Race report John Dade

I’ve had this race on my wish list for a couple of years after I ran the Yorkshireman Marathon in 2023. The process was as follows

October 2024 – enter the race. You need to be quick as it sells out in less than 24hrs. It is the Glastonbury of fell races.

December & February – complete the 2 recce runs organised by K&C (this included pooled taxis pre-booked by the club). Part 1 is from Haworth to Todmorden (18.5 miles). It’s not massively hilly but it’s still a long way. 

Part 2 is Todmorden to Haworth via Stoodley Pike and although shorter is a lot hiller. I would recommend this so you know the way, the lay of the land, and most importantly, appreciate that the route gets a lot harder in the second half.

Race Day – The official start time is 8am but K&C allows slower runners to start early – between 6.30 and 7.15. The advantages are less queues at the early gates and stiles, you are around runners for more of the race, you can feel smug helping faster runners who don’t know the way, and you finish earlier. 

I started at 6.50 running with Dipesh who I’d met on one of the recces and I knew that we run at a similar pace. As typically I hadn’t done anywhere near enough distance training before the race my plan was cautious i.e. run slowly on the flat and downhill, and walk all uphill sections.

The route starts on the High Street and then picks up the trail out to Bronte Falls and Top Withens. It was quite misty along this section with sunlight coming through the cloud. We were greeted at Bronte Falls by a lone piper who could be heard but not seen as you approached. This was a magical experience.

After Top Withens you drop down the trail to Walshaw reservoirs were you eventually turn fully westward towards the first check point. The mist had melted away by now and we had beautiful warm conditions, and great views for the rest of the day. From the checkpoint you head uphill and along the Pennine Bridleway with the town of Burnley beckoning you in the distance. The route eventually brings you out onto a main road (Long Causeway) and the second checkpoint. From here you make your way to Todmorden (hot dogs at the Golf Club), across the main road and following a a sharp climb to Mankinholes checkpoint. This included doughnuts and a selection of malt whiskies. Dipesh suggested we split up at this point as he thought I would be stronger on upcoming hill sections and he didn’t want to hold me back. 

The first climb up Stoodley Pike looked intimidating with 21 miles already in my legs. I took the climb steadily using the strategy I learnt at Pendle – one step at time, and slow down if you are getting out of breath. It worked and before I knew it I was at the peak.

From here there is a nice downhill section and farm trails which eventually bring you out by the Co-op in Hebden Bridge. From here there was short and hideous section of steps that take you onto the road uphill to Heptonstall. Compared to the steps, the going was much easier on the road but it was still a long haul to the village and the checkpoint (chips, noodles, low alcohol beer). It was here I overtook the pantomime pony that had started the race just before 5am. Huge respect to the two runners who did completed that ordeal. 

The track then went down hill to Hardcastle Crags were you start on a long steady uphill track. This eventually flattened out and I was able to run for a bit down to the final checkpoint. From here there was another steep uphill section and you eventually top the hill and see down to Haworth in the distance. What a relief but it’s still over 3 miles to the end. Thankfully it was down hill to the reservoir and then flat out towards Penistone Park. I started to cramp a little at this point so I had to walk for a bit. Fortunately by the time I was on the track round Penistone Hill and the final mile I was able to run without stopping. This was my fastest kilometre split of the day – not far off park run speed – but it was downhill. Eventually I crossed the road and crossed the finish to queue for my pizza. 

Final thoughts. A really enjoyable day out. I got round unscathed without the wheels falling off, so I think my tactics were spot on. It turned out there was a rough 50:50 split in time walking and running. The hills were hard but I didn’t suffer as much as others which I can only put down to all those years running up and down the Chevin.

A brilliantly organised race. I enjoyed the whole day (the weather helped) but I’m not sure I’d do it again – I think I’ve scratched that ultra itch – but you never know. If I was tempted to do another I’d probably choose this race. 

Finally, I was the only OAC member running on Saturday whereas some clubs from near Liverpool are sending 20+ runners every year. Looking at previous results this is a race that we haven’t entered many runners into, so come on Black & Whites – it only cost £25 and is a total bargain. You just need to make sure you don’t miss the rush for places on 1st October. 

1st place Andrew Worster, Calder Valley Fell Runners, 4:05:05

1st female and 16th, Katherine Klunder, Chorley Athletic & Tri Club, 4:48:06

John Dade, Otley AC, 7:37:28

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