Race Report - Pilgrims Cross

Race Report by Steven Henderson:

The race started from Helmshore. Having registered at a local social club (and observed the “Mandatory waterproof jacket” warnings - what did the locals know that I didn’t?), competitors headed for the start line, a 10 minute walk.

With a field of 125 the race was well attended, with a number of local clubs (including organisers, Rossendale Harriers) well represented. The race began with a relatively steep climb up a very narrow and uneven path (no overtaking here) for approx. 1km. After this the race opened up into more expansive fields - this is when I realised that this was a genuine “Fell” race as opposed to a “Trail” race (which I'm more familiar with).

As for the race from here, three words describe – UNDULATING, MUDDY, WINDY (VERY VERY WINDY). The race continued across exposed fields, including a number of steep climbs and tricky descents. Following the longest climb of the race (more on this later), and in turn the steepest and most difficult descent (sliding down would have been a more appropriate technique, my hands barely left the floor - the race photographer, clearly familiar with the likelihood for embarrassment on this stretch, located himself at the bottom to watch and document the chaos), I thought Pilgrims Cross had thrown everything it could at us. I was wrong. Two further technical challenges awaited us:

- a stretch of narrow path alongside a sheer drop on one side. Normally fine (even with a touch of vertigo), however, with the wind seemingly determined to sweep you off the edge, this was a challenging section; and

- following another steep climb, the final descent; great news until you realise it is made up of wet and slippery cobble stones.

A brief spell on tarmac and the finishing funnel was in sight.

The winner completed the race in 36.46. A very impressive time.

All in all a fantastic run - great views, organisation and marshals - a thoroughly enjoyable mid-week challenge.

My personal experience summarised:

- I wasn’t feeling 100% on the morning of the race and contemplated giving it a miss, but the competitive streak in me took over.

- Decided it wise to not push too hard and so I joined towards the back at the start - slight mistake given the single file paths at the start - the opening pace was a bit too slow, ill or not ill.

- I settled into the race as the field opened up and then, confidence up, came the low moment - that long climb mentioned earlier, into a strong headwind. A far more experienced fell runner than myself followed in my slip stream the entire climb only to fly past as we started the subsequent descent (I need to get better at getting down!). Despite best efforts to catch him (including a sprint down THOSE cobbles) and I finished just behind him - 38th overall with a time of 48.54.

- An achievable time to aim for next year with a better position on the start line.