Gray makes the running in Mytholmroyd fell race
THE GROWING popularity of the Vocation Mytholmroyd Fell Race was demonstrated by the record turnout of 214 runners for last weekend’s edition.
The six-mile race, sponsored by Vocation Brewery, is run over typically tough Pennine terrain, with both lung-busting climbs of up to 1,640 feet and tricky descents. It is, however, well flagged so a good introduction for those new to the fell running scene.
Calder Valley’s record holder Karl Gray led from the front to take first place and top the V50 ranks with a time of 48:27.
Gray was made to work hard for the win though, with Royton’s Rob James finishing just one second behind and thirdplaced Ian Holmes, from Bingley, within 30 seconds.
Jonny Croston and Toby Sydes put in strong performances to finish 13th and 72nd respectively and propel the Valley
to fourth place in the men’s team standings.
Todmorden Harriers’ Annie Roberts led the women’s field home and was 20th overall in 56:46 minutes. She helped the
Harriers to the women’s team prize, with Ambi Swindells and Jane Leonard.
Calder Valley’s Rachel Johnson (17th woman), Jackie Scarf (19th woman) and Charlotte
Wetton (23rd woman) secured third in the women’s team list.
Race organiser Harley Beecroft said: “The rain held off for the race, but it was super wet underfoot and anyone who came back not muddy was very lucky.
“We had a good turnout from the Leeds University orienteering and fell group and there were wins in all age categories, including U21s and U23s.”
Calder Valley results :1Karl Gray M50 48:27; 13 Jonny Croston M40 54:32; 72 Toby Sydes M50 1:08:20; 78 Anthony Costello M50 1:09:07; 97 Jonnie Watson M40 1:11:04; 100 Tim Brooks M50 1:11:39; 112 Rachel Johnson W50 1:14:20; 114 Jackie Scarf W50 1:14:58; 124 Paul Taylor M50 1:17:38; 134 Lawrence Fennelly M50 1:19:55; 137 Charlotte Wetton 1:20:22; 172 John Nunn M60 1:31:55; 175 Andrew Smith M50 1.32:37; 176 Diane Wright W50 1:33:48; 179 Ian Law M50 1:35:12.
Calder’s Ben Mounsey continued his fine form in Spain with a second place finish in the tough Alicante Gata De Gorges Trail Race.
Mounsey completed the 16k course, with 750m of climb, in 1:19:19, only one minute behind winner Pol D’Olesa (1.18:18).
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