Many runners will descend on Glossop to contest the race on Sunday 7th September, 2008. Some may be contesting a Peak District race for the first time. All will not have time during the race to examine a few of the aircraft wrecks that are around the area.
The six mile race taken by the Shelf Moor race has three within close proximity. One is at the top of the very steep climb called James’s Thorn, the remains of which nestle in the peat on the 1800 foot contour. Two more straddle the summit of Higher Shelf Stones, at 2038 feet virtually the top of the Peak District. Certainly the views from the trig point there are — on a clear day — quite extensive.
The descent begins in earnest — no time to waste. Following markers to the north the far side of Dowstone Clough is picked up. Then runners will hurtle down the soft peaty terrain, and from Lightside emerge at the track that leads to the finish near the bus turning circle at the end of Shepley Street in Old Glossop.
The course record was set by three times British Fell Running Champion Colin Donnelly in 1989 and is 39 minutes 45seconds. An excellent time for many on the flat, never mind adding the 1500 feet of ascent (and descent). Carol Greenwood of Holmfirth has the ladies record at 47 minutes 17 seconds from 1986.
The race was first held in 1984 and, apart from 1995 when dry weather closed all the access land, has been held ever since. The race went ahead in the 2001 season after the foot and mouth epidemic had been resolved. The 2007 race starts at 11.00 am. The best in the country will be there.
Organizer gordon Cooper - email: races@glossopdale.org.uk
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