Cragg Challenge 2022


Cragg15 Ltd is a group formed to continue the impact and enjoyment from the Tour de France racing through Mytholmroyd and Cragg Vale in July 2014. Since its formation, numerous events on the longest continuous climb in England have been considered, but to recreate the TdF experience – and more importantly – create the opportunity for some iconic and safe events – a road closure was needed. In 2017, after years of planning, the application for a road closure was granted, and on Sunday 24th September 2017 there was the very first ‘Cragg Challenge’ – a festival of running and cycling that was the core of a marvellous day for the participants and the whole community.

In 2018 the event was repeated, with larger numbers of participants, and spectators, building on the success of the inaugural Cragg Challenge, and another great day was had by all.

The following year, September 2019, two new events were added - an Audax for cyclists and a 1-mile dash for runners - both of which were a great success.

Our 2020 vision was a repeat of the 2019 events, with even bigger fields of participants, and faster times - weather permitting!!
Unfortunately it wasn't the weather that beat us initially, it was the pandemic!!
This was followed in September last year by a postponement as a mark of respect after the sad loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
However, after lots of work behind the scenes, and three false starts, we are now confident that we can bring you a fantastic day of riding and running in 2023.

So whether it's a personal record, or the School Relay world record - still at 35 min and 47 secs - there is something to give you a goal for 30th April 2023.

All events will take place on Cragg Road (B6138) with a start/finish line in Mytholmroyd. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL registrations for all events will be at the Royd Ices building on Cragg Road, next to the start/finish line – times for each event given separately – see the discrete event information for registration and start times. ALL START TIMES AT THE MOMENT ARE PROVISIONAL, AND MAY CHANGE SLIGHTLY AS PLANS ARE FINALISED.

Main events planned for the day are:

A Cycling Ascent – a chance to cycle the longest climb under a full road closure. This event is open to all, those looking to set a time will set off first, those just looking to make it up the hill following on afterwards. There will be an electronic digital clock at the summit, synchronised to the start, so everyone entering will have the opportunity of being timed for the ascent. However riders may prefer to use Strava, or similar, to time themselves.

The Oliver Collinge Climb - a school relay* – involving children from local primary and secondary schools working together to set a time for running the hill that is a challenge for future schoolchildren. This event is named in memory of a young teacher and resident of Cragg Vale who sadly lost his battle with cancer in 2016.

A 5K run - the typical ‘fun run’ distance, this event starts in Mytholmroyd and will ascend to a turning point part-way up Cragg Road where entrants will then return down the hill to the start/finish area.

A 10K run – aimed at the more serious runner, or those who are looking to move up from a fun run to a longer distance. This event will work in the same way as the 5K – an ascent to a turning point then a return to the start/finish line.

A 10-mile run – running a measured 10 miles is one thing, running it up and down England’s longest continuous climb is another! This event will start and finish in Mytholmroyd.

A 1-mile run - 'The John Jones 1-mile Dash' was a new event in 2019. An officially-measured one mile course from just below the Robin Hood Inn to the finish line in Mytholmroyd. Timed electronically, and on a downhill course, this could be an opportunity to post a really impressive time.

The Audax - UNFORTUNATELY, DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL, THE AUDAX EVENTS HAVE HAD TO BE POSTPONED THIS YEAR. WE HOPE THEY WILL BE BACK NEXT YEAR.

There are restricted numbers for each event – so please book your place early to avoid disappointment.

(*Note that the Oliver Collinge Climb entries are being dealt with through the schools and not through this web site, If you would like your school to take part please contact us at schoolscontact@craggchallenge.co.uk)

Organiser Updates (17)

Photographs

sent by Paul McMahon on 05/05/2023 at 15:20
 A massive thank you to all who took part on Sunday, and made it a great event.
 Photos have now been sorted, and are available to view on The Cragg Challenge website.

Registration

sent by Paul McMahon on 29/04/2023 at 15:41
 Not long now before we are off and, literally, running!!

 Registration will be very busy at the start of the day, with over 200 runners to process in a short space of time. So please make sure that you have your 'ticket/receipt' ready to prove entry and speed things along :-)

 Look forward to seeing you all in the morning, and hope that you all have a great day :-) 

10-mile run update

sent by Paul McMahon on 26/04/2023 at 18:07
Correction to Information for Participants.

We have used the term cut-off time wrongly.  We will record finishing times and completion up to 12.30 for all runners.

We anticipate most runners will complete by 11.10. After this, any runners still on the road must be aware that there will be groups of cyclists ascending the hill. Runners must therefore stick to the left-hand carriageway.

Sorry for any confusion caused.


10 Mile REunners

sent by Paul McMahon on 26/04/2023 at 13:36
Following the issue of the Information for Participants document there have been concerns raised about the 2-hour cut-off time for the 10-mile. Please accept our apologies for the confusion caused, and please do not abandon all hope of taking part because of this mix-up. We are in the process of sorting it out, and will get back to you very soon.

Sorry again :-(

Information update

sent by Paul McMahon on 26/04/2023 at 12:30
 Entries for The Cragg Challenge have now closed, and runner lists are now finalised. Thank you to everyone who has signed up. Our Information for Participants document is attached. Please check through it so that you are aware of what will be happening on the day. The schedule of runs will be very tight this year, due to the shortened timescale of the road closure, so please make sure that you have your ticket/details with you when you turn up for registration, to make things run as efficiently as possible.

Finally, let's hope the sun shines brightly, and everyone has a great day! :-)
Attachments
Informa ....pdf

Results

The 10 mile
Fastest Time
00:58:53
A. Whittem -
Fastest Time
01:13:05
S. Stepniak -
Average Time
01:41:08
Average Time
01:27:44
The 10K
Fastest Time
00:39:14
N. Smith -
Fastest Time
00:44:11
S. Cordingley -
Average Time
00:50:34
Average Time
01:01:06
The 5K
Fastest Time
00:19:57
K. Fenton -
Fastest Time
00:20:40
I. Brandon -
Average Time
00:32:02
Average Time
00:25:41
The John Jones 1 Mile Dash
Fastest Time
00:04:32
L. Ihalakandage -
Fastest Time
00:05:16
S. Cumber -
Average Time
00:05:55
Average Time
00:07:36
SEE ALL RESULTS

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