Sea of Red at Stanhill Fell Race

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The second race of the Run the Moors Grand Prix, Stanhill Fell Race, took place near Oswaldtwistle on Thursday, May 28th. The 5-mile out and back route was a fast and furious affair, with a paltry (by fell racing standards) 820ft of elevation and the usually boggy moorland dry and bouncy after a record-breaking dry spring. The start line was a sea of red vests with 16 Horwich RMI Harriers amassed. They delivered quality as well as quantity. Sam Fairhurst (2nd – 30.01), Nick Leigh (4th overall and 1st MV45 – 31:34), and Matt Fawthrop (5th – 32:02) ensured a dominant men’s team victory. Alistair Murray had a great run to finish 10th and 1st MV50. He, Rob Seddon (33:47) and Nick Kelly (2nd MV55, 35:36) also took 3rd place in the men’s team prize. Gary Chadderton was 1st MV60 (39:05) and Doug Fleming 1st V65 (39:54). Not to be outshone, the women also posted some fantastic results and times. Charlotte Wilkinson was 3rd Junior (37:42), Alison Mort was 2nd FV45 (43:13) and Katherine Newall 2nd FV50 (45:25). They combined to take 3rd in the female team prize.

Horwich Harriers at the 2025 Stanhill Fell Race
Horwich Harriers at the 2025 Stanhill Fell Race

On the same night was the first of the Harrock Hill Race series. Adrian Bramham got his hands on a unique box of veg prize for a commanding victory in the MV60 category. His time of 39:11 on the tough 5.2 mile course was a minute faster than the next V60.

The latest Youth Development League Lower athletics meet was held on Sunday at Blackpool. There were many 1st places, with U13 Theo Bolton winning the 75m in 10.8 (a personal best) and Jack Fletcher winning the 80m Hurdles in 13.2. The girls performed well with debutant Isla Smith (75m – 10.9 and 150m – 22.5), Florence Simm (75m – 11.8 and Long Jump – 3.29m) and Lily Mort (100m – 13.8 and 200m – 28.4) each achieving a brace of personal bests. Grace Freary ran a superb 5.25.8, demolishing the field in her 1500m before going on to help the 4 x 300 girls win the relay. Erinn Walker recorded a huge PB in the high jump, upping her highest jump from 1.05m to 1.25m, only narrowly missing a clearance at 1.30m. Walker recorded another PB in her 150m race (24.2) and won her 70m hurdles race in 14.5. Collectively, the RMI amassed a spectacular 28 personal bests. Amongst those not already mentioned were Toby MacDonald (75m – 12.6 and 800m – 3.11.7); Ben Essex-Crosby (75m – 12.1, 800m – 3.11.7 and Long Jump – 3.53m); Alfie Fletcher (75m – 13.0 and 800m – 3.19.1); Bobby Charnock (12.13m) and Toby MacDonald (8.15m) in the Javelin; Emily Hellewell (14.8) and Grace Hoyte (14.7) in the 100m; Kitty Crossland (800m – 2.29.9 and Shot – 4.35); Emily Hellewell (800m – 2.46.9); Abi Ajet (7.97) and Flynn Harris (6.80) in the Shot; Ben Higgins (1500m – 5.20.5); and Matthew MacDonald (100m – 14.5 and 1500m – 5.49.4). This ensured Horwich finished the day as 2nd place squad, just 21 points behind the winners; a superb team effort.