Local fell runners finally get off the start line in speedy Bilberry Fields race
THE RESCHEDULED Bilberry Fields race, originally planned for last November, finally took place last week and Calder Valley Fell Runners had a small contingent of runners for the early evening meet in unseasonably warm weather.
The route has tough climbs and lovely fast descents in a 4.6 mile tour of the hills and woods above Lydgate.
Organised as a time-trial, the field of 79 runners set off at thirty-second intervals to ensure as much social distancing as possible.
The first climb to Orchan
Rocks stretched the field out further and soon runners were on Hudson Moor heading to Whirlaw Stones, looping past the Wizard of Whirlaw and on to Dungeon Wood.
The Calderdale Way featured twice before the race headed downhill to Rake Farm and under the railway line for a finish on Harley Wood playing fields.
One of the club’s rising stars, Martin Howard, enjoyed a brilliant run, coming in second and less than a minute behind Great Britain runner Tom Adams, who posted the first course record of 32:01.
Fastest woman and fifth overall was Calder Valley’s Holly Page who set down a woman’s record of 36:31 for the course.
Andy Ford, running in the red and white for the first time, took eighth place overall.
Cass Chisolm had a good short, sharp run out after her long-distance exploits of the past few months while Jon Wilson and Anthony Costello flew the flag for the club’s growing band of veteran runners.
Stainland Lions’ seasoned fell runners David Culpan and Martin O’Brien also signed up for the Bilberry Fields Fell Race, clocking 50:41 and 51:29 respectively.
Queensbury Running Club’s Stephen Brook ran the Carlisle 10k in 51:15. He claimed first vet 70 and finished 119th out of 191.