The Stoop fell race
21st December 2008
The Stoop fell race Haworth, 21st December
The Andy's (Hilton and Normandale) saved themselves a lot of shopping by running the Stoop fell race at Haworth on Sunday 21st December as the prizes were all Christmas related goods. The race was over 5 miles, very muddy miles at that and with a strong head wind for the climb. Unsurprisingly times were well down on last year when the course was frozen solid.
In a strong Andy Hilton took the initiative in the first mile leading Rob Hope and Ian Holmes who had previously won the race 15 times between them. However when the course got rougher underfoot the fell specialists took over and Hilton fell back to 3rd. Rob Hope eventually prevailed over veteran Ian Holmes while Hilton finished 3rd a couple of minutes further back. Down the field Andy Normandale was gradually picking up places and finished 22nd, but 1st in the over 50's. Between them the two Andy's won beer, selection boxes, biscuits, brussel sprouts (yes really !), satsuma's and a santa hat each.
Steve Mummery was 99th (8th over 50), Pete Murray 180th and Jo Ellerton 257th out of about 300 finishers.
Andy Hiltons attention now turns to the Whinberry Naze fell race on Boxing Day where he has the difficult decision as to what fancy dress costume to wear in attempting to defend the title he won last year in his grandmothers dress. Normandale's next race will be the Jolly Holly Jog trail race on Sunday 28th December where York Acorn are expecting their usual strong turnout.
