Midgley Moor – 5 miles / 1250 ft
Midgley Moor has for many years been a great early season, late winter race. Despite being relatively ‘local’ and covering familiar ground on the tops of the Calder valley above Mytholmroyd and Hebden Bridge, it can be a navigational challenge, particularly on the home stretch after check point 5.
This year was no different as myself and Thomas donned our race vests (and base layers) for some moorland fun. Snow the previous day and overnight meant the valley was bathed in white, and the trods were just that little bit more treacherous. Despite it being six years since I last ran this race (in the heady days of pre Covid), the route quickly felt familiar, and I was able to benefit from some good lines and a decent run in to the finish, in 35th, and a 4 minute improvement on last time.
Thomas on the other hand decided to sacrifice (very noble) a potential top 10 finish by taking an unplanned detour back up Crow Hill on his way to the final descent, still finishing still a respectable 20th – first U18 and third U21.Plus – £5 to enter, 50p for a post race cuppa. What’s not to love.
– Laurence Martin