A Day of Grit and Granite
After weeks of beautiful sunshine it was only a matter of time before the rain made an appearance. This didnt stop a hardy bunch of fell runners putting their toe on the start line. The mountains shrouded in a blanket of Clag(Fog) that would test everyones navigation from start and especially finish. The Granite Peaks course, with its steep ascents, rocky passages, and breathtaking views, set the stage for a day where every second and every step mattered. Athletes from numerous clubs converged on the course to etch their names into this challenging mountain running challenge. With our Race Director giving the final instructions it was GO GO GO!!
The Battle at the Front
The early stretch of the race was a masterclass in competitive pacing. Dark Peak Fell Runners’ Finlay Grant ignited the contest from the start. Racing in the MU23 category, Grant powered through the climbs and technical downhills to clock an impressive 55:01, clinching first overall. Trailing him by a mere three seconds was Dan Dry of the Shettleston Harriers, whose finely tuned strategy kept him right on Grant’s heels. Not to be outdone, Matthew Elkington from Ambleside AC rounded out a thrilling top-three finish in 55:09. This tight grouping underscored the razor-thin margins at the elite level, where a single second can separate champions.
Shifting Gears in the Wider Field
As the front-runners dispersed into the distance, the rest of the pack revealed their resilience on the demanding course. Ambleside AC’s presence was felt again when Bobby Gard-Storry surged to secure fourth place in 59:12, closely shadowing his teammates and rivals alike. Joe Woodley (Dark Peak Fell Runners) and several hard-charging masters, including Ben Tetler (MV45, Glossopdale Harriers at 1:03:54) and Shaun Godsman (MV50, Calder Valley Fell Runners at 1:05:22), showcased the expansive depth of talent across age groups and ability levels.
For many, the grueling mix of steep ascents and technical terrain became a crucible in which personal bests were forged. Each competitor’s finish time was not only a measure of speed but a testament to endurance, strategy, and the spirit of mountain running.
Celebrating the Women’s Fight
The women’s contest, running its own parallel battle against the elements, was equally inspiring. Among the standout performances was that of Antonia Fan (Ambleside AC), who crossed the finish line in a solid 1:14:50. Alongside her, athletes like Karen Wilton (Jog Lisburn Running Club) and Rebecca Magee (Newcastle AC) demonstrated remarkable tenacity under the duress of steep climbs and rugged surfaces. Their performances, although intermingled with the overall results, shone brightly as symbols of perseverance and competitive spirit.
The Granite Peaks Legacy
Beyond the clocked times and placings, the Granite Peaks 10K celebrated the raw beauty of mountain running. Every participant—from emerging talents in the under-23 categories to seasoned masters—proved that conquering nature’s obstacles requires more than just speed; it demands a harmonious blend of strategy, endurance, and heart. The event as always could not have happened without the tireless work of many volunteers who marshalled the course, James who looked after the timing system, First Aid Crew and finally the Race Director Alan Magee and deputy Race Director Sharon Dickenson who helped pull it all together.
The day ended with Anne Sandford(NIMRA President) presenting the medals to the very deserving Fell Runners. With a bit of luck the next time we run a British Championship we can sort out a bit of sunshine.
Results can be found here
Photos can be found here or on our facebook page
