The Famous Grouse Fell Race

Report: Isaac

Paul Stepto half way up the never ending hill from the start

A beautiful sunny Autumn morning for this local classic fell race with a well balanced male/female team to represent Stockport Harriers.

For those that don't know the course, its a two mile climb, followed by a sharp drop, then two miles undulating, a sharp 400 metre climb and then a one mile fast down hill finish - despite it being only 5.2 miles its a gruelling encounter with lots of mud, water and rocks (course profile)

The large field from Stockport gave the Harriers spectators and marshalls dotted around the course plenty to cheer about.

First home for Stockport was Tim Hargreaves in 41-51 followed by Sean Whewell in 44-11 knocking three minutes off his time from last year. Fine performances in taxing conditions also from Brian Holland, Paul Stepto, Ian Waddle, Ken Jackson, Tony Ward and Eric Normansell.

Tim Hargreaves makes light work of the fast downhill finish

First home for Stockport ladies was 14-year-old Amber Whewell also finishing first Junior - fine performances also from Ruth Lee, birthday girls Jenny Kinnaird and Janet Booker (bringing lots of
birthday cake along with them to be shared out in the pub afterwards),
Kath Ward, Christine Jackson and Gill Bremner.

It was noted afterwards by the race organisers what excellent turn-outs Stockport now have in the local fell races which is testament itself to some fine fell running performances this year.

More Famous Grouse Fell Race pictures available on Tony Lee's Ringo page