Ever wondered what it takes to conquer a fell race named after a golf ball? Radcliffe AC members embraced the challenge in Rawtenstall, facing steep ascents and muddy descents. Their incredible performance will leave you inspired. Which runner’s grit will surprise you the most?

The rugged terrain of Rawtenstall once again bore witness to the grit and determination of Radcliffe AC members as they competed in the demanding Golf Ball Fell Race. This challenging event saw eight dedicated athletes from the club push their limits across a scenic yet arduous five-mile course, showcasing the vibrant spirit of fell running within the local athletics community.

Known for its steep ascents and technical descents, the Golf Ball Fell Race presents a unique test of endurance and skill. Participants navigated a challenging mix of moorland trails and rocky paths, all while aiming for the distinctive golf ball-shaped radio transmitter that gives the race its memorable name, a landmark serving as a turning point before the final exhilarating descent.

Leading the charge for Radcliffe AC was the formidable Ian Swan, who completed the course with an impressive time of 48 minutes and 41 seconds. His performance set a strong benchmark for the team, demonstrating exceptional pace and strategic navigation through the varied landscape of the Rawtenstall fells.

Close behind Swan, Chris Mihalyi secured a commendable second position for Radcliffe with a time of 53 minutes and 1 second, further highlighting the club’s competitive edge in fell running events. Mihalyi’s consistent effort throughout the race underscored the depth of talent present within the Radcliffe AC squad, embodying true trail endurance.

Other notable performances included Mark Garner finishing in 55 minutes and 51 seconds, and Lucie Tighe, who also tackled the course, completing it in 1 hour and 57 seconds. Their results contributed significantly to the club’s overall showing, underscoring the collective strength and individual dedication of the athletes in these Rawtenstall Races.

The race was not without its dramatic moments, as Chemane Thomas demonstrated incredible resilience, finishing strong in 1 hour and 7 minutes and 37 seconds despite enduring a “superman style dive” with just two miles remaining. This display of perseverance encapsulates the spirit of the fell racing community and the determination of Radcliffe AC competitors, making for compelling athletics news.

Further completing the Radcliffe AC contingent were Alison Howarth (1:09:14), Stephen Crowe (1:10:42), and Peter Warr (1:19:00), each successfully navigating the rigorous course. Their participation and completion times reflect a shared commitment to the sport and the challenging demands of fell running.

Beyond the Rawtenstall fells, Radcliffe AC celebrated another significant achievement as Helen Kay marked an impressive 550 parkruns. This milestone was celebrated at the 800th Bramhall event alongside fellow club members, with Helen completing her significant parkrun in 34 minutes and 19 seconds, further showcasing the club’s diverse involvement in the broader UK sports and running community.