A quintet of Winter Hill Runners took on the tough Tour of Pendle race last Saturday and put in some creditable performances.

Albert Sunter, Michele Sunter and Donna Kelsall - who had competed in the race before - offered advice and encouragement to club team-mates Silvia Delgado Ortiz and Matthew Taylor, who were first-timers to the event.

The Tour of Pendle, a gruelling fell race set amidst the rolling landscapes and steep slopes of Lancashire, once again proved its status as one of the UK’s most iconic long-distance fell running challenges.

The event attracted a diverse field of athletes, ranging from seasoned fell runners to eager first-timers drawn by the race’s reputation for tough climbs, tricky navigation and breathtaking scenery.

The Tour is not for the faint-hearted. Spanning approximately 16.8 miles with an elevation gain of around 1,500 metres (4,920 feet), the race features a mix of runnable paths, steep ascents, and technical descents.

The route is famous for its repeated climbs up the imposing Pendle Hill, each one testing the stamina and mental fortitude of participants.

The course begins and ends in Barley village, with runners taking on a series of ascents including the iconic “Big End” climb.

Conditions on the day can make or break the race, with the potential for boggy ground, biting winds, and low visibility adding to the challenge.

This year’s edition was greeted with clear skies, but brisk temperatures and in true Tour of Pendle style, boggy conditions under foot.

Midway through, the climb up Pendle’s south face shattered the field, with runners digging deep to maintain pace. By the time they reached the notorious Mearley Clough, even the leaders were forced to walk as the steep gradient and loose footing sapped energy.

As always, the race was marked by the incredible support of marshals and volunteers, who braved the elements to ensure the safety and success of the event. From cheerful encouragement at checkpoints to offering the essential jelly baby!

The 2024 Tour of Pendle lived up to its reputation as a true test of fell-running grit. With punishing climbs, and beautiful views, it was a day to remember for all involved. Whether tackling the course for the first time or chasing a personal best, every finisher can take pride in conquering one of the toughest Lancashire races in the fell-running calendar.

Albert Sunter was the first Winter Hill Runner over the line in 3hrs 55mins, followed by Taylor with an excellent first-time performance in 4:11:00.

Kelsall was thrilled to make the cut-offs this year after less training than planned and finished in a great time of 4:30:00, followed by an outstanding performance from Michele Sunter, who not only finished 15 minutes quicker than last year but has spent the last eight months recovering from a skiing injury that put her out of running for more than three months.

Delgado Ortiz had a fantastic first time at the Tour of Pendle and crossed the line in 5:11:00.