Gav leads Valley home in fine style
Calder Valley’s fell runners headed to Dumfriesshire to tackle the latest instalment of the British Fell Running Championship. Awaiting them was the gruelling Durisdeer fell race, squeezing over 4,000ft of climbing into just 9.1 miles.
Gav Mulholland came into his own and can take great pride in his outstanding sixth place, crossing the line in tandem with clubmate Karl Gray.
Math Roberts carded a valiant eighth, and man of the moment Ben Mounsey trooped in 10th, ensuring that yet again Calder’s A men were up there with the big boys.
Tim Ellis continued to demonstrate his consistency with an excellent 13th.
Shaun Godsman and Darren Kay deserve special mention for competing while injured to ensure that Calder’s V40s remained in the reckoning for overall gold.
Karon Forster again show- cased her skill in the tougher races with an impressive 2hrs 18 mins while Helen Buchan showed that she’s well on the mend from an injury plagued season with a splendid 2:27.
On Sunday, more sedate proceedings were taking place at the Knowl Hill fell race, part three of Rochdale Harriers’ popular three day event comprising a road, trail and fell race.
Calder’s John Lloyd took the spoils on the Friday by winning the road race in 35:37.
A decent fourth place on Saturday’s trail race meant John was in with a shout of the overall win come Sunday’s fell instalment.
Rossendale’s Sam Tosh took Sunday’s crown with a blistering course record of 41:10o. John came in 18th.
Calder’s Andy Thorpe showed signs of a return to form in ninth while Gayle Sugden was second lady in 17th only a couple of minutes behind Holmfirth star Katie Walshaw, who was eighth.
Next Calder lady was Sally Newman as fourth lady.