Wadsworth Bog Fell Race

Sat 6th Feb 2016 – Wadsworth Trog – 20 miles / 4003ft

For an early season local long leg stretcher this is always a good choice for the proper fell runner.

However the delights of the other local long ‘un i.e. Rombold’s Stride tempted many lesser souls away — For the uninitiated this is actually a walking event where they provide you with refreshment stops. You even get a free pen and a memorial certificate.

The temptation proved too much for some of our fast boys and begrudging praise is due to Graham Pearce for being first walker home.

This left the cream of the Pudsey and Bramley fell aficionados to tackle the Trog……………me, Neil Armitage and of course Caroline Harding. We can also include Leigh Hinchcliffe in the bunch as although a pesky pudsey pacer, he helps train our juniors, so he is allowed an honorary P& B membership for the day.

Youthful New boy Matthew Hobbs was there too , on his transition from road to fell.

The weather forecast was for heavy rain and we weren’t let down as it started to fall on the drive over and didn’t let up all day.

The start is from Old Town cricket club perched on top of the hill above Hebden Bridge, where a welcome hot drink and biscuits greeted the eager runners.

The Calder lads were out in full force for their own race with Ben Mounsey, Karl Grey and Tim Ellis prowling around and looking good for a 1,2,3 finish. And so it proved from the start as they set off in a huddle to dominate proceedings.

Back in the pack through the rain, and the gloom, and the gloop, and the mud, and the drizzle, we plodded our way around. Can’t think of any particular highlights other than the fact that I managed to stay upright so although wet through I wasn’t coated in a complexion-benefiting coat of mud.

The finish provided soup and a roll plus hot drinks, cake and biscuits. Fabulous value and very well organised.

We even managed a recuperative pint from the extensive bar selection of 1 lager and 1 bitter.

As expected Ben and Karl first back, well down on last year’s time because of the conditions.

Charlie McInsplosh 21st 3:17:59.  Matthew Hobbs 38th 3:27:30.  Neil Armitage 77th 3:59:16.  Caroline Harding 99th 4:14:45.

Full results available here including our lot and check out the pictures on Woodentops, I particularly like the one of Caroline with the jauntily angled buff.