HEPTONSTALL FELL RACE – Saturday March 29th – 10.30 am

Heptonstall Hurriers are busy preparing for another big day in the village calendar. 2014 will see the 4th running of the Heptonstall Fell Race. The race has new HQ this year as THE CROSS INN takes over as the main race sponsor. Heptonstall Hurriers (an informal group of runners based in around the village) expect over 200 runners to enter the 15 mile race. Local Scouts, Mountain Rescue, Raynet radio team, and Church Volunteers will all be supporting the event. In return, all proceeds from the race are split between these organisations. The race is now one of the UK’s premiere fell races and its popularity is as much due to the warm welcome and hospitality of the community, as for its challenging route through our local valleys, moors, and woodlands. The race features over 3000 feet of climbing over tough terrain, so safety is a priority. The event relies heavily on the generous support of an army of volunteers in ensuring the safety of visiting runners.

APPEAL FOR VOLUNTEERS TO MARSHALL

Village volunteers play a vital role in marshalling the race. We hope that many will volunteer again this year. We would also be very interested to hear from anyone who might be free to help for the first time; the roles are easy to pick up and may involve 1-2 hours. If you could help us get this request out to everyone in the village it would be much appreciated. (All volunteers will be given a token for a “Thank You Pint” at THE CROSS).

The Hurriers would be delighted to hear from anyone who might be able to help out on the day. Please contact Stephen Grimley – 07710 015560.

INFORMATION

The new race website is still work in progress, but already viewable at http://heptonstallfellrace.wordpress.com/race-day/ whilst a popular Facebook page has already attracted a following of over 300 runners; https://en-gb.facebook.com/Heptonstallfellrace

RECCE OPPORTUNITY

Experienced runners who might be training for the race will have opportunities to recce the route, guided by local organisers. There will be a fast medium, and steady paced group (depending on numbers). All runners should be capable of running 15 miles off road.

The first takes place this Saturday , 1 February, at 10am, meet in Weavers Square from 09.45 with all the appropriate gear (see race website above). Further recces will be planned for the weekend of 15th/16th February; keep checking the race Facebook page for news ; https://en-gb.facebook.com/Heptonstallfellrace.

The race website is currently missing the route map and route description (due to be added over next few days) in the meantime they can both be downloaded here;

Fell Race Map                Fell Race Route Description