Tue 6 June 2017
The weather conditions at the Preston Harriers` organised Paddys Pole fell race were very challenging this year, for both runners and the high turn-out of marshals and helpers. A very strong westerly wind howled across the fells making progress very difficult at times for the runners. The wind had through the day brought down some tree branches in the lanes near Chipping. The race starts and finishes near Fell Foot and is 6k, with 336 metres of climbing. It heads out under Parlick, crosses Blindhurst Fell to Fair Snape Fell (Paddys Pole) and returns with a fast descent to the finish off Parlick. The first three runners were together for the majority of the race and Matt Perry of Clayton le Moors won in 31.06, just two seconds ahead of Sam Harrison of Bowland. They both descended from Parlick at a furious pace as the lead kept changing hands. Rhys Cope of Rossendale was third in 31.22. Caitlyn Rice of Ribble Valley Harriers was the first lady home, an overall 10th in 34.34. Oliver Heaton was the highest placed Harrier; 5th in 32.09. Jon Green was 9th in 34.24 and Andrew Harrison 11th in 34.46. John Rainford placed 16th in 36.27. The ladies were represented by Vicki Sherrington (51.20), Olga Wiggins (57.44) and Emily Wiggins (60.27).