Calderdale Way Relay

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Originally Posted by Rob Furness

It's a good event, and whilst I accept the date clashes with local half marathons etc.

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and the Leeds half marathon was won by ...a Wharfedaler :w00t:

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Originally Posted by TheGrump

The 'whingers' seem to have forgotten the reasons why the event was (had to be) moved in the first place.
All credit to Halifax for the massive organising effort.

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It was run in the Winter for many years. Also 'whingers' is insulting of people who have articulated a perfectly reasonable preference for the old December date. The numbers speak for themselves 117 teams in 2009; 80 in 2012.

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Originally Posted by TheGrump

The 'whingers' seem to have forgotten the reasons why the event was (had to be) moved in the first place.

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Perhaps you could remind us in your inimitably cheery style!:p

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Originally Posted by crowhill

It was run in the Winter for many years. Also 'whingers' is insulting of people who have articulated a perfectly reasonable preference for the old December date. The numbers speak for themselves 117 teams in 2009; 80 in 2012.

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I'd like to see a return to a December date,its a better event for it.If thats a winge..........tuff......

120 teams was probably too many. I suspect a limit of 100 might be more sensible.
I reckon numbers will creep back up as people get used to the new scheduling....I very much doubt that it will go back to December.

For the people who prefer December, would you still say that if you were stood marshalling at Wainstalls in a blizzard for several hours instead of running? If so, you can maybe volunteer to marshal next May.

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Originally Posted by manothemoors

For the people who prefer December, would you still say that if you were stood marshalling at Wainstalls in a blizzard for several hours instead of running? If so, you can maybe volunteer to marshal next May.

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I might well, but if I were not running, I would instead have to support my club who marshal the start/finish of the Leeds Half. An equally important event?

I would prefer the December date, simply because it is easier to raise a "strong" team for my club then, and the event was more challenging in December. However, in principle, I have no problems with a May date, but it should be scheduled to avoid big local events surely? Whilst not to the taste of everyone, some runners like to run on both the road and on the fells... and I have always thought it important to support local events, otherwise they go the way of the Rothwell 10k...

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Originally Posted by manothemoors

For the people who prefer December, would you still say that if you were stood marshalling at Wainstalls in a blizzard for several hours instead of running? If so, you can maybe volunteer to marshal next May.

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If not selected I'd be more than happy to as I marshall at many races. e.g. Trog (Feb), Ovenden (Jan), Midgley Moor (Mar), Half Trog (Nov), Good Shepherd race organiser, CVFR winter handicap race organiser etc.

Anyway you look at this thread, its clear that the majority, would for several reasons, prefer to run this race in December. All arguments relating to whingeing, allowing less able runners to participate etc. etc. are without substance or fact. Lets get one thing clear, its a credit to any organiser to put a race on for our benefit and I'm sure none of us here are critical of their efforts. Halifax have done a sterling job keeping this event running.
So to the facts.
1) There are fewer teams entering.
2)There are fewer "Elite Runners" and slower times posted. (This years was slowest since records began pre 1984).
3) It does make a change to run in a wet summer and it is certainly kinder on the Marshalls without whom no race would take place.
4)It clashes with numerous other events making team selection very very difficult. (My club normally submits 6 teams. It was very "touch and go" to field 2 this year.)
5)If any other club is willing, then they could organise an alternative "winter Calderdale Way Relay" Its not been patented yet.
Any other comment must surely be based on opinion or preference.

So thank you Halifax for putting the event on. I've run it about a dozen times but I won't be running it again whilst it takes place in May. RIP CW

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Originally Posted by manothemoors

For people like me, who don't mean jack shit in the world of fell running, it's a really good event. I am quite confident that I enjoyed it more in May than I would have in December. I really liked running with a partner who I'd never run with before....in fact had scarcely met before. I wish I'd known about the free sarnies before spending a few bob in Tescos refuelling mind you.
950 runners this year (not too shabby). I'll wager a pint of Theakston's Best that it's bigger next year.

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Ditto here. Thoroughly enjoyed running with someone new, and being same pace made it extra special. This race will just get better and better.
Oh and for those of you with opinion on December, I really really won't stop any of you trying to organise it, putting your money where your mouths are so to speak. I'm sure that Halifax won't get in the way of you all learning just how easy it is nowadays with insurance etc to sort the whole race out for December, maybe it could be an elite CW, so to speak. So please go ahead someone, c'mon you do seem quite passionate about it.
Oh and thx Halifax for sorting out this year, much appreciated, I will see you (and those with toys still in prams perhaps) next year.

I fully understand and accept the preference and arguments for December. However for those with short memories or who can't be bothered to look back through the thread, it's a simple judgment - risk of cancellation due to weather v. potential significant cost of cancellation. The same consideration applies to the PBR.