Calder Valley’s young stars were to the fore in Sunday’s festive Stoop race, run by Howarth’s indefatigable fell running enthusiast, Dave ‘Woodentops’ Whitehead.
The Stoop is one of a number of excellent races he puts on, starting out of Penistone Hill quarry.
The five mile burst sees runners traversing classic Bronte Country and Kate Bush would have approved of the wild, wet and windswept scene that awaited the 400-plus runners, each sporting a mandatory Father Christmas hat.
Calder’s Jack Denton led the charge, taking the photo bragging rights by emerging out of the quarry in the lead.
He was ahead of the illustrious field that included local fell legend Ian Holmes, current British champion Rob Hope, former British champ Simon Bailey and serial winner TomAdams.
Alas, Jack faded to finish 25th, but his team mate and rising England star,Heptonstall’s Max Wharton, showed him how it’s done.
Max demonstrated his talent with an outstanding fourth place, beating Holmes, and just behind three of the sport’s hottest names.
Adams won in a keenly fought duel with Bailey, with Hope, dressed as a 70s New York cop, third.
Max can take great heart from his result and he is surely one to watch in 2015.
Jo Buckley was fifth lady in 86th, capping another solid season.
A merry band from Calder made the trip over Cock Hill and there were good runs from new club champion Mark O’Connor, Richard Ingram, Nathan Kennaugh and Jake Ackroyd.
If you fancy getting involved and joining the fun, visit www.cvfr.co.uk