Glossop Fell Race

'Studmarks on the Summits' reported that the original Glossop Fell Race was first held in 1981 and was organised by Dark Peak Fell Runners. The route was thought to be 22 miles with 4200ft of ascent. The first winner was Rob Pearson of the host club with a time of  2 hrs 58 minutes 36 seconds. Our own Bill Buckley, then running for Rochdale Harriers,was 15th in 3.31.28. These are the mandatory checkpoints:-

1. Start - Manor Park SK041946
2. Pond (East side), bottom of Ashton Clough SK079941
3. Trig point, Higher Shelf Stones SK088947
4. Old Mill SK079 990. Now private land, pinched from us.
5. Ruined sheep pen on Crowden Little Brook SE 074022
6. Laddow Rocks SE 057 015.
7. Path Junction SK067 995
8. Stile top of Knarr SK045993
9. A628 Road crossing SK040983
10. Stile on Torside Clough (PW) SK062 975
11. Ruined cabin SK065 967
12. Stile/gate on Doctor's Gate track SK053950
13. Finish - Manor Park SK041946

The race continued through the 1980s and was held during the Glossop Festival Weekend, the Carnival Parade was on the Saturday, the fell race on the Sunday part of 'A Day in the Park' with stalls, sideshows and other events.

The race always clashed with the Tour of Tameside except in 1986 when it was on the day after. I just managed to get round at the back of the field feeling knackered but wanting to complete my local fell race at least on one occasion.  In that year it was won by Glossopdale's Andy Trigg in 2hr 50.52. His clubmate David Ibbetson was 2nd in 2.55.20 and helped secure the team prize. A local firm supplied huge cloth numbers for the race which had to be collected in at the end. No chance of pinning these on your shorts!

 



I'm not sure when the race was last held but Glossopdale Harriers staged a new version of the race in early October from 1994 to 1996. I always thought that the route of the original race was a little convoluted and preferred the new version though I never managed to race it because of marshalling duties. The new route took in Higher Shelf Stones, Alport Trig, Blackden Brook, Seal Stones, Fairbrook Naze, ruined cabin in the Ashop, Snake Summit, back down Doctor's Gate. Similar to some of Al Cowell's long runs in preparation for his Paddy Buckley round but not quite as far! I can't remember the quoted distance and height gain but the winning time of 3.22.35 by Glossopdale's Adi Jones in 1994 clearly indicated that it was a longer, tougher route.

The race was always difficult to stage mainly because of restrictions imposed by the Peak Park authorities and was last held in 1996.

Thanks to Bill Buckley for providing information to help in this blog.

The Inaugural Stamford Park Run 2nd May 2015

Written by Sikobe

Stamford Park Inaugural Parkrun – 2^nd May 2015

By: Obi-wan-sikobe

Well it is over 5 years since I started doing the Parkrun series, and finally 2015 marks the year when it seems I am going to have a very-local Parkrun that I can jog or cycle to from my back door, no car required, without leaving before 8.15am for a 9am start. No, no, not just one local Parkrun, but like the proverbial buses, quite possibly two. Because this was the week that Stamford Park Parkrun (Stalybridge) started and also the week that Dan Ellingworth confirmed that the prospective Glossop (Manor Park) event had passed the two-thirds point in its fund raising journey, following receipts in connection with the successful Glossop marshalling at the Manchester Marathon in April. The two events are roughly 3 miles equidistant from Mottram, and a 30 minute jog or 15 minute cycle for me right now.

Back in the day (2009 – 2010) when I started doing Parkruns, the nearest events were Heaton and Bramhall and shortly after I started, came Woodbank and South Manchester (Platt Fields). Later Oldham and Marple. These were the days before I joined GDH, when I was training for Tri, and before the kids started frequenting sports clubs (football, XC, skating, etc) on a Saturday morning. I could sneak out of the house into the car at 8am and be back, unmissed, for 10am, just as they were getting up from their weekend lie-in. Over two years, in between working away, I managed to ratchet up 40 runs at Heaton and a few at South Manchester and Woodbank. I ran my 50^th PR at Heaton sometime in 2011 (the year after joining GDH) and my 100^th PR at Marple in March 2013 coincident with Neil’s 40^th Birthday 40k-in-a-day-bimble. Since then the hit rate has decreased somewhat, with an increase in Saturday morning taxi-service-duties to the girls’ sports events or attending other events with GDH, or weekends working away. I am no longer the sole 100-clubber in GDH, with Carl Buckley and soon a few others (Nev McGraw etc) clocking up their PR century. But I am still comfortably ahead, approaching 150.

Enough reminiscing though, before this turns into a Clarksonesque article. Back to Stamford Park. ‘Stamford’ - It sounds a bit posher than ‘Stalybridge’ doesn’t it? Though I do think the organisers missed a marketing trick by not calling it the ‘Staly-Vegas Parkrun’. But then maybe they would not have received the all-important set-up support from Tameside Borough Council that they appear to have had.

