Clubmate Gareth Burrell was close behind after clawing backpositions over the final few miles to finish 11th in 1:22:34. Simon Johnson was next home in 1:25:21.
April Caulfield was the first female finisher for Halifax Harriers, clocking 1:49:22 in her first half marathon.
It was a strong turnout from Harriers in the event from Roberttown. Ther3e wasnot too much between Heath Reilly (1:50:49), Chris Burrell (1:55:50) and Margaret Deacon (1:56:23). Lucie Fenton 2:01:24 and Martin Ellis 2:03:12 were the final two Harriers home. Other Stainland results: Halifax Harriers’ Sarah and Geoff Cumber, took on the Stamford Valentines 30k over a tough but extremely pretty and rural course in Lincoln- shire. It was sunny but windy.
Sarah finished 35th in a field of around 600 runners in 2:02:42. She was second lady and first F45.
Geoff finished in 2:18:00 in 136th place. He was the first M65.