The Pendle and Burnley Grand Prix is a series of 13 races which comprises of fell, trail and road races over distances ranging from 5k to half marathon. To qualify for the championship, runners need to complete 9 races out of the 13 (V60+ 6 races out of the 13). Points represent your position in the relevant race, separate men’s and women’s points. It is the runner with the least points at the end of the series who is the winner.
This year three Wharfedale Fell Runners took part:-
Liz Ensor (F40) – also completed the necessary 9 races. In 7 of her races she finished in the top three women and finished 1st F40 in all but two of her races. Liz took the overall Women’s Trophy and the overall F40 Trophy.
Paul Crabtree (M50) – completed the necessary 9 races and finished 8th in the overall Men’s standings and in his category, he took the Trophy for 2nd V50.
Lynn Whittaker (F60) – Lynn writes “I completed 12 out of 13 races. My aim was to complete all 13 races to enter the “Hall of Fame” and receive a medal. Unfortunately on the 10th race, which was a 10k road race from Towneley Park, my right calf gave way at the finish line but I managed to hobble over it. Up to this point I had been the 1st V60 in all my races. The 11th race, a 5k road race, was in 3 days’ time. I decided I would take part and just jog round to complete it. I must admit, I really enjoyed the pace I set and didn’t finish last. I now had 2 weeks to recover from the calf injury until my next race. Worsthorne Moor race was the 12th race, a 7 mile multi terrain race. Disaster struck in this race after approximately 3km. I turned my left ankle, hearing a crack! Devastated, I turned to go back to the “start line”. Wait a minute, I think I can slowly jog!! I carried on in the race to the finish. Probably not a good decision. A week until the final race, Boulsworth Fell Race of 6.5 miles. I rested the whole week and iced my ankle every 2 hours. My foot swelled to the size of an elephant’s foot (or so it seemed). I was still thinking I would complete the race on the Saturday night before Sunday’s race. If I could just jog it! Gutted, it was not to be. May be next year, people said. I was not wanting to have to complete the Hendon Brook half marathon road race again (said to be the toughest half marathon in the country over the high hills of Colne and Nelson)!
However, all was not lost, I did receive a Trophy for the 1st V60.
The Presentation of trophies took place at Turf Moor, Burnley FC’s ground and a good night was enjoyed by all. Thanks must go to the organisers of all the races, marshalls and John Roche who oversees the whole series.
If you want a running challenge, then this is certainly a series to consider.”