THE Tour of Tameside returned in all its glory for its commemorative 40th anniversary edition with David Barrett and Chloe Elliot crowned overall men and women’s champions.
Founded by Dr Ron Hill in 1981, it was re-introduced back in 2015 and has been a North West favourite ever since.
The Tour kicked off with more than 450 runners at the X-Trail 10K in Daisy Nook and Park Bridge Country Parks.
Taking first position for the men’s race was Barratt from Salford Harriers & AC (35:07), closely followed by the first placed female Martha Tibbot from Saddleworth Runners club (40:31).
Stage two was the iconic ‘Hell on the Fell’ six-mile run starting in Copley. Barratt, alongside Sale Harriers’ Gavin Hill, crossed the finishing line side by side in 36:30. East Cheshire Harrier’s Hayley Simpson came on top for the females in 46:38.
In the third stage, runners tackled the ‘Hero Half Marathon’. Barrett regained top spot (1:08:07) and Salford Metropolitan runner Elliot finishing first female (1:34:15).
To end a weekend of sweat, happy tears and a whole load of fun, Barratt stayed top completing the Hyde 7 (35:34), with ‘Hell on the Fell’ winner Hayley Simpson finishing first woman (48:04).
This year, the Tour introduced a new event to the third stage, Bee in the Park hosted by Wellbeing though Sport, which welcomed runners, friends and family and the general public for an afternoon of learning the ins and outs of living and leading a happier, healthier and more active lifestyle.
Kevin Harmer, events and activation manager, said: ‘’The Tour as always was an incredible success, and it was exciting for all of us to finally have in person events again. Witnessing first-hand the passion and emotion of all our runners is magic and created such a brilliant atmosphere.
“We had another year of amazing support from our sponsors and partners, and I’d like to say a huge thank you to them for helping us make this incredible race a reality. Congratulations to all the runners.’’
All profits from the Tour go straight back into Tameside communities helping to enhance and improve health and wellbeing initiatives and fight childhood obesity.
To sign up for next year’s Tour of Tameside or information on all other Running Bee Foundation events for 2021 visit www.runningbeefoundation.co.uk