Saddleworth food bar owner turns into roadside stalwart for Pennine mountain challenge

Nicky Jackson's business, which sits on the A672 Oldham-Halifax road above Denshaw near junction 22 of the M62, is a favourite with truckers, motorists and walkers taking on the nearby The Pennine Trail.

But at the weekend it was pivotal in helping to cater for up to 300 taking part in the 10th anniversary of the Montane Spine Race, widely regarded as one of the world’s toughest endurance races along the Pennine Way.

And it meant Nicky from Ashton did not get much sleep during her second time supported the runners.

Food bar owner Nicky Jackson

Participants in the mountain challenge

Nicky Jackson in her food bar

“The race was over two days with around 200 competitors each day,” she said.

“I worked 16 hours on Saturday then went home for a nap then back on Sunday for a further 12 hours as there was 2 races each day.

“The fuse blew on my griddle and my daughter Tegan came to the rescue with spares.

‘The runners got through 78 cheeseburgers, 45 Vegan burgers, 70 rashers of bacon, 1lb of halloumi cheese, 18 litres of tea/coffee, four crates of coke, 200 bottles of water and copious amounts of chocolate.

“But all the runners, men and women, were so nice and really appreciative.”