A FELL runner who has competed in races across the UK has organised an event across England’s largest scheduled ancient monument.
Andy Blackett, from Esperley, has been a member of Durham Fell Runners for nine years and is hoping the inaugural contest, the Cockfield Chase, will encourage more people to take up the sport.
Mr Blackett competes in races in the Lake District including the gruelling 24-hour Bob Graham Round.
He said: “As a club we organise events throughout the year and every Thursday at 7pm we head up to Hamsterley Forest for training.
“I’ve always wanted to do something closer to home as I’m probably the only person that runs on Cockfield Fell.”
He hopes the Cockfield Chase, which takes place on Thursday, April 25, at 7pm, will become an annual fixture and he is expecting about 50 runners to be take part.
He said: “We’ve got the full support of the fell reeves who look after the grazing rights.
“The only thing they were worried about was animals getting worried, so we’re holding it in April as there won’t be any animals grazing there.
“I just wanted to give people the opportunity to race on the fell and let them see how great it is.”
The fell has a rich past, which includes pre-Roman settlements and industrial history. Mr Blackett said the event will be half race, half social run over two laps of 3.5km. The first lap will be a group run to check out the route and the second the race.
Parking for the event is at the car park at the top of the village and Mr Blackett is asking visitors and competitors not to park in the village. No experience is necessary to enter the Cockfield Chase, which is suitable for anyone over 14. Entry of £5 is payable on the day and no map is needed. Before the fell running starts, members of Butterknowle Scout Group will try out part of the route as part of a sponsored mud run.
Durham Fell Runners compete in local and national fell races, mountain marathons, fell relays and the occasional trail race. For more information, visit www.durhamfell
runners.org.uk
