It feels like the 2022 Striders Fell Race Championship has only just got started this year (the first race – Kinder Downfall – was in mid-April), but we are already nearly halfway. Due to some rearranged race dates, we have had a recent rush of events and are now 5 races through.
If you are feeling inspired, it’s not too late to join in, as you only need to complete 5 races across the year to qualify.
There are still a mix of short summer races (suitable for newcomers) and some longer more testing events to join in. The next race (already full) is Grindleford on 16 June, but there are still entries available for the next two: Tideswell (24 June) and Holme Moss (24 July). Entries for Bradwell (13 Aug and a counter in this year’s English Champs, so not to be missed!) open on 14 June. Entries for Longstone Chase (2 Sep) are already open. The final two races – Curbar Commotion (1 Oct) and Roaches (13 Nov) will open later in the year. Full details and links on the Fell Race Championship page.
And so, to the current standings…
Senior females
Sally Twigg has opened up a healthy lead after Burbage Skyline, but Tessa Bainbridge is close behind. Both Caroline Brock and Abbie Pearse are waiting in the wings however, with one race and one win apiece, so may challenge if they can get to more events.
| 1 | Sally Twigg | 292.49 |
| 2 | Tessa Bainbridge | 207.80 |
| 3 | Abbie Pearse | 100.00 |
| 4 | Caroline Brock | 100.00 |
| 5 | Sian Evans | 81.47 |
FV40
Rachel Rea leads the way, with a healthy lead now Jennie Stevens has defected to the Dark (Peak) side. But you suspect Alison Barrett and Claire Gilmer will be close on her heels later in the year.
| 1 | Rachel Rea | 255.98 |
| 2 | Alison Barrett | 174.76 |
| 3 | Clare Gilmer | 83.29 |
FV50
Kate Scott was supporting, not running, at Burbage Skyline, but her early performances have given her a solid lead. Nada ran her first fell race at Bamford however and, along with Jane Huws, is showing Kate she won’t get it all her own way.
| 1 | Kate Scott | 212.92 |
| 2 | Nada Ross | 62.11 |
| 3 | Jane Huws | 60.32 |
FV60
Not content with taking the Hallam Chase trophy, Jo Gleig has opened a gap at the top of the FV60 standings. Can she and Nicole Nield both complete the requisite 5 races and challenge for the title?
| 1 | Jo Gleig | 179.01 |
| 2 | Nicole Nield | 61.32 |
Senior Male
Jim Rangeley has taken an early lead in this category, but strong performances from Rob Byers and Seth Kirby in their only races so far show they could have what it takes to challenge if they can 5 races done.
| 1 | Jim Rangeley | 140.46 |
| 2 | Rob Byers | 94.40 |
| 3 | Seth Kirby | 76.67 |
| 4 | Chris Brown | 59.33 |
MV40
Traditionally one of the most hotly contested categories, this year seems no different. Paul Middlemas leads, courtesy of a string of fine performamces. Louis Wood is hot on his heels and their head-to-head battles show this one will go to the wire. Andrew Mansfield is waiting in the wings should the leaders slip up.
| 1 | Paul Middlemas | 342.92 |
| 2 | Louis Wood | 324.15 |
| 3 | Andrew Mansfield | 228.49 |
| 4 | Lee Mills | 196.66 |
| 5 | Richard Carter | 156.45 |
MV50
As with the MV40, this is always a tough one to call. Mark Platton leads Al Cook for now, but plenty of others are showing strongly, including Ian Stinson and Will Day. Watch out for Neil Schofield, who in his two races so far has shown potential to go all the way.
| 1 | Mark Platton | 267.79 |
| 2 | Al Cook | 233.28 |
| 3 | Ian Stinson | 213.21 |
| 4 | Will Day | 192.41 |
| 5 | Neil Schofield | 155.46 |
MV60
Dave Beech took an early lead in this category, but Kevin Haighton’s Burbage Skyline performance has lifted him to pole position. Can Dave respond or will Kevin run away with the title?
| 1 | Kevin Haighton | 112.33 |
| 2 | David Beech | 59.03 |
MV70
Paul Shelton is having it all his own way so far, but there is still time for somebody to mount a challenge.
| 1 | Paul Shelton | 139.97 |
Full results and standings, including points scored in each race, are on the Striders Fell Championships spreadsheet.