Eccleshill’s Ian Stow took on The Cragg Challenge 2019 at the Cragg Vale Festival of running and Cycling. “Running a measured 10 miles is one thing, running it up and down England’s longest continuous climb is another!” Hosted by Cragg15, a community 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. After years of planning, in 2017 an application for a road closure was granted, and on Sunday 24th September that year 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.
This year will build on the success of the inaugural Cragg Challenge with records set to be challenged anew. Whether it’s a personal record or the new School Relay world record of 35 min and 47 secs, there is something to give everyone a goal for this year.
All the events take place on Cragg Road (B6138) with the start/finish line in Mytholmroyd near the Royd Ices building. Well done Ian! (Time 1:16:59)
