Two Towers, Holcombe Brook, Weds 11th May

Just four Harriers made the short journey to the Hare & Hounds to tackle this "new tougher" course, as the fell calendar described it. Indeed the course was tough, albeit slightly contrived with much doubling back and the ascent to the Jubilee Tower to be climbed twice. However it was very well marked and marshalled which meant that there was no problem with route finding.

The race was won by Sean Bolland of Bowland in 31:46 and, unusually, the first vet, Alan Life of CLeM was back in 8th place. First lady was Heather Corbishley of Rossendale, in 42:45 closely followed by our own Suzanne Budgett, 2nd lady and 1st F45 in 43:27, beating the seasoned Claire Kenny of Calder Valley into 2nd F45. Just over a minute behind Suzanne was Colin Waterworth, 4th M50 in 44:34. Maintaining the one Harrier per minute gap was Rachel Metcalfe, 2nd Senior Lady in 45:26.

Finally it was Yours Truly, not quite last man home, but very definitely failing on the "one Harrier" every minute front, clocking 53:37, and just managing to avoid being last M60.

Verdict ~ a well organised, very busy course, which must be very close to 5 miles. Was the beer good at the Hare and Hounds? Don’t know, didn’t stop to try it; how’s that for willpower?

EtU