Race Date: Sunday 5th March 2017
The Hope Fell Race is now in its 10th year, and for the last two years has incorporated both winter and summer ascents of Win Hill from the village of Hope. The winter version of the race this year was staged in blizzard-like conditions – not for the faint-hearted and certainly a baptism of fire for any new recruits to fell running.
Chris Arthur of Bowland Fell Runners was the first finisher through the sleet and icy rain, completing the course in 44:43, and Caitlin Rice of Ribble Valley Harriers was the first lady over the finish line in a time of 54:45.
Eleven Striders braved the conditions, including a number of first-timers amongst them. Let’s hope that the thrill of the race outweighed any post-event frostbite! First finisher was Simon Cotterell in a time of 62:47, and first lady back was Heather Wallis in 73:42. Judging by the photographs from the day, however, I think all those who took part deserve high kudos!
| P | Name | Cat | Time |
| 60 | Simon Cotterell | MSEN | 62:47 |
| 70 | James Norton | MSEN | 65:06 |
| 71 | John Rawlinson | M40 | 65:10 |
| 76 | Robert Davies | M50 | 65:35 |
| 82 | Neal Pates | M40 | 67:17 |
| 93 | Colin Hardy | M40 | 69:13 |
| 118 | Heather Wallis | WSEN | 73:42 |
| 125 | Bob Grocutt | M60 | 75:42 |
| 136 | Victoria Hawkins | W40 | 79:04 |
| 168 | Blaine Quigley | M40 | 95:00 |
| 171 | Richard Garton | M50 | 117:06 |
Full results can be found here.
Striders gather for a photo opportunity before the start of the Hope Winter Fell Race, though judging by the looks on some of their faces you would think that they knew what was in store for them on Win Hill (photograph courtesy of Andy Davies on Facebook)