Another successful race on a great day for running. A bit of wind and rain never hurt anyone, (although the OMM competitors in Borrowdale might disagree!!) and anyway, there were chip butties, soup and ales waiting in the warm pub afterwards – worth racing back for.

This was the 42^nd race to the White House Inn on Blackstone Edge, this event taking over from The Gale fell race which used a very similar course from about half a mile down the road.

Chris Smale of Todmorden Harriers took the lead on the newly resurfaced shale track which makes for a good, fast descent, after trailing Rossendale’s Brendon Taylor on the climb. Chris powered home to record his second win, in a time remarkably similar to his victory of two years previously. Adam Parry (Manchester Uni) took third place while Craig Stansfield filled third to claim the vet 40’s prize.

Holmfirth’s Edward McKay surprised many, (including himself I think!) with a quality run to take seventh spot at the age of sixteen. Remember the name - you saw him here first.

Mytholmroyd’s Dave Beels of Calder Valley won the over 50’s prize, while Clayton’s David Scott took the over 60’s. George Arnold, however continies to put years on us all as he took the OVER 70’s prize.

Elise Miles of Todmorden Harriers added her name to the women’s trophy as she romped home around three and a half minutes clear of her nearest rival. Wrekin’s Linda Edmonson took second but finished only one place ahead of Darwen’s Kathleen Gill. Rosie Read was the first junior girl – a chip off the old block as she was followed in by her Dad, former Gale race organiser Geoff.

Thanks to “Running Bear” who again sponsored the race with fell shoes as prizes for the winners, as well as Bear Foot socks for the winning team. I was honoured to have my friend Ken Taylor of Rossendale on hand to present the prizes after watching his Son Brendan run the race. Ken is a champion runner who won the “Elite” class in the Swiss Karrimor and had continued to pick up first prize at dozens of my races as a vet 40, 50 and lately over 60.

Thanks to all my helpers, especially Jackie on Registration, my Mum who did refreshments, my Dad, Bill Smith and Catherine Smale with Jackie on the finish line, Jim Smith at the top of the hill and Jim and Mrs Ehrhardt who gathered the flags in saving me over an hour’s work. Lastly thanks to Frank, the landlord of the Summit for looking after us for these past eight years. Good luck for a long and happy retirement mate.

Cheers, Allan Greenwood