Dan E posted this week to remind the club that the event’s inaugural run was 2^nd May 2015. With no football match duty this BH weekend this gave me a pass-out opportunity that I grasped, and I was one of a number of Harriers who responded positively to Dan’s post. Come the day we had 6 Harriers at the start; Dan E, Lawrence, John S, Alison, Tom S, and me. I chose to run over, partly because I could (its <3 miles away) and partly because I wanted to trot over to Hartshead Pike trig on a post-Parkrun venture (but that’s another tale linked to my 50 at 50 trig challenge).

When I arrived at 8.45am (after a good 30 minute warmup jog-over) there was a good gaggle of runners milling around at the finish funnel area, and I had a quick chat with the other Harriers and with James Kemp (Marple PR and PR NW Regional Director) and a few others on the Stamford organising team. It soon became evident that this was going to be a challenging 2-lap XC-style course over undulating parkland. SkeleTom trundled up after having arrived early and done one lap of the course as his warm-up. Rod was also there supporting us with Lucy on a lead. He was not running due to the double-whammy of having expended his week’s allotment of energy on his allotment and then not finding his barcode anyway. One place closer to the front for me then, thanks Rod.

“It’s going to be interesting,..” Tom said to me in a warning voice. “.. because I am expecting a few people to get caught out by starting too fast for the off-road terrain”. Five minutes later we were all stood behind the start line having the inaugural briefing, with Tom and me just behind the front line of runners. We were given the off and there was a hustle and bustle up the relatively narrow starting track towards the lake, with around 15-20 runners including Tom bursting ahead of me and the rest of the 140 strong field. I called out to Tom, “don’t set off too fast mate, remember what you said”, and he eased off and dropped back behind my shoulder after 200m as the field spread along the track around the lake and started to climb towards the parkland which was reached somewhere between 0.5 and 1km. Soon the route climbed eastwards behind Tameside Hospital along grassy paths through parkland dotted with shrubs and trees, typical dog-walkers rough ground country between the hospital and the nearby residential estates. The path is rutted and bumpy and relatively dry today, but one can imagine it being slippy in the wet. It’s a very runnable XC climb to the top of the course but one which is a test for anyone not used to off-road terrain. Perfect terrain for most Harriers though. As I reach the marshal at the top of the course I can sense Tom still close behind me and we are gaining on a couple of guys who do indeed appear to have gone off too fast. A wave and thank-you to the marshal and we have turned to descend back to the lake along a rutted path roughly parallel to the one we just climbed. A few places gained on this decent and we are back again by the lake about to reach half way after lap 1 of the course. There are Rod and Lucy, spectating alongside Dave Norman (who apparently, Rod tells me later, helped design the course). “Come on” Rod shouts at me, “You are doing well but Tom’s close behind you”. Of course he is I thought, he biding his time to overtake me on lap two or in a sprint finish. I wonder, however, can I shake him off on lap two?

Back round the loop we went. I was feeling good, pushing myself but not too much. On the climb back up to the top marshal I picked up another couple of places, and as I turned to descend I could no longer sense Tom behind me and I was about 10 seconds behind a guy in front who I recognised as someone who has recently finished just ahead of me at Oldham. He descended well and I wasn’t gaining on him now, but I didn’t look back. Half way down the descent back to the lake (and the waiting Rod) I sensed someone gaining on me, and taking a sneak I realised it was another runner, not Tom. Phew. He was breathing evenly as he came alongside, and I urged him past towards the guy in front, realising he had more in reserve than I did for the final 1k. In a line of three we hit the lakeside, and Rod urged me on again shouting “Good lad, you’ve dropped Tom, he’s way behind you now”. Right I thought, I just need to keep my place from here. Into the final 0.5k of the run, hard surface now, down to the main road, left along 100m of pavement and left again back into the park. Last 200m back towards the grassy field finish. I can’t catch the 2 guys ahead who are both finishing strong, but there is no one close behind me either. Grit teeth and pump arms towards the funnel, hoping for a good time. Cross line, glance at watch, 21:30, that should do. Tom comes in just over 30 seconds later with two or three between us. He’s getting back to fitness and has had a good run, but admits I was just a bit stronger on the second lap. Lawrence, John, Alison, and Dan come in with good times, with John and Alison having their own tussle on lap two. We all agree it’s a tough course, not as tough as Lyme Park but tougher than most PR courses around Manchester. Probably 1-2 minutes slower than a fast PR course. However, a few of us were left wondering what the 100m of roadside pavement in the last 500m is all about though. A stamp left by the road-running Normans maybe? Or an advertising opportunity to catch the eye of local passing traffic?

