Online entries and timing by
Category A Short [ 3 miles (4.8km) 1100ft (340m) ]
The ever popular Herod Farm Fell Race is the traditional first mid-week local fell race. As in previous years, in 2024 it is kindly sponsored by Joe Barber Plumbers Merchants located on Glossop High Street.
Race HQ will be held at Jubilee House SK13 6PW (GR SK032931). Parking, toilets and post-race refreshments and prizes will be available at race HQ which is a short jog to the race start.
This is an “A Short” (short, but steep) category fell race, with minimum age 14 years. Pre-entry is preferred although there will be a limited number of entries on the day (EOD). Pre Entry is £5 plus £1 transaction fee. Entry on the day will be £7, subject to any places being available. Registration (and parking) at HQ will be open 6:15pm – 7:15pm, and will close in time for the race start at 7:30pm.
Any parents/guardians wishing to enter their junior runners (aged 14-17 on the day), will need to complete and sign the consent form when entering. There will be Junior category prizes on the night as well as the usual Senior and Vet category prizes as well as Men’s and Women’s Team prizes
The race route is mostly off road and covers narrow paths and uneven terrain, with steep, grassy climbs and descents. Whilst we do not require competitors to have previous experience of fell racing, we do recommend that they have some experience of running on this type of terrain. The course will be partially marked with flags and will be marshalled at key points, however competitors should have the necessary navigational skills to find their way around the course in the prevailing conditions, in expectation of no support. All competitors have primary responsibility for their own safety.
Competitors should arrive at registration fully prepared to carry the following equipment:
Final kit requirement (as specified by the Race Organiser – based on conditions on the day). will be on display at registration HQ on race night. Check you have the correct kit before registering. A map is available below.
Competitors should be able to recognize the signs of hypothermia, hypoglycaemia and heat exhaustion in themselves and others. If you see someone in trouble you MUST stop and help even if it costs you the race.
Competitors either failing to start after registering or retiring at any point during the race MUST notify the officials at registration HQ or at the Start/Finish, and the nearest marshal if appropriate, before leaving.
The race route starts from a track (GR SK033937) off Primrose Lane (A6016), near the junction with the A624 Glossop to Hayfield road and continues through Herod Farm nearly to the top of Monks Road, from where it descends towards Simmondley. After dashing through fields past the Pennine Care Centre the race begins in earnest, climbing up the face of the “Nab”. Finally, athletes retrace their route back down via the farm track to the finish.
The race was first held in 1989 and the race winner for five years was Andy Trigg. The men’s and ladies course records were both broken in 2023 by Joe Steward of Salford Harriers (21:29) and Martha Tibbot of Saddleworth Runners (25:23).
Each year the 1st lady receives the Stella Judd Memorial Shield. This trophy was presented to the club by Andy Wilkins in memory of his wife Stella, who was once also a keen runner, who sadly died in 2005.
A note about the course: Please note that on the first climb the route takes the public right of way through Herod Farm which is a private residence. Please do show consideration to the owners of Herod Farm when running past the house. There will be a marshal at the gate onto the moor. The race also passes through Pennine Care Nursing Home close to staffing shift change. Please take exceptional care when crossing the car park, which will be marshalled.
Race organiser: Kate Bowden
