Sat. 5th April 2025, Barley
The third race in Preston Harriers Fell Championship was this short, sharp, tough historic race. It was after this race on 4th April 1970 that a meeting was held and the FRA was formed. The race starts in Barley and this year incorporated the Lancashire Fell Championship, as well as junior races. County medals could be earned.
It is a level fast start but the climbing soon begins, firstly, on a steep tarmac track then a level section before arriving at the foothills of Pendle where the real climbing begins, steadily at first through fields then the ascent of Pendle starts. After some time the wide walkers track is reached and you can almost see the summit, but then the route takes a right fork and a breakneck descent ensues taking runners right down to the base of the flank of Pendle hill. Marshals direct you skywards directly to the top via a calf-burning, lung busting climb directly up to the trig point, amidst the many walkers wondering where these red faced fell-runners have appeared from. No time for pics for the runners, it’s a left turn and then as fast as you can back down off the fell to pick up the outward bound route down the lane you ascended – it feels torturous now on tired legs.
In a field of 216 runners, 9 Preston Harriers toed the line this year, including two ladies. Unfortunately there were several absentees through injury.
Oli Murphy of Ilkley Harriers won the race in 31.37. First harrier Ali Palmer returning to good form was 2 mins behind in 33.34 for 7th place overall -a fine run. Ali was also 1st Lancashire counter in the senior category.
Next in was V60 John Griffiths 42.55 (64th), closely followed by John Rainford 43.26 (69th) another V60. Next in for the Harriers was Lady runner Amelia Websdale 46.15 (92nd) Amelia is a medical student at Manchester Uni, but is currently based at Preston hospital. She has run all her life and loves trail running the most. A great addition to the fell running group. She finished 15th out of 59 lady runners.
Next in for the Harriers was V50 Darren McDermott 48.07. (112th) Daz had recently been bitten by the bug – literally rather than figuratively and it must have been a nasty little bug(ger) because it made him unwell and he had a tough day as a result.
Good to see Mike Burnham on the startline and getting back into racing finishing in 48.38 (122nd). Shortly after, next harrier in was Joe Sharples 48.54 (127th) trying his first fell race for ages. Commendably, Joe had travelled to the race using public transport. Hopefully we will see him at some more fell runs/races.
Behind Joe was our second lady, ever enthusiastic Olga Wiggins 1.05.49 (202nd) who managed to get in some action shots whilst racing! Final harrier was the amazing Pete McDermott V80 and still running very respectable times – 1.17.25 (212th) and by no means last in the race with several much younger guys behind him. Long may he continue to race.
Unfortunately, I had to dash off straight away, so couldn’t partake of the post-race social. Next race in the club fell championship is Fairfield Horseshoe-a classic round-give it a try.
John Griffiths