Harriers embrace busy Bank Holiday
THE early May Bank Holiday was a busy one for Rochdale Harriers with runners racing on all three days.
On Saturday 4th May Chris Gee, Jeff Mccarthy, Dan Merlo and Ian Stainthorpe travelled up to the Lake District for the latest in the Lakeland Trails series at Staveley over the 18k (Approx 11 mile) distance.
The Lakeland Trail races look to cater for all abilities of runners and have various different events with more ‘competitive’ races alongside events aimed at those looking to enjoy a scenic run out in the Lakes.
Starting and finishing at Staveley Recreation Ground, the route follows fully marked and marshalled footpaths and bridleways, taking in views of most of the southern Lakeland fells above the Kentmere
Valley and over the climb of Reston Scar.
Jeff and Ian raced
against 47 others in the ‘Race 18k’ with Jeff finishing in 1:45:00 and 25th place and Ian completing the route in 1:49:26 for 31st place.
Chris and Dan ran alongside 205 others in the ‘Challenge 18k’ event with Chris 41st after 1:55:28 and Dan 84th after 2:06:56.
On Sunday 5th May three Harriers made the journey over to Yorkshire for the popular Bluebell Trail race. This approximate 16.5 km (10.3
mile) multi-terrain race starts and finishes in Elland and takes the runners through woodland, on canal towpaths and up the notorious cobbled climb of Trooper Lane around Copey, Halifax and
Southowram.
408 runners lined up at the start and Dec Harrison was the first Rochale vest back in 89th position after 1:36:24. Racing on consecutive days, Ian Stainthorpe finished
179th after 1:49:39 with
Corina Haynes 247th after
1:59:47.
Meanwhile on Sunday, Mark Walker raced the Great Hameldon Fell race in Accrington. This approximate 10km (6 mile) race starts and finishes in Peel Park and visits the Great Hameldon trip point via Moleside Moor. Mark finished 90th out of 212 runners in a time of 58:49
On Monday 6th May three racers joined 156 others at the Coiners fell race in Mytholmroyd.
This approximate 11km
(6.7km) race works its way up to the Stoodley Pike monument via Dick’s Lane and returns through the forever boggy Sunderland Pasture, the fast trails alongside Bell House and Erringden Moor with a steep grassy descent to finish.
Pete Butterworth was first Rochdale back, 56th in a time of 1:07:34, followed by Mark Walker (Another double race weekender) in 90th place after 1:13:37, with Michael Jackson 98th after 1:15:51.