28TH DECEMBER 2025 – RACE REPORT BY HELEN KELLAR
Amble’s Revenge is an almost 8‑mile (12‑and‑a‑bit km) trail race with around 450m of ascent, organised by Penistone Footpath Runners on the Sunday between Christmas and New Year. I signed up thinking it would be a good one to break up the festive feasting. I’d planned to cycle over, but having nobbled myself on a big bike ride the day before, I was very grateful for a lift from our resident race representative, the lovely Amy. As we drove up and over Green Moor, I was reminded just how steep the hills are round here — hold on tight, legs!
The event HQ is in a little bar at the back of the Wagon and Horses in Oxspring — a great race base with loos, drinks, and even a free hat provided by the organisers. Amy and I signed on and then popped back to the car for a bit of clothing faff. Cue panic: five minutes to get to the start, neither of us realising it was waaay up on the TPT. An impromptu, rather frantic warm-up (Dave, we thought you’d have approved??) and we just about made it to the start line on time.
The race heads along the trail for about 1km before climbing up over the tunnel onto Old Mill Lane and the first of many stiles leading into muddy fields and climbs. The terrain is mixed — footpaths, steep techy sections, sand, mud and leafy lanes — with plenty of stile‑hopping and stumbling, which almost gives you a breather between the punishing climbs. From the slopes of Hunshelf Bank, the panoramic views over Stocksbridge and out to the moors are a sight to behold. The contrast between the steelworks and the Christmas lights of Fox Valley against the raw landscape is quite something.
I skipped and slid along the narrow off‑camber trail, doing all I could not to fall into the gorse, before turning up Pea Royd and heading back towards Green Moor. The route is brilliantly marshalled, with supporters on the road sections — it really adds to the atmosphere and community vibe and keeps spirits high. A few more ups, downs and stumbles, and suddenly we were dashing back down to the trail for a sprint finish.
I was delighted to snaffle 3rd V45 and pick up a little medal. I politely declined the can of Strongbow offered at the prize‑giving.
A great local race — if you like trails, hills, mixed terrain and big views, I’d heartily recommend this little corker.
