High Rigg - 22/5/05

This race was from Bram Crag farm in St Johns in the Vale, near Threlkeld in the Lakes.The venue was also the start of the popular Helvellyn race at noon, covering 11 miles & 4,500` of ascent. Karen Nash took part and the race was won in an incredible 1:32 (full results not yet posted at Keswick AC.) The first ascent to Calfhow Pike was extremely steep and runners on the descent (out & back course) spent some time sliding down; Karen being no exception!

The day stayed find after some heavy morning rain and the views to the surrounding fells were very clear.

The juniors started their events once the seniors had gone. The routes were on a variety of course lengths ascending the steep eastern slopes of High Rigg on rough grass and some stony ground.

In the U10s which went out along the intake wall, the race was won by James Knox (Helm Hill) in 8:49,2nd was Edward Gate (Cumberland FR) with the strong Christopher Nash 3rd in 8:59. The picture at the end of all three boys smiling sums up the wonderful atmosphere and camaraderie of the sport.

The U12s climbed up to a grassy knoll, covering a steeper climb than the U10s with Matthew Nash coming home in an excellent 6th place in 11:43. Matthew is now lying 6th in the overall race championships having completed 2 of the 3 races, with the best 4 from 6 to count. The leading three boys led by Rory Addison (Helm Hill) have scored in 3 races.

In the U14s, Preston had two competitors, with Andrew Harrison and, the only girl running on the day, Nichola Jackson. The U14s went almost to the top of High Rigg (1,163`) before turning for a rapid descent with the finish area visible, with all the parked cars far below. Andrew did not have the best of starts being clipped by a stray leg and took some time to recover after falling over. Andrew was 39th in 18:06 and Nichola came home in 18:49, 42nd overall and 13th girl. Andrew has 4 championship points from his two races, whilst Nichola has 24 from 3 out of 3 races and is lying 7th in the Championship.

Perhaps the best run of the day came from Laura Park of Ellenborough who was second overall (1st girl by some distance) in her first FRA race this year in the U14s.

The Harriers team effort was concluded in the U16 race with Rob Jackson. Rob ran powerfully to come home in 6th place in 15:27, with 1st being Sam Webster

(Burnley) in 13:52 in his first race in the championships. Rob has 29 pts from his two races and is currently 8th, with an opportunity to rise higher having only run in 2 of the 3 counted races so far.

Missing from the usual Harriers contingent were the Kevan family who were on holiday.

The next race is Settle Hills on the 3rd July followed by Sedbergh on 14th August. Some youngsters have already had a go, so please come along if you want to try it out. Ask around if you`re not sure or post some questions. Everybody is friendly, there is usually some great food and you're sure of a good time - even if you get muddy! There is also the chance of winning some shoes at each event and no-one leaves without a "little something"

Steve Jackson

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Thanks to Steve Jackson & Colin Harrison for all the pictures.