Talk:Eccles Pike Fell Race

Stud Marks on the Summits

Available online from the FRA library

Bill Smith (1985). Stud Marks on the Summits: A History of Amateur Fell Racing 1861-1983. SKG Publications. OL 13709937M.

ECCLES PIKE FELL RACE

P: September C: 3½ miles: 650 feet

This race is now run from the village of Buxworth, near Whaley Bridge, and starts with a ¾ mile road section, followed by a ¾-mile cross-country section with 250 feet of ascent, and finally a 300 feet climb on steep grass to the summit of Eccles Pike, returning to the village school sports field by the same route.

The first known race up the Pike took place in 1910, when the prize was a small decorated cup. This same trophy is now presented to the winner of the junior boys' race, which includes a 250-foot climb in its one-mile course. The present senior race trophy also has quite a long history, dating back to 1928, when it was donated by Major Welch, the owner of a mill at Chinley. The race then formed part of a church garden fete, and Major Welch was the churchwarden, the event usually being held in the grounds of the Major's house in Chinley, though it was also apparently run from Buxworth on occasion. The trophy was originally restricted to the fastest competitor living within three miles of Eccles Pike and this may not have always been the race-winner.

However, the fastest local in the 1928, '29 and '30 races certainly was the race winner, being the international steeplechaser, T.P. 'Pat' Campbell, of Salford Harriers, who still resides in Chapel-en-le-Frith. Campbell is perhaps best-known in fell racing circles for his victories at Rivington Pike and Burnsall during the '30's. Other race winners of this period, following Campbell, were E. Barnes: 1931, C. Jepson: 1932, D. Mason: 1933, and R. Walton: 1937.

There was then a lapse of 32 years before the race was revived in 1969 by the Buxworth Church Social Committee, who reclaimed the trophy from the sideboard of R. Walton. This event was held in June, as were those of the next two years, and the winner was B. Ellis of Chapel-en-le-Frith, with Ricky Wilde triumphing in the 1970 and '71 races. The course was different on each occasion, incidentally, and there was also a race for boys aged 13 to 16 in 1969 and '70. There was no race in 1972 owing to a lack of local entries, nor in the following two years, though one planned for 1973 was cancelled as only two entries were received. However, 16 runners lined up for the 1975 race from Buxworth which was won by M. Green (Old Gaytonians AC), while Ron Hill proved an easy winner of the 1976 race from Chinley, when the entry was doubled.

In 1977, the Church Social Committee reached a decision to organise the race on the same weekend each year, around September 19th-23rd, over a set

— p.219

course, which is the one presently used, with also a ladies race and four shorter events for boys and girls. The size of the field in the senior race has risen from 42 in 1977 to 84 in 1979 and 71 in 1980. Colin Robinson won the 1977 race in 20.05 from H. Thompson (Stockport) 2nd: 20.45 and Tony Trowbridge (Dark Peak) 3rd: 20.58, while his wife Brenda triumphed in the ladies race with a time of 26.07 over Hilary Matthews (Blackburn) 2nd: 26.25 and Colette Chapman (Bolton) 3rd: 27.07.'

The following year, Andrew Wilton (Staffs Moorlands) was first back in 19.24 ahead of R. Allinson (Hercules Wimbledon) 2nd: 20.09 and Graham Berry (Dark Peak) 3rd: 20.14, while Miriam Rosen (Barnet) was the fastest lady in 29.21, with J. Riley (Stockport) 2nd: 30.40 and B. Normansell (Stockport) 3rd: 35.13. Wilton lowered his record to 19.14 in the perfect conditions of 1979, being chased home by his clubmate M. Bishop, in 19.19, with Andy Darby (Sale) coming 3rd in 19.47. Jayne Dransfield (Spenborough) set a new ladies' record of 25.35 in the face of a determined challenge from Gillian Pile, who also broke the old record in 25.42, with 3rd place going to Jayne's sister, Susan Dransfield, in 27.09.

Records fell the next year, too, with John Wild (RAF Cosford) winning in 18.14 from Andy Wilton: 19.23, and Gillian Pile clocking 25.10 to beat Jayne Dransfield: 26.50. Alan Sladen triumphed in 1981 with a time of 20.05.

— p.220

ECCLES PIKE FELL RACE (P) / B: 3½ miles: 650 feet / September 25

1. A. Sladen / Salford / 20.46

2. A. Pickles / Dark Peak / 21.10

3. F. Pidgeon / Sheffield / 21.26

— p.519 (1982 men's results)

U003F^? 19:06, 29 January 2023 (UTC)