From Ben Sheppard…
2020’s edition of the Haworth Hobble was memorable, not entirely in a good way. A sense of foreboding had replaced the usual friendly, jovial atmosphere, as the race hesitantly proceeded under the gathering storm clouds of something we didn’t yet understand and could not have fully imagined. Two days later the WHO (not The Who) declared a global pandemic and Boris Johnson told us to go home, stay indoors, and don’t see anyone or go anywhere until further notice (don’t even see your elderly relatives let alone go running in the hills with other people). Two years on, and the mood was somewhat brighter – a collective joy at being back doing what you love and at one of your favourite races. The world may have changed a lot in two years, but the Hobble remains a rich, challenging and rewarding experience. A mix of terrains and landscapes; towns and moorland; trails and hills; reservoirs and dams; giant wind turbines and Stoodley Pike – a towering monument to the end of war. The event has been going for around 50 years and has evolved from a walking event into a very popular … (in my case) walking event punctuated with brief spells of running, stumbling, slipping and shuffling. Another brilliant win for Kate Archer whose perfect pacing saw her move steadily through the field to win by over 6 minutes with a time of 5:11. The overall winner was Doni Clarke in 4:09. Nice to see Colin Williams (you did set off quite fast Colin) and Paul Carman completing the race as a pair with his dad. There was lots of food and drink on the way round and pizza and soup at the end. Thanks to organisers at Keighley & Craven AC and all their marshals and volunteers who make this memorable event (in a good way this time) possible.
From Kate Archer…
A few Harriers set off from the cobbled street in Haworth in the rain for this 32-mile race. I positioned myself somewhere around the middle of the pack, keen not to set off too quickly. Quite early on I caught up with Ben and decided a sensible plan would be not to let myself pass him. A plan I stuck with for the first two thirds of the race (thanks Ben!). Other than a couple of reservoirs, there are few landmarks for the first half of the route and the weather was a bit miserable. But at about the halfway mark, the weather brightened, the wind died down (or we changed direction), and checkpoints started to appear more often. After Todmorden, there are a few tough climbs including up to Stoodley Pike and a long road climb out of Hebden Bridge but I was feeling strong. I decided that when I had 10 miles left to go, I would let myself pick up the pace. I passed quite a few runners and then caught the leading woman. After that it was just a case of holding on to my lead until the finish where Dave Woodhead was waiting with his camera.
A great race, well organised and a good selection of food at the checkpoints. Hot dogs, doughnuts, chip butties and whiskey were all available to those who fancied it. I waited for the finish where there was freshly cooked pizza and coke. It was good to see Ben, Colin and Paul (running as a pair with his dad).
(1st Doni Clarke, 4:09:22, Todmorden Harriers)
25 Kate Archer 5:11:18 (1st lady)
31 Ben Sheppard 5:15:17
154 Colin Williams 6:23:13
243 Paul Carman 7:14:29
381 finished