Race Report by Race organiser Shutters:
Leo Pollard Memorial Fell Race 2025
This was the 5th running of the race which is named after Lostock AC’s late President Leo Pollard who was also a prominent member of Achille Ratti Climbing Club and a very accomplished Fell runner.
It was good to see Leos family again who were there to support the race and grandkids Rob Green Jr, Yves Pollard and Rob Garstang who ran the race.
This years race was the 2nd time it had been run in Conjunction with the Horwich Festival of Racing.
The race itself was in Burnden Road Runners club championship and also part of the Inter Club fell races series between 7 local athletics clubs – Preston H, Blackpool, Wyre & Fylde AC, Chorley A & TC, Lytham St Annes RRC, Red Rose RR, Thornton Cleveleys RC & Wesham RR & AC making it a bumper field of 151 runners.
The course was set to be the same as last year, however, the Mast road was closed at the boundary fence around the Mast buildings and we made the decision to miss out the out and back route up to the Trig point rather than skirt round the fenced perimeter. This was not a bad decision as we missed out 3/4 mile of road! and reduced the route to 5.25 miles which also helped to bunch the field and therefore make it a more competitive race for everyone in the race.
The highlight of the race is the open moor Mast to Pike section where runners are treated to some good old fashioned mud and a wonderful view looking down towards the Pike and surrounding area.
In anticipation of a midge fest we quickly gave out the 1st 3 male and female prizes, however, the large number of runners made it a long job sorting out the race placings and this made the age category prize giving even later than expected.
Spot prizes donated by Leos family were awarded to Mark Checkley for being the happiest runner/race sign putter outerer, Tony Varley and Karen Moorfield for completing all 5 Leo Pollard Memorial Fell races.
Thankyou to Woodland Trust and United Utilities for allowing us to race over their land and to the Salmon family at Rivington Barn for use of the car park and grounds.
As usual all proceeds from the race are donated to Bolton Mountain Rescue who provide safety cover for the race and a whopping £750 was electronically transferred to their bank account.
Well done everyone.
