Hexhamshire Hobble Results & Pictures

What an amazing response to our first club fell race with a record 196 entries. The weather was kind with better than expected temperatures and only periodic light showers.

Rainbows and squally showers heralded the Up and Running 16th Hexhamshire Hobble. It’s first year as presented by the local club Allen Valley Striders. A record field of 180 runners set off from the Allendale Middle School sports field on a windy but clear winter morning. The going was extremely muddy after many weeks of rain, particularly on the higher ground. Despite the slippery conditions all competitors finished in under 2 1/2 hours with only 3 retirees.
Number 100, Heaton Harriers’, Ian Buis, triumphed in 1hr 8mins beating Philip Sanderson of Northumberland Fell Runners. The two front runners kept a close neck and neck position for much of the race with Ian finally breaking away in the last 3 miles back over the fell toward Allendale. Philip maintained his second place position from last year beating his previous time by just two seconds.
Unattached Jenny Watts finished in an impressive 19^th position overall, to lead in the ladies field. Karen Robertson was unable to add a 6^th notch to her winning titles in previous Hobbles but did claim pole position in the veteran ladies 40-49 category, having now come of age in this section since last year’s event. Allen Valley Striders were proud to welcome back Claire Jackson to fine form after injury seeing her claim two prizes, first local female finisher and 2^nd place in the ladies veterans. Husband Brendon was not running this year to enable him to assist in organising the event. Up and Running were title sponsors this year giving each finisher a £10 voucher to spend on some much needed winter kit. The finishers were also treated to a warm welcome back at the new Hobble venue of Allendale Middle School’s sports hall where free tea, coffee and cakes baked by the Striders were in abundance. A 10mile run over the fells builds up a big appetite so each runner also received a chocolate brownie and cereal bar from local bakers, Nichol and Laidlow. Allen Valley Striders were delighted with the increase in entrants from last year, with 25% of entry fees being donated towards a local charity Allendale Sports Club. Graham Fraser, event organiser from the striders commented on this year’s race ‘It’s fantastic to see increasing interest in fell running in our region, not only does this event serve as an extra challenge to those who might be looking for a change from road running but the incredible views over the Allen Valley and Tynedale make this a very special event. That is of course if you can tear your eyes away from the tough terrain! We want to congratulate all the finishers and we look forward to welcoming them back next year.’

A great team effort. Without a doubt , this was a super value for money event and that is excluding the run itself.