Saturday 10th May: This being the second Cressbrook Crawl of the post-Covid era, this resurrected race took place under a glorious blue sky showing off the paradise around Cressbrook in all its glory, even though things are starting to look a little parched.
With its downhill start (mostly) and its uphill finish (entirely), it is a great race for cursing its inaugurator. Fitting then that Vicky Ironside was uttering such curses about the route as she closed in on the finish, only to be reminded that the whole thing had been her daft idea in the first place in her days as a Cressbrook resident.
Despite the village now having a new high spec footbridge over the River Wye, the route change – which was necessitated last year following the questionable structural integrity of the old bridge – remained and will ensure that everyone gets a decent foot bath for years to come as they ford the river.
The collective efforts of many of the villagers who organised, marshalled and baked a magnificent array of cakes was much appreciated by all.
The race was won comfortably by Lewis Roberts of Dark Peak Fell Runners in a new course record time of 44.57.
First lady was Emma Stevenson in 57.06.
Trophies and prizes were awarded to the first locals who qualified by birthright or residence, and these went to William Hulme (14th position in 55.32) and to his mother Harriet Hulme in the ladies’ category (85th in 80.19). Other notable villager performances were from Louis Scholes (38th in 62.46) and Caroline Brunt (96th in 90.50). Well done to them all.