We dispersed, with John, Alison and I doing a 5.8 mile post-Parkrun trot up to Hartshead Trig (Mossley Cross) and back to Rod and Lucy chilling out to music at the car. Then over to Lymfield garden centre café for a welcome brunch to round off a very worthwhile morning. My GPS watch said 18.8km in total for my morning’s run. Great, a good component of my current 40+ mpw base training. Great run, great Parkrun, and great company.

So in conclusion, a welcome addition to the Greater Manchester Parkrun suite. A tough little XC course, which should be even tougher in the wet / winter. Today was chilly, but dry and firm underfoot in trail shoes. One for the fast ones in GDH to target a sub-20. A future club champs event to rival Marple or Lyme Park ? Maybe. Results here: http://www.parkrun.org.uk/stamfordpark/results/weeklyresults/?runSeqNumber=1

Obi Wan.

Great Local Running Areas

It is my firm belief that living in the Glossop area offers many options for all kinds of running. The town is backed by the Dark Peak moors,we are close to the Trans-Pennine Trail, Pennine Way, Pennine Bridleway, Longdendale Valley, there are many footpaths and we are on the edge of the beautiful Peak District National Park. I have been a runner for 37 years now and never tire of the variety on offer. In no particular order, here are just some of my favourite places to run.

Number 1 - Hobson Moor

Easily reached from Glossop, Hobson or Hollingworth Hall Moor has so many footpaths and routes that even today I am still able to locate new ones. There are fantastic views all around and good going underfoot. Used also for training by legends Andi Jones and Sikobe. Favourite route:- up and over PBW to Carbrook then back via Hobson Moor Trig point.

Number 2 - Shelf Moor

Whether you are up on Shelf Moor on a wet, windy day, in the snow or on a warm summer evening, it really is a special place. I have been lost, well misplaced, up here on several occasions, not the place to venture unless you know it or are in company. Again so many different running options. Favourite route:- Doctors Gate, Crooked Clough, B29 Superfortress, Shelf Stones, Shelf Moor race descent.

Number 3 - Cown Edge

Easily reached yet again from the town centre, this area affords good running options combined with fantastic 360 degree views. Mentioned in 'Studmarks on the Summits' as one of Bill Buckley's training areas also. Favourite route:- Gamesley, Hargate, Slack Edge, Cown Edge, Plainsteads, back down the Nab.

Number 4 - Werneth Low











Sometimes heading back closer into the edge of Greater Manchester offers some hidden gems.  If you can get a lift to Stockport there is an excellent run back though the valley to Glossop. Favourite route:-  Etherow Edges taking in Broadbottom, Werneth Low, Etherow Park in Compstall, back home to Glossop via Coombes Rocks and the Nab.

Number 5 - Matley Moor



The area at the back of the Nab en route to Hayfield and Rowarth is a wonderful vantage point for views of the bigger hills. The paths and quiet roads here were often used by Andi Jones on his long Sunday morning runs. Favourite route:- Paths to the top of the Chunal, then return to Glossop via Harry Hut and either Moorfield or Gnat Hole.

Number 6 - Dragons Back

A little bit further afield but still reachable from Glossop. This ridge is very quiet and offers great views of the Kinder massif. Favourite route:- up to Cracken Edge via Kinder Trog descent, Peep O'Day then back down the ridge.

Number 7 -  Cock Hill and Shooting Cabin

Perfect destination if you want to get a fell run in and you are restricted for time. Good climb up from Old Glossop then a lot of choice either for continuing or heading back. Favourite route:- Eastwards on the beaters path then landrover track to Dowstone Clough and Yellowstacks, back down Lightside.

Number 8 - Longdendale Valley

 

Living in Hadfield, it is only natural that my home valley is where I do most of my running straight from the front door. I used to run in the valley before the old railway line was converted into a trail so know a lot of the other available paths and options. Whether you want to get up higher onto the Knarr (see photo), Bleaklow, Upper Longdendale or a steady run round the reservoirs, there are limitless route choices of distance and severity. The Longdendale Trail is a good option for all, also offers quick access onto or an easy way back from the higher moors. Favourite route:- Up the northern side of the ressers to the crossing under the Woodhead Dam then trail and footpaths back, good climb back out of Padfield or through Bankswood to get back to Glossop.

Number 9 - Kinder





Moving further afield now for the last two, though the delights of Kinder can still be enjoyed on a long run from Glossop centre via Turfpits or Harry Hut. Many, many options on Kinder dependent on how much time you have, the northern edges can be very quiet, wild and rugged, great to be at the Downfall when it's blowing back or frozen as it was in recent years. Kinder is not to be taken lightly, several Pennine Way aspirants have had enough after the first day! Favourite routes:- through Kinder Gates and back by the southern edges or Shelf Brook, Roman Road, Lady Clough and back via the Snake Path and Moorfield.

Number 10 - Derwent Valley







 Much further afield now but only a short drive over the Snake. If you can get someone to give you a lift there are many route options to return over the moors to Glossop. Marvellous scenery, a beautiful valley, limitless options low or higher level. Favourite route:- Fairholmes, Lost Lad, Back Tor, south along the edge to Whinstone Lee Tor then drop down back under the edge to Fairholmes.

