By Dave Brassington
The 21st April was a beautiful spring day for the running of the Kinder Downfall Fell Race. Perfect running conditions greeted the 300 odd runners as they gathered in Hayfield at the foot of the Kinder Plateau. The race itself is 9.6miles (15.4km) long, with nearly 200ft (600m) of altitude gain and is run every year around the time of the infamous Kinder mass trespass event back in 1932.
The runners gathered on a bridge in the centre of Hayfield and, after a few words from the organisers, we were off! You get about 20 metres of flat road to get the legs turning before you’re off up hill heading for the moors. A sharp left turn off the road takes you past the plaque commemorating the trespass and on to open fields headed for the snake path. This was just a warm up hill as you begin to drop down towards the Kinder Reservoir to the foot of William Clough, from here the real climbing began, up the steep clough headed for the Kinder Plateau above. Once at the top the view was amazing, but there was little time to appreciate it as you were quickly off along the ridge line, dancing your way along the rocky paths towards Kinder Downfall. After a careful crossing the race turned south along the Pennine Way towards the highest point of the race (Kinder Low) and onwards, dropping down to the Edale Cross. From there it was a sharp right and a fast descent back in the direction of Hayfield, across open fields and over stiles. The downhill soon relented and the runners were treated to a nice flat road run for the final mile of the race.
First male home was Samuel Soles of Buxton AC after what looked like a close fought battle with Matlock’s Luke Beresford. First female was Leanne Lacey of Hilsborough and Rivelin RC. Not far behind her was a former Wirksworth Club member Victoria Smith who came in 3rd female.
There were 4 Wirksworth club members out in force on the fells and all ran exceptionally well on the tough course. First back was David B, followed by Glenn B, Caroline B and Helen M.
There are a number of fell races of varying lengths and difficulties running out of Hayfield if anyone fancies trying their hand. Details can be found at https://www.t42.org.uk/hayfield/ I can highly recommend giving one a go.