Sunday 7th November saw the return of the annual Cop Hill Fell Race, hosted by Meltham AC. Starting from Meltham Sports Centre, the race is around 11km long with 900ft of climbing. The wind was getting up as runners gathered on the start line before setting off for a fast start down a rocky bridleway path. Just minutes into the race the first stile provides a bottleneck! The race then climbs up over the Cop towards Blackmoorfoot reservoir before cutting through tricky and uneven woodland - and then begins the second lap.

It's a fast race with lots of runnable sections which attracts new and experienced fell runners alike. The race also forms part of the Yorkshire Veterans' fell championships. It was great to get a Spen mixed team out, depsite the bitterly cold wind on the tops. First Spen finisher was Henry Carter in 25th position overall, followed by Natasha Geere who had a formidable run to finish as the 3rd woman vet 50. Steve Hunt was the next Spen runner across the line, running injury free - and perhaps the only runner to say the race got easier on the second lap! Spen stalwart Michael Dransfield was the next across the line with a strong finish. Jackie Carter and Angie Buckle were the next two Spen runners to finish, with strong run from Angie with what was one of her longest fell races to date. Jackie placed 2nd woman vet 55 and was duly rewarded with a Yorkshire vets trophy.

Well done to all. It was a great day for Team Spen!