Calderdale Way Relay report 2026

The Club’s annual pilgrimage to West Yorkshire in this year’s Calderdale Way Relay resulted in yet more success, both for the men’s veterans and the ladies.

Whilst the club seems to struggle to assemble teams for certain competitions, there is never an issue for Calderdale, with five teams entering this year, and a total of 60 runners, taking on the 52 mile relay around Halifax. The key objectives were to try and defend both the vets and ladies’ titles, which were won last tear.

The vets achieve this with ease, leading the race from gun to tape and winning the category by 40 minutes over Calder Valley , with notable performances from Rob Dunn and Andrew Curvis (6^th fastest on leg 4) and Steve McCaron and Chris Donnelly (7^th fastest on leg 1).

The ladies team unfortunately had several key runners missing, however, battled bravely to secure a podium finish for third. The team’s position fluctuated from second to fifth throughout the day but fought back on the latter legs to secure third due to gutsy performances from Anne Chinoy/Helen Armitage on leg 5 and Sophie Armitage/Anouska Brooks- on leg 6.

The other teams fared well too. The Open A finished 9^th, (in the open category) with standout performances from debutants Rueben Ashton Joe Greening (who finished 6^th fastest on leg 3) and Matt Spragg, who finally learnt how to run downhill, and ensure Paul Noble didn’t get too bored waiting for him. The Open B finish 16^th despite leg 4 runners (Barney Gordon and Chris Tait) going AWOL at the changeover and the Open C finished in 35^th place.

The teams celebrated their success in the evening over pizza and beers, with club president Brian Goulding presenting the prizes to the winning teams.

Big shout outs to Paul Barrett, Anne Chinoy and Jon Terry for pulling the teams together this year, and the leg coordinator for facilitating transport and recces. The date for next year is 16^th May 2027.

 

Full Results.