I first became aware of this race last year, whilst in Hebden for a gig at the end of 2024. We stayed in a little van site adjacent to the golf club and on the Saturday morning as we were heading off to a parkrun, I was bemused by the large number of runners clearly assembling for a race and wearing Santa hats. A quick google revealed that it was CraggRunner’s The Moors The Merrier event. Their website describes it as a great way to start the Christmas period with a great walk or run around the moors of Hebden Bridge. A 21 mile circular route, starting and finishing at Hebden Bridge Golf Club with an 8am start for walkers and early runners; 9am start for the race. The anti clockwise route takes you over Midgley Moor, Wadsworth Moor, Heptonstall Moor, Erringden Moor and finally the big climb out of the valley back to the Golf Club.

A quick chat with Nick Burns confirmed his interest, so we found ourselves back in the van on the Friday night – this time staying at the very reasonably priced Todmorden Cricket Club – ideal for those fancying Centre Vale parkrun which is next door. After some carb loading in the fairly excellent hostelries of Todmorden on the Friday night, we were dropped off at Hebden’s golf club in time for a 9pm start. After a kit check and collecting our trackers – breakfast also available to competitors – we set off. We got lucky with the weather, which was largely clear, dry and not too cold. The route is entirely unmarked, but navigation was pretty straightforward throughout, never straying from paths or minor road. There were plenty of fine views of one of my favourite parts of the West Riding. There were also plenty of check points offering a good range of food; the final check point even offered Christmas ale or a dram of whisky. Whilst the route is never that high the total elevation is tough; 1,225m of ascent, including a particularly brutal final climb out of Hebden and back to the golf club. Well, it broke me, though Nick was fine.

Given the festive theme, in addition to the usual FRA essential kit, the organisers asked that you wear a Santa Hat and also bring a present to hand in (worth no more than £5) for the Bran Tub (lucky dip) afterwards – I came away with a box of Black Magic – they’re not as good as I remember them being. The Santa Hat wasn’t mandatory, but you were warned that you might be booed by the marshals, if you didn’t wear one.

Participants were given a hot meal afterwards (cheese pie, mushy peas and gravy for the veggies) and there were changing rooms with showers available. All in all, an excellent event – well organised and highly recommended.

The men’s race was won by Ben Blosse of Todmorden Harriers in 3:06:11, whilst the women’s race was won by Katherine Klunder of Chorley Athletic and Triathlon Club in 3:16:18.