The Three Hills Fell Running Race Darwen Lancashire

The Three Hills Fell Running Race Darwen Lancashire

Here is a throw back to 1995 and 1996 where I took part in the local Darwen Fell Running Race, Three Hills Fell Race which became known as Aggies Staircase. The event was organised by Darwen Dashers Running Club and as you can see, all timing was done manually and in 95 the results were hand written.  1996 saw typewriters used for results and also you generally saw a bit of a write up about the race and sponsors.  Full text from the results writeup shown below.

In 1995 I was just 22 and ran my first race unnatached. By 96 I signed for Blackburn Harriers and was representing then at a competitive level.  There were no photos then at races, just the ones that spectators took and then usually got developed at Boots at Darwen High Street.

The presentation was always at ICI Club in Darwen and was always a good night out afterwards.

That was 30 years ago and the passion for running and competitive sports is still as strong today as it was back then when I started.

Special thanks to Runner Gary Mitchell who has kept all the results over the years and kindly shared these with us for the website.

Original Text

138 competitors took part in the 9th running of this challenging 4 mile race which involves climbing onto the top of Darwen Moors three times. The field had a strong local flavour with Darwen Dashers having 36 runners competing.

First place went to 22yr old

Robert Hope of Horwich R.M. I. Harriers in a time of 28mins 41secs, closely followed by Darren Flatley with local man Brian Cole coming home in 3rd place, Brian Uses fell running to stay fit for cross country skiing, a sport in which he represents the Royal Marines.

First female in 34mins 385ecs was Vanessa Peacock. Vanessa of Clayton-Le-Moors Harriers was also First female over 40 and finished an incredible 18th overall, surely living proof that life begins at 40!!!!!!

First veteran over 40 was Steve Ellis of Bolton United Harriers, with other age group winners being Phil Warner V45.

Jimmy Nolan V50, Derek Bury V55 and ex football league referee Ray Chadwick first over 60 in 47mins 04secs.

Female age group prizes went to the following

Helen Sandilands V35,

Katy Thompson V40,

Jan Holding V45,

Teresa Smith V50 and Maureen Roberts V60.

Prizes were . also given to Junior U/16 Joe Massey and Gavin Rose in the U/20 category: both these young men run For Blackburn Harriers, a sign that their youth policy is paying dividends.

The event was generously sponsered by Bradlow Racing Group.

A.J. Wood Construction and Phil Hargreaves of Paperchase Newsagents.

Blackburn Harriers were first male team with the female equivelent going to the Darwen Dashers.

The presentation of prizes took place in the Greenway Arms where competitors changed stories over a well earned pint. The organiser thanked the sponsers. Red Cross and all officiale and marshalls who braved the wintery conditions.

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR…