Haworth Hobble
Saturday 12 March 2022
31.7 miles (51.0 km); 4,396 feet (1,340 m) of ascent
Starters: 391 (including pairs)
Finishers: 381 singles and pairs
Retired: 10
Included in the 381 finishers were 37 pairs (16 mixed pairs; 10 male pairs and 11 female pairs), ie 418 runners finished in total.
First Man: Doni Clarke; MV40; 4:09:22
First Lady: Kate Archer; 25th overall; FV40; Ilkley Harriers AC; 5:11:18
Steven Jones: 293rd; MV50; Dark Peak Fell Runners; 7:47:21
There was an option for an early start to allow the slower runners and walkers to get a head start and avoid having to have marshals out on the course longer than necessary. So I set off at 7.25 am and avoided the queues for the stiles that those in the mass start at 8 am would have to endure. The weather seemed quite mild at the beginning so I commenced in shorts and T-shirt but paused to put on my waterproof top within a couple of miles as I gained altitude on Stanbury Moor to counter the threat of rain. Although the rain was brief the extra layer was welcome to counter the wind. I proceeded at a steady pace not wishing to risk going too fast and falling since I still had my right arm in plaster due to a distal radius fracture. I enjoyed the scenery along the course and the checkpoints were well stocked with items to keep fed and watered. At the Mankinholes checkpoint there was an option of a shot of whisky which was good. The weather became more pleasant during the course of the day and despite removing my waterproof top later on I was overheating a bit. It was fairly dry underfoot and the going was generally good.