 

I could have included so many other areas also: Black Hill, Goyt Valley, the marvellous run over the Wilderness to Alphin and Chew Valley on the high level crossing to Laddow and back via Crowden etc   10K runners have the benefit of the Longdendale Trail, Green Lane trail, Derbyshire Level. If you are training for long hard fell-runs, try running reps up the climb from Crowden to Lad's Leap, Sandy Heys direct from the bottom of Williams Clough. GDHrs in the past including the legendary Andy Trigg used to train for Jura by running reps in Torside Clough straight up to the edge path from the stream in the bottom. Score orienteers could get some practice in by seeing how many Peak and Northern Footpath Signs they could visit in a set period of time. The location of all the signposts can be found on the Peak and Northern Footpath Society website by clicking here

 

 

There are some of my favourite local running areas and routes. Which are yours?





Don't get lost, get Recced!

The advantage of major races being held nearby to where you live is the sought-after 'local knowledge' which the Fellrunners Association list as desirable in some of the races run under their aegis. The getting of local knowledge comes from the Recce Run, where runners take a morning, afternoon or weekend to familiarise themselves with the race route, its challenges and most of all the optimal lines to take to shave off precious miles, minutes or metres of ascent.

When I first joined Glossopdale Harriers I remember overhearing recces being planned, thinking how dedicated and hardcore the runners were, to be going out (often in winter) to ensure a good performance on the day. Of course, Winter is a time when you don't want to be spending unnecessary time out in a side-wind, falling into freezing bogs or skittering down the wrong hill. So it came to pass that I've found myself on a number of recce trips this winter, firstly for the Trigger race and the fabled Christmas-tree Time Portal across the peaty wastes of the Kinder Plateau, and more lately for the Edale Skyline, a local classic Long race and one where you hear there are great gains to be made by learning some shortcuts.

finding some saucepans at Bleaklow Head whilst recceing the Trigger

This Saturday the Babes (and honorary Babe Mr Stephenson) took a trip to Edale to check the lines on the second half of the race route. The party consisted of Sue, Jude, John, Alison, Milo the dog and myself - we set off up towards Mam Nick with 'raceshy' Sue setting a cracking pace. On reaching the ridge at Rushup we realised that Spring had not yet reached the higher contours of the area and made onwards with caution to the icy puddles. On reaching the path to Brown Knoll we fell into chatter, marvelling at a line of perfect icicles along the side of a peat grough. Having lost a clear path on the ground we reached the crest of a small raise to find we were a bit far off to the right of our goal, the trig point of Brown Knoll. Running over to regain the path we then dicsovered that we'd managed to inadvertently avoid all the Bogs of Doom this hill is famous for. So we found a new, potentially time-saving line by accident! However with nothing to compare it with, it may not get followed come race day.

After suffering some icy winds on the way up towards Pym Chair we had a short break to don jackets and refuel on Pork Pies and butties (mandatory fellrunner foods) On continuing we spied a familiar shorts-wearing figure heading towards us. It was none other than Bob Graham and Cuillin Ridge completer and all-round Glossopdale powerhouse Alasdair Cowell, out for a Saturday jaunt. I grew dizzy and tired just hearing where he'd been and we packed him off on his way in the hopes he'd soon sit down and have a nice cup of tea.

Here is where I must pull over the veil of secrecy in case any Calder Valley runners are reading...we approached Pym Chair and *poof* like magic, ten minutes later, we reappeared on the edge path just near Crowden Brook. Suffice to say we found the line we meant to find, to avoid further Bog of Doom territory at the Woolpacks. Jude then started saying something about going down and up. I though she was crazy till I remembered her pedigree (not Milo's, hers!) so the group split with Jude, Milo and I on an intrepid mission to learn whether dropping down into the valley of Grindsbrook Clough and then climbing steeply back up we could reach the final checkpoint at Ringing Roger before the others.

Jude, Milo and I had tremendous fun, taking a very off-piste line down to the brook, crossing over and then spying another runner with a dog descending through the woods a bit further along, We hurried to the bridge to meet him, keen to know whether he too was practising his lines for race day. He was, and his advice was that it was a good line though only for the hardy climbers as, once the checkpoint is reached, you might be short on 'zing' for the foot-busting descent on a stony track to the finish. We followed him up , scrambling up a stream then popping out on the stony track only to see Alison waving at us from the top. Decision made - stay on the edge path and save our legs for descending.

Descend we did, and over to the Penny Pot cafe for tea, cakes and discussion. No down-and-up, and if we can actually remember where we went - John pointed out that we had gone over a bit of hill called Horsehill Tor - we'll likely take that line on race day. A fun day out both for those intending to race, those not bothered by the race but loving the run, and Milo, who's not allowed to race as he can't pin a number to his chest.

