David Bell Memorial Hoppits Hill

David Bell Memorial Hoppits Hill on Sun 25th Aug 2013

First running of what, I think, was a variant of the Nicky and Steve's 'Hogsbreath' wedding race route; plus four junior races.  The course was immaculately marked out, which didn't prevent the leaders going briefly wrong (just a little additional training for the U18 Annabel Mason, who still won at a canter). Only Nicky could set the under 8s off right at the base of a one-in-two hill - felt quite inhumane encouraging the gasping youth up the last fifty foot of climb.  And in a classic piece of Spinks kiddology, the contourless race maps failed to indicate that the second loop of the main race's figure of eight was steeper still (for a dingly dell mid-way between Dewsbury and Huddersfield).  Nonetheless, lots of smiling at the finish from the small but beautifully formed field, and more than enough prizes to go around.  Hopefully the race will return next year, but possibly on a more accessible date.