This cold, damp and wintry evening the team provided standby rescue cover for the Darwen Dashers Running Club fourth annual unique night-time fell race, the affectionately named “Mr. Sparkle’s Dark ’Un”. This event is organised by Darwen Dashers Running Club member, and great friend of the Bolton MRT, Simon Fox, with funds arising from this yearly race for the Running Club also including a very kind donation towards the work of Bolton MRT.

Starting at 19:30hrs at The Royal Arms in Tockholes, a total of 73 appropriately equipped runners, and two ‘sweepers’  took part, with the 5 mile (8.1 km) course taking in elements of the Tockholes Plantations and Darwen Moor, covering 702 feet (214 metres) of ascent.

With the multiple headlights of the fell runners shining over the moor, team members were on hand at numerous points around the course, alongside race marshals at each checkpoint, with happily no call for our services.

Weather conditions this year were quite challenging, with temperatures around 1c, and intermittent rain and sleet showers, plus very wet ground conditions underfoot.

With everyone safely off the moor, all runners then retired to The Royal Arms at Tockholes for chip butties, which were very well received.

It was nice to meet up this evening with former Bolton MRT Call out list member Dave Garner, who was running in the event.

We are also happy to report on the continuing progress back to recovery by Simon Fox following his recent serious hand injury.