My Glossopdale Diary 2014

January



The Trigger is the toughest of races but very popular with the Harriers

Ladies team prize at Hit the Trail, Sue Clapham 1^st V45 followed by tea and cakes at Chez Zoe.

Ladies team prize at the Trigger.
Caitlin Rice 1^st Lady at Lambs Longer Leg and Tigger Tor.
Mike Mawby and Kirsty Johnson represent the club at the Northern XC Champs at Knowsley.
John Stephenson completes Marmot Dark Mountains overnight event on Bleaklow and Kinder.

February

Great year for ever-smiling Caity



Good times enjoyed at the YHA Shropshire weekend.

Tim Budd 2^nd overall Combined Titterstone Clee and Long Mynd Valleys.
Caity 1^st overall Combined and 1^st Lady Titterstone Clee.
Kirsty 3^rd Senior Lady @ Boggart Hole Clough XC. 2^ndoverall in SELXC series.
Mike Mawby and Kirsty Johnson compete at the National XC Champs.
Caity 1^st Lady Ratcliffe 10.
Mark O 1^st New Chew Short course.

March

Zoe very popular at Cloud Nine

Jereon holding regular Monday night speed sessions throughout the year.
Caity 1^st Lady @ Wolfs Pit.

Lins cycles over the Snake and back to complete the Wolfs Pit race, Caity 1st Lady.
11 runners at the Trafford 10K Champs Counter which passes without another Chipgate. 

Paul and Cheryl Stitt get married

6 @ the Donard Challenge in Newcastle, Northern Ireland, first counter British Fell Champs where Zoe is first to emerge from the 'mayhem in the mist' and with Caity and Lins placed 5^th in the team competition.

Lynne and Tim host popular 'Strength and Running' classes.
 



April




All smiles at 'Stride Through The Woods', a 2015 Champs Counter

Caity a marvellous 5th in English Fell Champs counter @ Pendle. Women's team 9th.
PBs for Ryan Costello, Caity, Ian Oates and Neil at the Asics Manchester Marathon.
Sue, Kirsty, Zoe PBs at the Virgin London Marathon.
Andy Burnett PB at the historic 'We're Still Racing Anyway' Rebel Sheffield Half-Marathon.

Tim and Alice 1^st mixed pair at Rab Snowdonia MM.

120 runners at Sue's Herod Farm race, Caity 1^st Lady.

Tim Budd 1^st U/40 at Ras Y Moelwyn.

Good turnout at Stride Through The Woods.

Caity 4^th Lady @ 3 Peaks; wins at Kinder Downfall following day!

Nick Ham completes another Fellsman.

May

More prizes for the GDH Babes team

A week to remember for SuperCaity:- a superb 3^rdat English Champs Counter at Coniston (Sat), 1^stat Moorfield 5K (Sun), James Thorn (Mon), Burbage Skyline (Tues), 2^ndBuxworth 5 (Fri), 1^stCressbrook Crawl (Sat), completed 83 mile High Peak Hog Cycle (Sunday) with several others from the club in atrocious weather.

Steve, Chris and Neil 1^st Men's team at Moorfield 5K.

4 teams complete Old County Tops in good weather unlike 2013.

Caity 1^st Lady at Lantern Pike Dash, Saddleworth and Bamford Sheepdog Trials race.

Six race at Jura. Tim Budd wins sub 4hour whisky glass.

Nick Ham completes Welsh Valleys 100.

13 at the Dovestone Diamond Champs counter. Ladies win team prize, Steve 1st MV45, Sue 1st FV45, Zoe 1st FV35.

Caity wins her 1st Lakes AL race at the Long Duddon.

Charlie becomes V40 and hosts a well-attended garden party.

June



Glossopdale Blokes win prizes too

Lindsay and Alison 2nd FVets 3^rd Female pairing overall in LAMM C Class at Strathcarron.

Caity 2^nd female at this stage in English Fell Champs after 3 races.

Tim B, Chris, John H 2^nd team prize at Cwn Pennant.

Chris and Caity in first place in their categories after 4 races in North Wales Champs.

16 runners out at Club Champs race at Round the Ressers.
Nev and Neil father and son double in Fun on the Fells vet category prizes.
Good turnout at the Summer Solstice bash.
John H, Chris and Rich win team prize at the Kinder Trog. 13 running at this Fell Champs race.
Carl Bedson and Lins win at the Vegan Carneddau.
Mike Mawby 7^th and sub 1.20 at the Runfest Wales Half Marathon.

July



Sikobe doing it in 'stile'



Tour de France fever hits Glossop. Many cycle, run or walk up the valley to witness this great event. Dipper-in-chief Sikobe runs to Hebden Bridge with Sue and John prior to racing in the Heptonstall Grand Depart Fell Race!

