Thousands of spectators flock to Red Marley Hill Climb to witness classic racing action this Easter

More than 4000 spectators turned out at the Easter weekend to witness the classic racing action at the Red Marley Hill Climb. 

Racers pitched themselves against the quarter mile hill in heats of up to four riders at a time, with the fastest two competitors proceeding to the next heat for a total of 150 racers – all available to view for just a £10 entry fee. 

Machinery on display was quite the eclectic mix – with everything from classic motocrossers to vintage stripped down road bikes shod with knobbly tyres.    

Although all bikes on the hill were in excess of half a century old, racing was furious nonetheless, and throughout the day numerous spills saw bikes cartwheeling out of control as riders ran out of traction or talent.  

“Red Marley is unique,” commented Red Marley Hill Climb Club chairman, Karl Newman. “Its a friendly bunch of blokes and we all want to see everyone make it to the top. Whilst everyone is here to compete, for a lot of people, it’s a big achievement just to make it to the top.” 

Throughout the day, the comradery among spectators and competitors was evident, everybody was in good spirits despite the mud and rain that loomed over the paddock as the day began.  

“There’s a real sense of community here that you don’t always see elsewhere. I’ve been coming back for twenty years now. I’m proud to be a part of the event and it’s great to see people go away with a smile on their face,” added local racer, Carl Pope. 

Red Marley Hill Climb has roots dating right the way back to the 1920’s. The original event was a simple knock out contest with the first across the line proceeding to the following round. In this guise, Red Marley continued until 1970, regularly attracting thousands of competitors each year, to the extent that public buses were specially commissioned to transport spectators from nearby towns.  

Interest unfortunately began to wane and in 1971, a lack of entries spelled the demise of the historic hill climb. For thirty years the event lay dormant until it experienced a revival at the turn of the millennium. Sticking to a similar script, only now running on a neighbouring hill, the event returned and has maintained a steady success since.  

An average year will see between 4-6000 attendees, with the current record standing at 13,000 for one particularly popular event.  

Speaking on the event’s future, Newman said: “I think it’s very positive. This year we have people from France coming to race and there’s even a bloke who’s come over from New Zealand. When you’re attracting people like that, I think the future is bright.”