Reach for the sky

WINNER . . . Saddleworth Runners Club’s Sean Willis (above) crosses the finish line

FELL runners from across the country descended on Saddleworth for the first Chew Valley Skyline race in 10 years.

The gruelling 13-mile race, over the exposed fells surrounding Dovestone Reservoir, attracted 120 athletes and was organised by Saddleworth Runners Club member Roger Devy,

A former club member had even flown in from Australia especially for the race.

Harry Waterhouse, who emigrated to Adelaide in 1997, said: “I always swore that if they put the race on again I would come back for it, it’s just special.

“I was there for the first races in the 1980s, but you can never know what the conditions are going to be like once you get up there.”

Despite the clear sky, runners had to brave bitter winds, rugged terrain and a 2,000ft ascent as they circled the rim of the valley.

The home club’s Sean Willis was first to cross the finish line in a time of two hours and four minutes, only 28 seconds ahead of Gavin Mulholland, from Calder Valley Runners.

The former British Junior running champion, from Mossley, said: “It’s the one race that I have always wanted to win.

“It’s so nice to be running in such beautiful countryside on such a beautiful day with like-minded athletes.”

Sally Newman, from Calder Valley Runners, was the first woman to finish Sunday’s race, in which only two athletes retired.

Oldham Euro-MP Chris Davies, who finished in twelfth place, said: “This is one of the races that reminds you just how special Saddleworth is.

“I’ve run some of the best races in the country, but it’s fantastic to have this race right on your own doorstep.”

The event was a welcome return to racing, following nine years of replacement orienteering events held on the same weekend every year.

The last skyline race in 2000 was held in memory of one of the club’s original members, Frank Sykes, who died of a heart attack as he was running on the hills in 1999.

The route sees the runners climb Alderman’s Hill as they race to the check point at Broadstone Hill, before crossing Holmfirth Road.

The rest of the course then circles the reservoir and descends to the finish line at Dovestones Sailing Club.

Although the route had to be altered, to avoid damage to newly planted seedlings, the runners still tucked in to the well-deserved traditional lunch of potato pie to celebrate.