Tuesday’s Legendary Bunny Runs and more ….

Calder Valley Fell Runners have been spread across the counties, competing in a series of short, tough races

Jack Denton Bunny1 2016

Jack Denton Bunny1 2016

Yorkshire saw the first in the legendary ‘Bunny Run’ series of fast races on the Haworth moors. With some high level athletes taking part, Jack Denton recorded a fantastic result, finishing the three mile course in 17.55 and in 13th place.

Close behind were Mark Goldie and Mark O’Connor who battled one another through the race, finishing with just six seconds between them in 24th and 26th respectively. Under 30 seconds later, in 31st, was Martin Howard, with Tristan Sheard in 34th in 19.34 seconds. Lindsey Oldfield place 73rd In a time of 21.15 and 8th lady while team mate Rachael Crossland ran well in a time of 24.06. 13 Calder Valley runners competed in a field of 210.

Mark Goldie Bunny Run1 2016

Mark Goldie Bunny Run1 2016

Just two Calder Valley runners made it over the border to Lancashire to compete in the Pendle Fell Race, another short, hard race. New recruit Calvin Ferguson put in his first race for Calder Valley, finishing in 92nd place in just under 51 minutes, whilst Gillian Wisby finished in 135th in 56 minutes. In Derbyshire, a clutch of Calder Valley runners took part in the Lad’s Leap, a tough tough race named after the stream crossing half way round the route. The sun was out, and so were the guns. Of the field of 125, one of the few runners to ‘leap’ the stream was Mark O’ Connor (pictured), who finished an impressive 9th place in just over 54 minutes. Calder Valley’s orienteering pro Dick Spendlove MV65 was out for his first race this year, finishing in 1:12:26

Mark O'Connor Lads Leap 2016

Mark O’Connor Lads Leap 2016

Tim Brooks, meanwhile, headed over to North Wales for some hardcore fell running in the Fron Four, with heavy rain, mist and gales – not to mention massive climbs – battering the hardy 22 runners who braved the conditions.

Do you want to try fell running?

Calder Valley Fell Runners is running an introduction to fell running for those who’ve never run on the hills & fells. A series of six sessions, take place on Tuesday evenings meeting in Mytholmroyd. See the website www.cvfr.co.uk for full details.