An infamous race, to challenge only the bravest athletes, returns to Meltham.
The Murder Maniac Road Race returns to Wessenden Head Road on May 25 after a 17-year break.
While the race is only two miles long – the ‘Murder Mile’ uphill and the ‘Maniac Mile’ downhill – the road’s gradient and unforgiving tarmac makes it a hair-raising and knee-grazing challenge.
The race was invented by former athlete and coal carrying champion Terry Lyons who has lived on Wessenden Head Road for 40 years.
The challenge, which began in the early 1980s, featured on BBC Record Breakers in the 1990s with triple Olympic medallist Kriss Akabusi.
Mile End cul-de-sac, off Wessenden Head Road, is named in honour of the race.
The race’s return has been organised by Meltham Memories which holds a series of popular nostalgia events in the village.
Meltham Memories treasurer Pam Cox said: “It’s a very popular event.
“Apparently, the speed that you achieve coming down the hill is faster than (double Olympic champion) Mo Farah.
“People ran out of interest but now there’s a new generation and it’s become a bit of a village legend...
“I should imagine people will get the odd graze but we’ve got the ambulance cover ready!”
Pam added: “It’s a challenging run... but it’s more of a fun run than a serious run.”
The Murder Maniac Road Race, which begins at the junction of Tinker Lane and Wessenden Head Road, is open to runners aged 18 and over.
Places are limited to 100.
To register (£10) visit: www.melthammemories.co.uk or call Pam: 01484 521 760.
