Tue 5 June 2018, Fell Foot, Chipping The annual Paddy’s Pole Fell Race from Fell Foot, Chipping, organised by Preston Harriers, took place in ideal running conditions on a warm, sunny evening. This made a welcome change for the runners and marshals, who last year had endured high winds and cold on the summits. The 94 runners, an increased entry of 20 from 2017, were led home by Chris Holdsworth (Clayton le Moors H) with Jessica Richardson (Lonsdale FR) finishing 31st to win the women’s race.
While most of the club’s regular fell runners were acting as race officials and marshals a few also ran. Oliver Heaton finished 5th in 29:27 over the 3.75 miles course with 1100ft of climbing. Next home was Jon Green (10th, 30:34) followed by Niall Malone (12th, 30:56), who took the prize for 1st Under 23).
They were followed by Dave Parkington (19th, 33:00), Will Davies (40th, 36:57), Jenny Wren (49th, 37:46), Peter Carter (68th, 41:40) and Billy Johnstone (70th, 42:11). After many years in the post as Paddy’s Pole race organiser, Mick McLoughlin, was finally able to do the race himself, finishing in 80th, 44:36. Vicki Sherrington (85th, 47:29) and Olga Wiggins (89th, 48:50) completed the Preston Harriers team.
I would like to thank the local landowners and Natural England for allowing us to use the fell for the race. Also, Rob, Annie and the staff at the Sun Inn and the homeowners at Fell Foot for their cooperation, Chipping for the post-race food and drink. A big thanks to everyone who helped with the race in any capacity. And special thanks to Mick for all the years he was race organiser and for the assistance he gave me in my first year as race organiser. Gordon Thompson, Paddy’s Pole Race Organiser
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