Fell race began and ended at brewery

Bollington played host to the annual 3 Peaks Fell Race, with a record number of runners and attendees.

Organised by race director, Andy Skelhorn, in conjunction with The Bollington Brewing Co, the challenging 9 km race attracted 257 runners who scaled Kerridge Hill, White Nancy and Nab Head before a descent back to the village in glorious sunshine.

2011 winner, Jack Ross of Staffordshire Moorlands, was first over the finish line, with an impressive time of 38 minutes and 43 seconds. Alistair Thornton and Tom Fellbaum, both from Manchester and District Orienteering Club, came in second and third.

Steph Curtis of Pennine took the ladies’ title, completing the course in 47 minutes and 17 seconds, with local runner, Sophie Kirk of Macclesfield Harriers claiming third place for women.

Spectators came out in force in the afternoon sunshine to watch the runners compete in the heat over hilly terrain. Runners were welcomed with a complimentary 3 Peaks Ale – a limited edition brew created by Bollington Brewery, with artwork designed by local talent, Jon Tatham.

The fastest ‘locals’ were exactly the same as last year, so they retained the Frank Dawson shields, with Paul Rowley for Pennine in 9^th place overall and Kristen Hollands (unattached) in 96^th place.

Runners came from far and wide to compete in the race – now in its eighth year – and enjoyed goody bags and helpings of tasty chilli, courtesy of the team at The Vale Inn – one of the three pubs in The Bollington Brewing Co’s Cheshire-based estate.

Commenting on the event, Andy Skelhorn said: “It’s great to see the race is growing in awareness among the fell running network, with competitors travelling some distance to take part. This is a race attracting plenty of people who are new to fell running, as well as a strong contingent of veterans too. Massive thanks to all the volunteers and the incredible team at The Bollington Brewing Co. for helping to make it happen. It’s great to see we also raised £750 for Buxton Mountain Rescue on the day.”

Lee Wainwright, owner of The Bollington Brewing Co. added: “This year certainly smashed all records in terms of turnout – the village was buzzing with atmosphere. We’re thrilled so many people enjoyed our award winning brews, especially the 3 Peaks Ales – a trio of beers developed to celebrate the occasion, which have also gone down really well at our pubs; The Vale Inn, The Cask Tavern and The Park Tavern. We’re looking forward to next year’s event already!”

For details regarding the 3 Peaks brews, visit www.bollingtonbrewing.co.uk