Cake Race

Holly Page came in fourth overall in a strong field and was the first woman home completing the race in a time of 1hr 9mins. The Cake Race, organised by Saddleworth Runners, is a 10 mile blast over the rugged Saddleworth terrain taking in Marsden Moor along the way. Despite spending most of the race working out how to pass other runners on the narrow paths as the ‘wave’ format meant there were 160
plus runners ahead of her at the start, Holly really got her race legs moving and toppled the ladies course record which had stood for 15 years. Traditionally, the Cake Race is
accompanied by a ‘bake off’ at the end but current restrictions prevented this and
competitors had to tuck into the array of baked goods provided by the race organisers
instead. Another record and stunning run by Holly showing once again that women are
increasingly competing on equal terms with men on the fells.

Bob Graham Round

Another weekend and another Calder Valley member taking on a tough
endurance run. The Bob Graham Round is one of the three classic fell running ‘Rounds’ with members of the Bob Graham Club limited to anyone who can complete the classic round within 24 hours. Paul Haigh trained for 6 months for his Bob Graham attempt. Supported by a brilliant crew of runners and a food and drink team, he set off in near perfect conditions completing his round in an extraordinary 20 hours and 10 minutes qualifying for membership of the exclusive club. Paul’s BG is dedicated to a young woman, Phoebe, and he and his team did her memory proud completing the 66 miles, 42 peaks and 27,000 ft of climbing well within the 24-hour target set for the Bob Graham. Paul’s support team really pushed the envelope as they paced him over the Round. A great achievement and part of the brilliant club spirit at CVFR.

Running, Swimming and Cycling

Other Calder Valley members took advantage of the long weekend to race on the fells with a good showing at the Shepherd’s Crook race organised by Rossendale Harriers whilst the Juniors did well in a whole range of categories at the English Junior Championships at West Nab. And in other running, swimming and cycling news, club members were doing what they do best with Max Wharton on the track in his first 1500 competitive race this weekend – not only winning the event but posting a sub four-minute mile time of 3 mins 39 seconds for 1500m. Bethan Gay braved the cold water, a gruelling cycle race and road run of the Windermere Triathlon coming in 4th lady overall, second in the swim and third coming off the cycle section.

Calder Valley Fell Runners 35th Anniversary Vest

A feature of club representation this weekend has been the first sightings of the newly designed club vest featuring the classic red and white hoops with some added features – dales and hills and an updated club badge. The vest was commissioned following a competition to design a commemorative vest for CVFR’s 35th anniversary year. Club member Helen Curtis is the creative talent behind the stunning new design.

– CALDER VALLEY NEWS REPORTER: marc collett