Hardy Matlock runners take part in Tigger Tor Fell Race

This 14.5K race, which is also in the Matlock AC Grand Prix calendar, takes in the moors between Sheffield and the Hope Valley and is an established early season favourite.

Horizontal rain and sleet added another dimension to the challenge, and there was no real improvement in conditions as the race progressed through shoe-eating bogs and saturated moss beds, often hidden by heather.

A one second gap eventually separated Welshman Matthew Roberts of Eryri Harriers from the host club Totley AC’s Steve Franklin as they crossed the line, Roberts in 1.14.08.

Matlock’s Ben Cartwright was involved in his own close battle with Staffordshire Moorlands’ Gareth Briggs as the finish line approached but he had to settle for fifth in 1.17.03 as Briggs held on to a three-second gap.

Next home from Matlock was Colin Davenport. Finishing in 1.20.01 and 14th place was a solid performance from a man whose current focus is on the Manchester Marathon in April.

Richard Bradbury was Matlock’s third finisher, coming off well in a group sprint to the line and taking 19th place in 1.20.43.

Karl Webster was in 77th place, 1.31.06. Ranking sixth in the very competitive over 60 category was Mick Moorhouse in 197th place, 1.47.51.

Their impressive performance earned them third place in the men’s team results. Christine Howard, who was the first over 40 lady in 1.36.21, showed that injury problems are now being overcome, allowing her to be competitive on the fells again.