Chris Jackson continues good Welsh series form with 9^th at Moel Siabod.
Zoe, Lins and Cheryl win Ladies Team Prize at Wormstones.
4 in first 10 at Charlesworth, Caity 1^st Lady, drinks and nibbles post-race @ new Chez Zoe.
8 run at English Champs counter at Kentmere, Chris and Caity having done Snowdon day before.
Caity in 1^st position in English Fell Champs after Kentmere, Beryl 3rd FV65.
Caity 1^st Female at Peak Forest.
Ian Oates completes Full Outlaw Ironman.
Many at Gravy 6 & Millbrook Monster with Ryan, Tim Nudds and Ben in competitive top 20, great chip butty post-race.
Many GDHrs enjoy Skye trip with a  Cycling Tour and the Cuillin Ridge just some of the delights savoured.
Rich White completes the Rydale Round race prior to becoming a V40.

August

Great year for young Chris

Jon Matthews 1st V50 in the 70 miles Grim Reaper Ultra Marathon raising money for local charities Mummy's Star and Reuben's Retreat.

Caity wins again locally at Cracken Edge and Eccles Pike.
Sikobe, Sue and John 1^st team at inaugural Steam Bunny Bluff.
Caity 1st place and new course record at Chipping Show and 1st also at Cannonball Sheep Fell Over race.
Mike Mawby 1.21 and 11th place at the Canterbury Half Marathon.
Tim Culshaw completes the TDS (Tour de Savoie) one of the UTMB series.
Chris Jackson 2nd @ Hairy Dog and good points in the British Champs race at Maesgwyn Muddle.
The following day Chris is 2nd to Mark O at the Crowden Horseshoe so the Fell Champs go to the final counter at the 'Grin 'n Bear It' race in November.
Caity wins at Crowden Horseshoe, her 21st win of the year. 

 

September







Keen competition at the Plum Fair Scamper with Ben at the front





Chris 2nd again and Lins 1st FV45 at Hades Hill and confirmed as Midweek Champions.
Caity and Chris run the Ben Nevis race, Caity 4^th, bronze medal and prize.
Sue Clapham, a marvellous 2^nd Lady at the 56 mile Bullock Smithy.
Steve Crossman and Ian Oates do two legs each at the 4 leg Cross Keys Road/Fell Relay. Surely we must have at least one team in this next year?
Charlie's Shelf Moor race attracts a classy field of 100 runners with Lakeland club winners even though Sarah Tunstall does a 'Cinderella' and leaves her chocolate shoe behind at the ball!
Mike Mawby in elite pen with Mo and pb 1.17.07 at the Great North Run.
Caity 4^th at Hodder Valley to finish a fabulous 4^th overall in the English Champs series.
Beryl Buckley an equally fabulous 3rd FV65 in the same series.
Caity wins the following day at the Plum Fair Scamper, Vet category prize for Nev, everyone back to Caity's for tea and cakes.
Jo Nuttall, 2^nd Lady at the Yorkshireman Off-Road Marathon.
Caity confirmed as 8^th in the British Fell Running Champs, Ladies team 12th.
Sue Clapham 1^st Lady @ Big Stockport 10K.
Caity and Chris win Jack and Jill prize @ Scafell race, trophy presented by the legendary Joss. Caity 1^st Lady and again at Dale Head.
Caity 4^th Lakeland Classics Trophy, 1^st Lady and joint 2^nd overall in the Hayfield Fell Championships and 1^st Lady Penistone Hill Race.







October



All smiles at the finish of a tough race at Woodbank



Sue hosts end of summer get together.

Jo Nuttall 2^nd jt female and 4^th overall at Gower Ultra 50.
Caity 1^st female at Saddleworth Edges (new record time) and first again at Race You To The Summit.
Autumn Fellrunner magazine is a Glossopdale special edition.
Club has a team at the Ian Hodgson Relays.
Sikobe hosts pre Cross Country Ugali party.
Great turnout at Woodbank Park for 1^st fixture in the newly joined Manchester Area XC League.
Glossopdale history made with 4 teams at the FRA Relays on the Middleton Fells.
Sue Clapham 3.22 and 3^rd LV50 @ the BMW Frankfurt Marathon.
10 runners at Neil's inaugural Moorfield 5K Handicap.

November





Ever-competitive Kirsty, another runner who had a great year





Andy Anastasi races at Shepherds Skyline the day before moving up into the V50 category.

Chris and Caity confirmed in 2^nd places in North Wales Fell Series.

24 at the Beehive runs and social gathering (thanks due to Tim B).
Caity 1^st Lady at Cop Hill Fell Race and Tour of Pendle.
Mark Ollerenshaw clinches Fell Championship by winning at Grin 'n Bear It, Caity Female Champ.
10 out at Manchester Area XC League match 2 at Sherdley Park, St Helens, thanks for the tent Lins.
Sikobe in rich vein of form 1^st GDHr back out of 7 at the Roaches.
Malc Brown PB at the Preston 10.
Alice on foot beats Tim C on bike at Harriers v Cyclists race.
GDHrs join in Jasmin's Birthday run and post-run party with Konrad.
Caity and Chris 1^st mixed pair @ RAB Mini MM in Edale.
14 run at the £2 Famous Grouse, Caity 1^st Lady.
Kirsty's 2^nd place at the Salford Ladies Race makes the running headlines in the Glossop Chron.

