Being born and bred in Lancashire this isn't easy for me to say but, "int Yorkshire beltin".

After yesterday's Bingley Show race once again I find myself in Yorkshire on the outskirts of Holmfirth for the gruelling but excellent Holme Moss.
Holmfirth is the home to my favourite live music venue, The Picturedrome. The town also boast some great pubs....smashing place.

Regarding the race be warned, it's 18 miles and not 15 miles as advertised. But before we get to the race, Cartworth Moor cricket club is to be located for registration duties. The cricket ground is the 2nd highest in the country with the drive up from Holmfirth being interesting to say the least. Sharp left and right turns which can't be completed in one manoeuvre is the order of the day.

With today's fell fixtures being thin on the ground it's to the advantage of Holme Moss with a turnout of 166 runners. That's the races biggest attendance since it hosted the Champs in 2010.

We're blessed with almost ideal running conditions both underfoot and climate wise, I say almost as it's a little humid. The forecast had predicted dark clouds and heavy rain from midday, the worst we got was light rain for all of 5 minutes. Cows are the best judge of the weather. On arrival pre race all the cows in the nearby fields were stood up grazing and we get minimal rain. Whilst driving home I passed a field of cows that were all laying down...pissed down in no time.

Cows 1 Met office 0.

Holme Moss could arguably lay claim to one of the best climbs on the fell scene. After descending Bareholme Moss and crossing the brook you're 'treated' to a tough scrambled up through rocks and bracken before the imposing Laddow Rocks comes into view. Whilst standing at the foot of Laddow it looks almost impossible to ascend, especially when rock climbers are spotted roped up onto its intimidating rock face. On closer inspection an easy trod going from left to right traverses you up through the rocks...to the amusement of the climbers.

For many the race really starts once Laddow is climbed and the Pennine Way is reached. Places and time can really be picked up whilst running up the slabs towards Black Hill.

The final climb up from Riding Wood is only short but blimey it's steep. Holding the undergrowth for leverage is a godsend. If you've anything left in your tank or if you're running on empty the final road mile will make or break you.....I was broken!

Well done Morgan and Helen on their wins and many thanks to all at Holmfirth Harriers.

Now, back to the Yorkshire thing...if I start saying "how do" will you please give me a slap.