A damp morning gave way to a hot, humid afternoon, but nothing could stop 21 Macclesfield Harriers from turning out in force for the short, sharp but, I like to think, perfectly formed Langley Fete Fell Race. Back in its traditional clockwise direction after the wet conditions of 2025, the route wasted no time in testing the field. The lung-busting start across private land was made easier to navigate by a helpful local with a vested interest, strimming the route. But no amount of trimming makes that first ascent easy on the legs or lungs to be closely followed by the unforgiving haul up the steep steps of Tegg’s Nose.
At the sharp end, Chris Bentley produced a superb display of grit and strength to hold off Langley local Matt Lawton and take the overall victory. Zach Lewis Holmes followed in third, completing a clean sweep of the men’s podium for the Harriers. Not to be outdone, Hannah Hicks and Faye Sharpley delivered an equally impressive one-two in the women’s race, while Tom Ardron claimed the Junior Male prize.
The age-category results underlined a dominant day for the club. Chris Bentley and Faye Sharpley took the V40 prizes, Steve Lomas and Sarah Cassie topped the V50 standings, and Bernard McCarron led the way in the V60 category. With podium places, junior honours and veteran wins across the board, it was a memorable afternoon of racing for the Harriers. With a relatively small field, there is always a good chance of a prize. Come along next year and give it a go.
Harriers Results
1 — Chris Bentley — 1st V40
2 — Matt Lawton — 2nd V40
3 — Zach Lewis Holmes
6 — Tom Ardron — 1st Junior
7 — Hannah Hicks — 1st Female
8 — Faye Sharpley — 2nd Female
10 — Steve Lomas — 1st V50
11 — Robert Maxwell — 2nd V50
12 — Toby Wallis
13 — Helen Saunders
14 — David Smith
17 — Duncan James — 3rd V40
21 — Kelly Buckley — 2nd V40
23 — Chloe Naham Claudel — 3rd V40
24 — Kathryn Hutchinson — 4th V40
25 — Kathleen O’Donnell — 5th V40
28 — Bernard McCarron — 1st V60
30 — Martin Rands — 2nd V60
31 — Sarah Cassie — 1st V50
35 — Ruth Gamwell — 2nd V50
37 — Mark Godden — 3rd V60
Full results can be found HERE
