Fell run gets a dash of prestige

Race to remember... Saddleworth Runners will set off from Tanners Waterside Mill in Greenfield

FELL runners in Saddleworth are over the moon after scooping a prestigious status for their annual dash.

Members of the Saddleworth Runners will have a spring in their step after discovering their traditional May race will this year act as a qualifier for the regional junior finals.

Starting from Tanners Waterside Mill in Greenfield and taking in a steep climb on to the moors, youngsters from across the region will descend on the Saddleworth Fell Race for a chance to secure their place at the Manchester Junior Fell Championships.

The starting gun will fire on several junior heats split into age categories of under 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18s during the event on Sunday, May 29, from 11am.

Organiser Chris Maylor said: “We’re delighted. Fell running is a great sport and this is a fantastic opportunity to get young people out on the fells to see what we have to offer locally.

“A lot of people see fell running as outside of their ability but it needn’t be.

“In the past the junior races have been lower numbers — we’re hoping this qualifying will bring people from across the region.”

For the first time this year the adult event will also form part of the South Pennines Fell Running Grand Prix Series, formed by local running clubs to bring together talented sprinters.

The three-mile race, sponsored by Mountain Feet in Oldham, takes in a severe climb of over 900 feet up to Pots and Pans.

It usually attracts more than 100 adult runners, eager to put themselves through their paces and make it to the Greenfield finish line. Chris added: “It’ll be brilliant for those taking part and those watching, it’ll be a year to remember.”

The runners are hoping to attract even more local youngsters to take up the sport.

New members, aged eight and over, are always welcome at the junior training sessions at Churchill playing fields from 6pm every Thursday.

Find out more at www.saddleworth-runners.co.uk.