December

Keeping warm post-race at Boggart Hole

22 at Royal Oak runs and social gathering.

Daily reccies by GDHrs in the Kinder Bermuda Triangle searching for the Trigger Christmas Tree route. However, they later learn that Kinder Gates might be locked on race-day.
Great weekend for the club with large numbers at Boggart Hole Clough XC and Gravy Pud Race.
Sue Clapham 2nd V50 at XC,1^st Ladies Team win @ Gravy Pud, Steve Crossman 1^st V45.
Kirsty massive PB @ Stockport 10 and 2nd at SELXC Tandle Hill fixture.
Neil 5K PB, 5^th and 2^nd V40 Todmorden 5K Winter Series, also PB at Ribble Valley 10K
New format 2015 Club Championship revealed to widespread approval.
15 on Friday daytime pre-Christmas Magical Mystery Tour.
30 in biggest ever GDH Pack Run on Presentation Party Day hosted by Dave and Ines.
Chris and Caity Club Champs, Steve wins Road/Trail Champs and Age-Grade Shield, Lins Midweek.
Sikobe wins the coveted Most Improved Runner in possibly the toughest year so far to win it.

Carl Bedson wins the infamous Bomb Trophy from stiff opposition for services to misnavigation !

Caity 1^st Lady at the Stoop and her 29th victory in a fabulous 2014.
Prizes for Lins, Zoe, Ladies Team + Rachel and Sharn, and John S at the Festive Disorientation.





You don't have to be a bit mad to be a runner but it does help!



Here's to a Great 2015 with Glossopdale Harriers! Not the biggest running club but one of the best!

My First Lake District Mountain Trial. Sep 2014

For several years I’ve wanted to try my hand at the LDMT event because it’s one of the premier navigating tests in the fell calendar. I actually entered in 2013 only for it to be cancelled for the first time in its history. Not a good omen.

For those who don’t know about the Mountain Trial here is the introduction from the organiser’s website.

The Mountain Trial is a severe test of fellrunners’ mountaineering ability and stamina. Competitors are required to traverse difficult and often dangerous terrain, rapidly but safely. Navigational skills and route choice have a direct bearing on each competitor’s safety. Evolving from a race organised by the YHA in 1952, it is run on orienteering principles and is the longest established event of its kind in Great Britain.

(Note, entry information:

Classic Trial: around 16 miles and 7000ft climb. Estimated winning time = 4.5hrs). 

So to 2014 and I get my entry in, and find that Tim Culshaw has also entered so we head off up to the Lake District on Saturday evening. We stopped the night in the nearest YHA that had room at short notice – Arnside – look it up!.  Next morning we head off too early for the hostel cooked breakfast so munch on some Sheelagh lembas wafer and tea before driving to Patterdale for 8am. We meet Jasmin and Conrad at the start, see Joss Naylor pottering about but otherwise recognize very few competitors. Probably too elite a field for us?  My start time was 9am, Tim’s was 10am. This came back to bite Tim later on.

Time arrives, I’m all kitted up with loads of water and food in a rucksack. Noticed a lot of entrants only had small bumbags. Mental review, have I packed too much kit?. The minimum plus an extra layer in case – I think I would be unwise to dump anything.

At the start in the field we are realeased in 1 minute pairs and must follow a flagged route out of the village so that we have to go out towards St Sunday Crag. Map collection is 500m in, I got passed by two other runners before I reach my map. (Based on Harveys 1:40,000, quite small for the route area).

Up a good path, pretty steep going.  CP1 is at the head of Deepdale south of St Sunday Crag, While walking  I plan my route to contour round the highest point and then traverse down to the sheepfold.  Jasmin passed me running like a gazelle and was a small dot within 10 minutes.

Shoes start biting ankle bones during traverse to CP1, a bit worrying after only 45 minutes.

As I reached CP1 I noticed for the first time that every CP has a cut-off time printed on the map. This was absolute time, not related to your start time. I reached CP1 with 1hr8m in hand.

(Remember Tim’s starting time was an hour later!)

Steep climb out of Deepdale west and due to concern over shoes rubbing decide to use path to Grisedale Tarn then down Grisedale past Ruthwaite lodge then long climb 450m up to Hole in the Wall. Brutal climb, passed by maybe 10 faster runners including Dark Peak’s Rhys Findlay Robinson who asked if I’d seen a Hunters Bog Trotter. I gasped I wouldn’t know one if he’d jumped on my back. Turns out Rhys finished 2^nd to Hector Haines.

