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The next race takes place on Sunday 4th September, 2011, at 11am. There will be a junior race shortly afterwards.
A gpx trace of the route can be found here, and a map with directions here. CLICK HERE FOR A MAP OF THE RACE ROUTE.
The six mile route taken by the Shelf Moor race has three of the area's aircraft wrecks 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.
Organizer gordon Cooper - email: gordonjcooper@hotmail.com
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