A few hardy people who went off to do the Hoofstone Fell race were met with a very tough run in wet, cold and windy conditions together with horizontal hailstones. The race is a navigational challenge which takes in the highest point around Todmorden – Hoofstones Heights Trig Point. The course is 12.9km with 425m of ascent although the distance could be a lot further if you go off course. This report cannot convey the true essence of this race but eye witness accounts from those who were there suggest it could be one to tell the grandchildren about! In spite of a few anxious moments with navigational skills the group all managed to finish. The group consisted of Stuart Cann, John Naylor, Frank Nightingale, John Rogerson, Mark McCrea, Phil Davidson, Paula Plowman, Pita Oates and Jenny Fairclough.
On Sunday the Lancaster Flood Appeal Half and 10K were very well organised by Steve Ashcroft and Alan Taylor raising funds for those who have suffered from the devastating floods in the area. The runners praised the enthusiasm of the marshalls who encouraged them in the wet and windy conditions. Some of the intrepid runners from the Hoofstone Fell race were ready to run again. John Naylor recovered well enough to manage a sub 90 minute finish in an excellent 24th place, (1.29.57). Mike Hall was close by in 28th place in a time 1.30.54.Paula Plowman, also doing back to back races, lead the ladies home in 1.55.30. Team work was the order of the day for Alison Mercer,(2.01.49) Anneke Crosby(2.01.58) and Pita Oates, PB with a time of 2.01.59. Anees Shaikh stuck to his task finishing in 2.04.03, Emily Ingham and Judi Ingham ran cooperatively to finish in 2.09.14 with Gareth Fairey completing the team in 2.09.47.
In the 10k race John Wiseman finished in 21st place in a time of 49.36 with Lynn Melvin also competing, finishing 40th in 55.44.
At Cuerden Valley, Red Rose were out in force an army of volunteers and 38 runners. PB’s were achieved by Richard Field 22.45, Liam Hooton 24.27 and Nicole Sharples 27.32.