Time in hand now 45m. (Tim got timed out here – partly cos he was still not fully recovered from his 75 mile epic)

CP3 was about 4 miles away in a stream on Birkett Fell, I chose to go down and across Red Tarn to a path and down Glenridding Common, north between Stang and Sheffield Pike up another steep climb by the disused mine then contoured round head of Glen Coyne before climbing up and contouring to CP3. Met Danny from Scarborough and shared thoughts on tough terrain, we were gasping up a steep tussocky hill at about 1mph. I took a slightly better line and found CP3 before him and was very happy to see a lady last seen pulling away from me in Deepdale!

Time in hand still 45m.

West to CP4, legs beginning to hurt with another long climb through wild tussocks. Bad choice of trod round south of Green Side (later found this hill is called White Stones on OS map!) when should have gone across country to north, heading for Stybarrow Dodd. Lost 15 minutes :((. Joined another bloke on paths across Watsons Dodd and caught Danny again on long descent to CP4. Marshall offered a gel even though against rules!

Time in hand now only ~20m

CP5 only 1.5m traverse but again through rough tussocks and groughs and ascending ~100m, expected time in cutoff list for this leg is 15 minutes!  Now with Danny and other bloke. Really very tired now. Reached CP5 2m outside time but marshals let us dib.

Another bloke from Threlkeld passed us here with great determination to make up time so we all redoubled efforts to climb (again) up tussocks heading east  to near Wolf Crags. On descending the next valley I get cramp in left quad, first for years. Salt sachet helps. Push on make CP6 bang on time.

Next section longest leg over Great Dodd and South to a crag just short of Red Tarn Beck. Legs trembling and cramping on 320m ascent long tussocky drag to Great Dodd. Only Danny and I now last runners on course, both suffering and we knew we couldn’t make the next CP in time. (allowance was 1h15m, 2^nd man took 1h7m! Looking at splits results only about 15 men and Jasmin managed this leg in the allowed time).

Anyway, I tried to eat some more but throw up on Great Dodd. Can't manage more than one gel after this. Jog paths across the Dodds to Raise, Danny pulls away by a few minutes. More cramp descending to CP7 so walking sometimes now. Taken 30 minutes too long and finally timed out.

Jog slowly heading for Patterdale past china dragonfly exhibition, Finally make worst nav decision by taking wrong turn into Glenridding and miss CP8 which wasn't there any more anyway. Had to stagger back to Patterdale by road.

9 hours, 26.7 miles 8900 ft ascent. Unbelievably tired, couldn’t stomach any food until later at home.

Reflection:  I bit off more than I could handle, but one excuse was the published entry information very misleading. On the map it stated 30.1km and 2025m ascent. (18.8 miles and 6600ft). It seems most people took similar lines and ran about 25 miles and probably similar ascent as me. Later it was stated that the stats are based on the direct line between checkpoints, so be aware if you enter this event it underestimates the true challenge. It seems many acknowledged the route this year was tougher than usual.

Footnote: Hector Haines finished shortly after I had left checkpoint 3.

John Stephenson

Le Tour Comes To Longdendale

The tour is coming to Yorkshire, however can that be?

Better hang out some bunting and learn to say 'Merci'

The cyclists arrived for Le Grand Depart

Taking all of us Northerners to their hearts

The Duke and Duchess, they came to us

Instead of Cambridge, caused a bit of a fuss

Jensie the oldest man in the race

Went solo through the Dales at a hell of a pace

Disappointment in Harrogate for our man Cav

As a sprinter it can be the luck you have

In the end 'twas all about Kittel

He collared le maillot jaune as well

It dawned bright in Glossop on the second day

Many worries about cars being towed away

Fears were fuelled of a total lockdown

Because the tour was coming close to town

People began to panic, a bit of a to-do

'Cos they might miss their Sunday out at B&Q

But many hiked and biked by various routes

To be enchanted by the rabbits and the fruit shoots

The crowd was captivated by the tour caravan

More 'Je ne sais quoi?' than 'Ca ne fait rien'

Standing by the roadside looking for quelque chose

Going polka dotty for caps and haribots

A multitude had assembled on iconic Holme Moss

But TV missed out Derbyshire, just didn't give a toss

And it wasn't the commentator's finest hour

In saying that the riders were descending to Ladybower

Thousands saw the peloton, a glistening mass

On its way back to Yorkshire up a packed Woodhead Pass

More climbs were to come including Ewden Bank

For that we had the organisers to thank

It took its toll on the riders and many were floored

Well before the denoument on Jenkin Road

The big boys all came out to play

And it was Nibali who excelled to win the day

It's all over now yet still savoured in the mind

Even though these shores have been left behind

They're already forsaking the tea for le vin

Daily they're losing their Yorkshire tan

As I ride up the valley, the yellow has gone

And yet the memories will still linger on

And in years to come, many will gladly tell their tale

About when Le Tour came to Longdendale