Hollie’s 100 Mile Challenge

On Friday 10th July, 2026, Hollie Green made the long journey down to Plymouth to take part in the Hope 36 Ultra Challenge. The challenge was to run 100 miles in 36hrs, around a course in Newnham Park. Starting on Friday 10th and finishing on Sunday 12 July. Hollie completed the 100 miles in 35hrs, 58m, 25s. A massive well done to Hollie for such an achievement.

Saturday 11 July, saw Dave Parton going in the opposite direction to the Lake District, to run in of the big “Classic” fell races, namely the Wasdale Fell Race. Billed as one of the hardest long distance fell races in the UK. Normally the distance is 21.1 miles, with 9022ft of climb, it was shortened this year due to the extreme heat. Dave Parton finished 54th, in a time of 4hrs, 43m, 28s. He definitely earned a pint at the Wasdale Inn for his efforts.

Heading back down south, this time to Shrewsbury and a slightly faster course, Juliet Smith represented the England Age Group Masters in the female vet 50 team, in an England v Wales 5k race fixture. Sadly Juliet suffered from the heat and slipped from 4th to 7th Vet 50 on the final lap, finishing  in a time of 21m, 02s. But she did have the honour of representing the England veteran team against Wales and is to be congratulated on her achievement.

Heading up the M6 to Wilmslow on Sunday 12 July 2026, were six Harriers running in the Wilmslow 10K Road Race. First back was Phil Lockett (V40), in a time of 38m, 33s. Followed by Ryan Taylor (V45) in 45m, 10s. Next to finish was Harry Page (MSEN), in a time of 42m, 25s.

In the Lake District town of Ambleside, Chris Gee run in the Lakeland Trails 14K Race. Chris finished a creditable 60th out of 232 finishers, in a time of 1hr, 52m, 42s.

Despite the heat, Friday night saw the 3rd race in the Sale Sizzler 5K series of four races held in Wythenshawe Park, which are definitely living up to their title this year. Some Harriers choose to run all four races in the series and have their best one count towards their score, in the RHAC road race championship, others just run one and take the risk of missing out on a good position. 13 Harriers took part, Danny Bennett (V55), was first Rochdale Harrier back, running superbly to finish in 37th position, in 17m, 8s and winning his age category yet again. Next in 78th place was Zain Zia (MSEN), running a massive course PB time of 18m, 17s. Following Zain in 120th place was Gareth Bright (V50), in a time of 19m, 26s. First Harrier lady was Juliet Smith (V50), in a time of 20m, 28s, in 25th female position and coming 2nd in her age category. Louise Mayall (V35) was our only other female runner, finishing in 49th female place in a time of 22m, 02s (which matched her previous time to the second).

Saturday saw the Harriers competing in the Turnslack Fell Race, the 7th in the series of 11 races in the Fell Grand Prix (FGP). Many believe, that because the races are not held in the Lakes, they are not tough etc. That is until they run the Turnslack and discover that the South Pennines have some steep hills to climb, especially if there’s more than one and in blistering heat.

The Turnslack (named after Turnslack Dam, which once fed Fothergill & Harvey’s boilers), starts at Calderbrook Community Church, goes over Shore Moor, Crook Hill, and Hades Hill to Freehold Top, visiting Ramsden Wood Reservoir, before heading over Moon Hill to the finish. The race features the infamous “bottomless” bog, which  has caught quite a few runners out including Harriers. It is 8 miles (129K) long, with 2000ft of climb (610m).

The results are currently provisional only. Ryan Keenan (M40) was first Harrier to finish, in a time of 1hr, 34m, 43s, despite a niggle picked-up at the Rochdale 10K. In 23rd position. With a superb run and not too far behind was Kay Welsby (F40), who was 3rd lady, with a time of 1hr, 35m, 8s.

Harriers ladies then continued their excellent performance with Stephanie Harrison (F40), coming next in 34th place, taking 1hr, 44m, 1s. Dermot Garvey (M60), was next home in 44th place and a time of 1hr, 50m, 9s. Completing the trio of ladies was Jennie Ransome (F60), completing the course in 1hr, 53m, 1s, in 56th position. So overall a very successful afternoon for the Harriers ladies, who demonstrated how to run a tough course. Third male Harrier back was Mark Walker (M55), 59th in 1hr, 53m, 54s.

Meanwhile over in Mossley, two Harriers ran the Mossley 10K Road Race, which starts and finishes at Mossley AFC’s Seel Park. It takes in Upper and Lower Mossley with views of the Saddleworth Moors, though I don’t think there is much to see on them, as they are currently suffering from wildfires. Abdul Wadud and Taz Ali made the short journey to Mossley. Abdul finishing in a time of 49m, 37s in 115th position. With Taz not too far behind in 49m, 57s in 123rd place.