It was a glorious Bank Holiday Monday at the Wildboarclough May Queen Fete held at Crag Hall in Macclesfield Forest. As part of the festivities local fell runners take on the challenge of running up and down Shutlingsloe.
A steep-sided hill with a distinctive profile, sometimes described as the ‘Matterhorn of Cheshire’, it is the third highest peak in the county with an elevation of 506 m (1,660 ft), and commands excellent views over Cheshire.
Buxton AC juniors were out in force to represent the club and dominated the results in both the adult and junior race. The under 11’s ran a shortened course with Henry Hazelhurst leading the Buxton team home in 6th place with Matt Rolfe chasing him in in 7th and Liam Jones 9th. First girl home was Buxton’s Rebecca Cudahy followed by her sister Rebecca. Eloise Kempster was 2nd Under 11 girl, with Molly Golden 3rd, and Aoife Lennone 4th. In the Under 9’s category Dylan Meylan came in 2nd, brother Jesse 5th, Jimmy Golden 8th. Hannah Cudahy was 2nd under 9 girl with Lexi Tomlinson 3rd and Madison Tomlinson 6th. 33 ran.
In the adult race a short steep climb up the hill and back, the age limit was reduced this year from 13 to 11 years old. A challenge that 12 of Buxton’s hardy juniors took on! Sam Soles came in first Buxton in 6th place overall winning the under 17 age category. He was followed by Stuart Diamond 14th overall 2nd U17 and Jacob Miller 18th overall – 3rd U17. Ava Hazelhurst was 2nd Under 17 girl (94th overall).
Helen Thornhill won the ladies race and was 1st under 23 (12th overall) with youngster Lucy Bednall coming in an impressive 27th overall – to be 2nd lady and 1st under 15 girl!
Harry Bond took the Under 15 boys prize coming in 17th overall with Caleb Winfield 2nd U15 (32nd overall). Edward Hazelhurst put in a strong run in the under 13 boys category (44th overall) and Luke Guise 4th U13 (61st overall). 11 year old girls Sienna Phillips and Grace Bond put in outstanding performances to come in 2nd and 4th under 13 girls (68th and 85th overall) 107 ran.
Photo: Lucy Bednall – 1st U15 girl 2nd lady overall