Sat 2 March, Barley
Four Preston Harriers were in Barley on Saturday 2nd March for the classic Stan Bradshaw Pendle Round. The about-9.3mi route (not quite the official 10.4mi) is named after a fell running and Clayton-le-Moors legend, being one of his favoured training runs. With almost 2000ft of climbing around six checkpoints, this is a serious test. Heading away from the old waterworks, and above the Lower Ogden Reservoir, is a solid climb to the Pendle Trig: about 1000ft of climbing is done in these first two miles. Runners then wind around the Scout Cairn and down to Churn Clough Reservoir, finishing back at Barley with a pleasing downhill, grassy finish. Somehow, the weather was almost perfect, being cool without any low cloud to hinder visibility. The winner was Rob Hope of Pudsey and Bramley AC in a course record of 1:05:03, with first lady Lindsey Brindle continuing her good form with a record of 1:15:22 for Horwich RMI Harriers. Leading Preston Harrier back was Jon Green (1:17:38) in a strong 41st of 250 finishers, then John Griffiths (1:26:28, 82nd), Joseph Sharples (1:32:46, 119th) and Eleanor Parker (1:39:52, 170th and 20th lady). At only £6 pre-entry, this well-organised and excellently marshalled run is a great way to get the fell season going. Only the (successful!) Cuerden XC on the same day will have prevented more Preston Harriers from joining in. Also, Moorhouses Brewery are sponsoring Clayton fell races this year so every finisher was rewarded with a bottle of strong or blonde ale for refreshment. Hopefully other clubs will pick up on this!