Edenfield Fell Race

A modest number of runners [eighty seven] braved terrible weather conditions making it to Edenfield Cricket Club. This included myself and five fellow Saddleworth Runners. Featured in the Area Fell Race Grand Prix there were points on offer for the Championship. 

Having registered I was in no urgency to venture back outside so instead remained in the club house keeping warm. Chance to chat briefly with fellow Sadd's. Plenty of mugs of tea and sandwiches were on offer to sate pre-race hunger and keep spectators happy. Unsure about what kit option was best I had a quick look around and noticed a few sporting just a race vest. No! I decided on an extra base layer under my vest with my cag on top as well. I was still cold as I braved the sideways rain for a warm up jog. The start time had been brought forward a half hour to allow for a cricket match early afternoon but that seemed unlikely to be going ahead. Fell racing on the other hand is weather proof. Being a new race for me I took some time to study the route on a map supplied by the organisers. It looked pretty bumpy and I picked up some advice that I should keep something in the legs for a steep descent near to the finish. Then I decided just to follow as there was no realistic chance of me remembering the route. 

The start line was formed on the edge of the cricket ground in front of the club house. Starting with a clockwise lap of the playing area the route turned right and headed up Gincroft Lane. A steady start on a paved road. The road gradually steepened to a style on the right marking the turn onto Sand Beds Lane, an undulating track leading to Cowpe Lowe. Easy going despite the wet conditions except for the last handful of meters to the trig point. Turning right a brief descent onto the Rossendale Way was followed by a narrow rolling path gradually ascending to the far turn where the bravest marshal was holding station. The climb to Whittle Hill was short and not too steep and following it was a tricky but enjoyable descent off Scout Moor. The rough ground of grass and tussocks was hard on the ankles. Kicking a rock with my trailing leg I fell onto my front and skidded someway on my elbows fortunately with soft ground underneath me. Feeling lucky not to have come a cropper on a rock I jumped to me feet and cracked on. Just before the Scout Moor Brook at the valley bottom I misjudged what looked like a puddle stepping thigh and elbow deep into a bog. Crossing the Brook on the narrow walkway I was nearly blown off it. After which fun and frolics I arrived at the bottom of the sting in the tail of this particular race. A sheer scramble unto a farm track on New Hall Close. Grabbing handfuls of long grass I pulled myself slowly upwards. I wasn't the only one suffering. Shouts of encouragement from a couple of rain soaked marshals at the top helped. Turning left at the top that was all the climbing done with. A steady descent followed first off on a track to a farm then onto a path through a field then back onto tarmac as the outward route was rejoined. The toughest part was running around the cricket pitch to finish. It was still raining.

This was my first outing at Edenfield. It was well worth the trek over from Saddleworth. The number of runners was good considering the terrible weather conditions. The cricket pavilion provided a good base. The results can be found on Rossendale's website. I finished 24th in a time of 59:39. Knowing the route I think I could go faster. I wonder if a sub fifty five might be on next year.