Bit of a novelty this weekend....I've only raced once!

Working Friday night had scuppered my chances of racing on Saturday so off I went to watch Chorley FC play host to York City. I've not been on Chorley for awhile, in truth football doesn't really interest me that much anymore....the 'beautiful game' has become too big for its boots, even at this level some of the players see themselves has a bit special. Apparently York are full time professionals and it amazed me just how unfit some of these professional athletes were....3 of their players were visibly overweight.

Anyone with any football knowledge may recall a player call Jon Parkin. He's a big lad to say the least, but to his credit he's been a decent player over the years and has always produced a creditable goals per game ratio wherever he's played. Jon is known as 'the beast' in reference to his large frame and playing style. Thankfully Jon and his fellow Yorkies had an off day and Chorley won 2-0.

Today I'm back to familiar surroundings and getting my fell race fix.....and it's all thanks to another 'beast'.

A few years ago race organisers/clubs were asked if they could devise a new AL category race that could be considered for the English Championship. Over the past ten years the 20 races used for the 'long' counter have been predominantly Lakeland races....Holme Moss, Three Peaks, Edale Skyline, Bradda and today's Castle Carr being the only exceptions.

Calder Valley fell runner Bill Johnson took up the challenge and presented the fell calendar with Castle Carr.

I've always found Bill to be an extremely knowledge guy and a pleasure to chat with.....a true gentleman. Today I've found out, along with a couple of hundred fell runners, that Bill has a dark side.....for the 2nd time this weekend I'd encountered a beast....Step forward Bill 'the beast' Johnson, you've one hell of a sense of humour....check point 1 down towards the reservoir and check point 9 to the finish really tried my sense of humour...not forgetting my ankles and hamstrings.

I heard some say the course was convoluted....maybe it is to an extent. But given the area and the criteria required for an AL category race I personally think it was a proper challenging fell race which must've been a right labour of love to devise. Most of the big hills in Calder Valley are unfortunately covered in tarmac and who wants to run on that stuff?

I really enjoyed trying to piece together all the previous times I'd raced over these tussock laden moors: Wadsworth Trog/half, Mytholmroyd, Midgley Moor, Wicken Hill Whizz, Reservoir Bogs, Tom Tittiman, Crow Hill Reverse....anymore?

Many thanks to Bill and all helpers (over 50 marshals out and about).

Castle Carr...cracker.