IH Brothers Relay

Old and young red and white hoops took to the fells last Sunday, dashing across Bronte country at the Withins Skyline fell race. 

Starting from Penistone Hill Country Park and circuiting The Stoop and Top Withens, the 6.2 mile senior race then returns by Bronte Bridge. Paul Haigh, first CV home, completed the course in 48 minutes, 5 minutes faster than last year and finishing an impressive 25th out of 246.

Geneveive Withins Skyline

Meanwhile, on the same day the ‘Hodgson Brothers Mountain Relay’ was happening in the heart of the Lake District. It takes place every year on the first Sunday in October, and attracts around 70 of the top teams from across the country.

The race is a tough one, with 4 legs each throwing up their separate challenges, including hard climbs and steep descents on difficult terrain. As well as challenging terrain, the route requires careful navigation, especially in bad weather.

CVFR Mixed team with Jo Waites and Jo Buckley starting on leg1 at IHB Relay 2018

CV fielded 2 teams this year, a Men’s and a Mixed Team, both of whom did very well. The Men’s Team (Alex Whittem, Gavin Mulholland, Ben Mounsey, Andy Swift, Darren Kay, Tim Ellis, Karl Grey and Matt Roberts) took 3rd prize and the Mixed Team (Jo Waites, Jo Buckley, Mark Burton, Mark Taylor, Rachel Johnson, Molly Heitz, Martin Howard and Ian Symington) were 5th.  

– Calder Valley News Reporter:Gill Dickson