A SPECIAL TOUR DE FRANCE NIGHT FOR THE VILLAGE

Tour de France excitement will reach fever pitch on the evening of Saturday July 5^th when the village hosts its annual summer fell race.  This year’s race has been renamed the Heptonstall Grand Depart Fell Race, and is likely to attract a large influx of visitors arriving for the Tour de France the following day.

The race promises to be a spectacular start to the Tour de France weekend.  After the success of the Germanic themed race-catering last year, the obvious theme for this year’s event will be Le Tour, and all things French.

The 6 mile race (full details at the Festival Fell Race Website) takes place at 19.30 on Saturday evening, by which time we expect hundreds of runners and visitors to be gathering for the an evening of sport, food, music (plus les biėrres et les vins).  The race HQ will be at the CROSS INN.  There will be French style catering and music back in the pub’s decorated court yard. All proceeds from the race and catering will go to support village causes.

CAN YOU HELP?

The race can only take place with the enthusiastic involvement of the people of Heptonstall.  The generous support of so many people from around the village is much appreciated and has proven to be key factor in runners coming back to take part in the event year after year.

The organisers would be very grateful to volunteers willing to give up around 90 minutes of  their time, whilst cheering on the visiting runners.

SO WHAT IS INVOLVED?

No experience is required.  A marshal is simply there to keep an eye on the race at the given point, advising runners of any hazards, and reporting back to race organiser to confirm all is going well.  There are many points along the route where marshals will be stationed to make sure runners don’t  head off in the wrong direction, or alerting runners to approach road crossings safely.  Your position can be organised to suit your preference – either in the village and surrounding fields, somewhere around the Blue Pig, or up around Peckett Well.

We usually team you up with a friend or neighbour, providing you with instructions, timings, hi-viz bib, and contact numbers.  No experience is required but we will explain everything you would need know for your position. You might need to head off to your position at around 19.00-15, and should be finished before 21.00 (earlier if you are up at Peckett Well).  The runners will be pleased to see you and will be thanking you as they run by – hopefully you can cheer them on!

PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU CAN HELP

Anyone interested in helping out with marshalling duties (easy and fun lasting 90 mins maximum) please call race organiser; Stephen Grimley on 07710 015560 / email stephen.grimley@royalmail.com.

FREE BEER

All marshals will receive a free pint of beer as a thank you.