Sun. 11th May 2025, Whitechapel
This is an ideal race for those runners wishing to sharpen up their climbing and descending skills. The race starts from the village of Whitechapel and includes a 1 mile/230ft climb up Beacon Fell. Not a race to look for a PB but compensated by the excellent views towards Preston along the forest edge on the fell road.
First to appear at my camera vantage point at the 3.75 miles point on the fell was Rob Webb (Rossendale H.) who finished in 34:37 with a massive lead of almost 5 minutes on the next finisher. After a long wait, where I almost thought the rest of the field had gone astray, the next two runners appeared followed by Jason Parker in 4th place. Jason caught the two ahead of him to finish in 2nd place and 1st Vet 50. Next Harrier home was James Hodson, 7th in 41:42, followed by Alexander Butler-Mitchell, 14th in 43:24.
Amelia Websdale had the best run of the day. On Beacon Fell she was running alongside Sarah Parkinson (Red Rose) but pulled away on the descent to finish 26 seconds ahead, for 16th place (43:57). Next Harrier home was Richard Barnes (MV45) 45th in 48:45, and Alan Metcalf (MV60) 57th in 50:31. There were 181 finishers.
I try to get to as many fell, road and cross country races as possible taking photos of Harriers. Please remember, if you are not wearing a club vest, I may not see you. Also, try not to tuck in behind the runner in front of you, it’s difficult to get a photo, but I’ll try.
Blackstick Blue 10K Photos on Flickr
Steve Taylor