The Stoop Fell Race

What a day for a race! The drive over to Haworth was an event in itself with freezing fog, icy roads, eerie drifting clouds and temperatures down to -9 degrees, yet over 180 hardy souls - many in fancy dress - turned up at the increasingly familiar Penistone quarry for the start of the Stoop. The mist descended even further as we got underway - everyone wearing the compulsory Santa hats given out before the race - so it was literally like running in a giant freezer! With the ground well and truly frozen and hazardous in places, the course had been shortened slightly, but no one seemed to mind. A local TV crew was even in position about a mile into the course, probably to show those at home how crazy some people really are! It was an out and back course, not too serious in terms of ascent, and Dean with his trademark jack-rabbit start was first around The Stoop stone. I made up some ground on the largely downhill return leg (mainly by not falling over) but Dean pipped me to the post by just over 10 seconds, finishing 37th to notch up another good off-road performance. Molly was next Trawden runner home with yet another accolade to her name - first female V35 - followed by Chig. A special mention goes to Jamie Stobbs completing his maiden race - perhaps the first step in emulating his ultra-distance dad! Chris and Sandra were next back to conclude another great race day for Trawden. The free brews, biscuits and - if you lingered long enough - goody bags were gratefully received!