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 [email protected])

Entry Options

The 10 mile
The 10K
The 5K
Cycle Ascent
The John Jones 1 Mile Dash

Refunds/Transfers/Instalments

You can manage your entries in the section of your Racer Dashboard.

Organiser Updates (11)

REMINDER OF POSTPONEMENT.

sent by Paul McMahon on 16/09/2022 at 16:25
Don't forget that the 18th September event has been postponed, and the proposed new date will be Sunday 30th April 2023.

 ALL EXISTING REGISTRATIONS REMAIN VALID, AND WILL BE RETAINED FOR THE NEW DATE.

REVISED EVENT DATE.

sent by Paul McMahon on 12/09/2022 at 20:25
 Further to the recent sad news of the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II, and our subsequent postponement of the imminent Cragg Challenge on Sunday 18th September 2022, we are now pleased to be able to confirm that a decision has been reached on the proposed new date of the event.

 The new date will be Sunday 30th April 2023.

 We apologise for any inconvenience that this change may cause, but are sure that you will be aware of the circumstances in which this decision was made, and thank you for your understanding.

Update.

sent by Paul McMahon on 10/09/2022 at 11:26

In light of the extremely sad news of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, we feel that it would be appropriate to postpone The Cragg Challenge on 18th September 2022, until a later date. Once we are in possession of the full facts about the State Funeral, and period of National Mourning, we will be able to make a decision about the new date, and let you know as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding at this sad time.

Deadline for new entries

sent by Paul McMahon on 03/09/2022 at 12:05
 Please be aware that the deadline for entries to this year's Cragg Challenge is 23:59pm on Wednesday 14th September. 

Unfortunately we will not be able to process new entries on the day of the event, so if you know of other club members, or have friends, who were intending to sign up on the day, PLEASE TELL THEM THAT THEY NEED TO SIGN UP ONLINE, AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. 

Thank you, and see you on the 18th :-) :-)

Validity of entries.

sent by Paul McMahon on 27/06/2022 at 12:17
 Please note that ALL entries booked from January 2020 onwards (initially for the postponed Cragg Challenge 2020) are still valid for the Cragg Challenge 2022.

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