12 October 2014 – 7.5 miles / 984 ft
Apparently there was some road marathon going on somewhere else in Yorkshire… those poor buggers. Photo courtesy of Woodentops
The day provided a couple of nice surprises at this popular local run over Howarth moorland. Firstly we had a mass turnout of P&B (by our standards!), providing a nice sprinkling of both Junior and Senior runners throughout the field.
Secondly, the initially slightly gloomy looking weather decided to get into an early Halloween spirit and don a costume resembling glorious sunshine. Minutes before the race started, as the runners congregated in the quarry, everything brightened up and we were treated to a cracking day’s racing, basking in the bright sunshine over beautiful Bronte countryside.
For the Seniors, Neil Armitage, right in form, was first back in a great 8th place.
Followed by Matt Lockyer in 19th, on his way back from injury, and relative new boy Martin Hurst not far behind in 21st spot.
Boff Whalley, next in, keeping just ahead of team Pilling, and all strongly supported by Martyn Finn, Mike Rees and Caroline Harding.
Superb Top-10 finish for Mr Armitage – Photo courtesy of Woodentops
Strong finish from Martin, not far behind – Photo courtesy of Woodentops
Boff having more fun than most in the mud! – Photo by Brian Stevenson
Rachel Pilling looking in good form off the top of the first climb – Photo courtesy of Woodentops
Mike Rees looking good – he’s a race machine these days! Photo courtesy of Woodentops
Caroline Harding, back from injury and running well. Photo courtesy of Woodentops
For the Juniors, Annie Wilkinson competed in the Under 8’s. Whilst in the Under 10/12/14 race there was Macsen Tiffany, Edward Wilkinson, Douglas Tiffany, Alannah Mullan, Erin Hinchcliffe and Natasha Robinson.
A P&B young ‘un deftly keeping ahead of the Shirted Zombie Panda – Photo courtesy of Woodentops
Overall race winners were Mercia’s Simon Bailey who developped an early and unstoppable lead (despite video evidence of him having a little fall before even getting across the road – happens to the best of us!), and Lindsey Brindle of Horwich, who’s had some amazing late season wins on the fells and mountains.
As always, the anarchic atmosphere of Dave Woodhead’s prize-giving and chocolate chuck out provided an enjoyable end to a great day’s racing and socialising.
Well done to all that ran and of course thanks to the Woodheads and volunteers for another job well done.
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SENIORS
Neil Armitage 8th 47:31.
Matt Lockyer 19th 49:28.
Martin Hurst 21st 49:38.
Boff Whalley 46th 53:03.
Rachel Pilling 62nd 54:27.
Graham Pilling 66th 54:42.
Martyn Finn 116th 58:21.
Michael Rees 149th 60:57.
Caroline Harding 182nd 65:05.
JUNIORS
Under 8s:
Annie Wilkinson 50th 4:20.
Under 10/12/14:
Macsen Tiffany 42nd 7:58.
Edward Wilkinson 54th 8:25.
Douglas Tiffany 71st 8:57.
Alannah Mullan 76th 9:06.
Erin Hinchcliffe 90th 10:00.
Natasha Robinson 96th 10:31.
Full results & Race Report available here and lots more photos on the Woodentops site.