2007 FELL
CHAMPIONSHIP.
Soreen Stanbury Splash Sun
Jan 28th Report by Mick Mack
Stanbury
Splash. BM. 7m/1200, Sun 28th Jan.
A great
turnout of 17 harriers on wind swept Peniston Hill for the first championship
race of 2007. Great to see some new faces and some old faces back on the fells
and two ladies competing, let’s hope it continues throughout the season. The
race was on familiar ground around Top Withens. We started in the quarry and ran
out the stony track towards Bronte Bridge, into a strong head wind, then turned
right and down two fields to cross the stream and climb up the other side to the
stony track which takes you to the Bronte Ruin. After a mile we finally reached
the moors and descended steeply down and over another stream via a large boulder
which caused a few to hesitate before making the leap. A very steep short climb
followed before we continued on good paths across the moors to the turning point
at the stream at the head of the valley. The wind was now behind us as we headed
back over the moors to pick up the outward track and go as fast as our energy
allowed down the tourist track and across the first stream we crossed on the way
out. The steep climb after the stream was taken at a slow walk by most runners
as we began to fade and it was hard to pick up the pace once on the track back
to the finish at Peniston Hill. A good race to start the championship and we
collected a few prizes at the presentation and all finishers received a malt
loaf.
Results
are on our web site. Congratulations to Chris and
Matthew
Nash who done Preston Harriers proud by winning the U12 and U14 juniors races.
They left the presentation laden with chocolate. The future is bright, the
future is Fell Running.
The
future is Soreen it seems, & there's me thinking I got a special prize.
An
old blogger's view.
The
runners gathered on what must have been one of the windiest days for racing. We
all huddled together in the old quarry waiting for Dave Woodhead to force us to
the starting line. Just before the start, our own junior Matthew Nash was given
a prize, I was at the back & couldn't hear what was said. All will be
revealed in due time. I was pleased to see what men (and women), we have in our
team, all proudly revealing their Harrier vest's. (Not me though, I was covered
from the wind and threatening rain, and was even shunned by some of our real
men).
Off
we eventually went. The course tends to follow tracks & bridleways, and only
when it went off piste did it become more interesting. The only Harrier I had
the pleasure of seeing in the race was Robyn. She & I ran together for half
a mile or so early in the race. This action made my heart beat too fast and my
legs work a little harder. I looked back from a steep ascent out of one of
the splashes & saw Robyn flying down to the river. I hoped she would catch
me. I shouted encouragement to her! However I eventually latched on
to an older woman's rear and together we passed quite a few younger runners. One
youngish Clayton lad had split us up in the final mile, but I managed to pass
him before the end, in my effort to get to the bottom of things.
For
my efforts of finishing in 188th position I was awarded a malt
loaf.
Results
below from Mick
Preston
Harriers Fell Section
:- fellblog