The weather forecast might have cried off, but a legion of hardy Harriers braved the elements to enjoy the delights of the Langley Fete Fell Race! They were rewarded by the temperature warming up and the rain holding off for the race itself.
The race has a tough start, heading steeply up private land at the back of Langley Playing Field. This year’s warm, wet summer meant that the going was even more strenuous from the first moments, with the lead runners working hardest flattening grass and nettles for the rest of the field. Despite this the field was well drawn out within the first third of a mile, before they’d even reached the steep climb up Tegg’s Nose.
Battling up the steep steps to the path around the top of Tegg’s runners know that their efforts will be rewarded with easier running as they head round to the Visitors’ Centre. The cobbled decent of Saddlers Way was always going to be tricky after the rain. This year some extra excitement had been added by the addition of several groups of teenagers who were finishing their DofE expedition by walking up as the runners were coming down. Thanks to Kathryn Hutchinson marshalling at the top, no teenagers were taken out from fast descending racers and the walkers turned into fabulous extra support for the runners.
Leading from the start, the race was won by George O’Donnell in a time of 23:50. Not only did he lead by nearly two minutes from second placed runner, but he was also the youngest competitor on the field at age 14.
Faye Sharpley won the women’s race in 27:45. Another remarkable Harriers’ junior, Eva Mion was third lady, comfortably winning the Junior Girls’ race. It is fabulous to see the talent that the club has coming through the junior ranks.
Harriers were well represented in the age categories with Neil Pettie, Kathleen O’Donnell, Bernard McCarron and Anne-Marie Jones all winning their age category.
Full Harriers times are here…
Full results here…. FRA FULL 2024 LANGLEY FETE RESULTS
Anna Maddox (RO)