Black Combe -8m/3400’

Runners in this race from Silecroft near Millom on Saturday would have been forgiven for claiming a sense of déjà vu, as conditions were remarkably similar to those experienced last year when Black Combe was the first English Championship counter of the season, a race where wet and drizzly conditions aided by strong winds on the tops were responsible for many runners going astray. Thick mist and drizzle over much of the course on Saturday provided a similar test for the 118 starters, 14 of which ‘did not finish’ with a further 6 ‘disqualified’ for missing checkpoints. Enjoying a good soaking and testing their navigational skills were Colin Valentine who clocked 1.32.03 for 15th place, Ian Davies, on the way back from a frustrating foot injury was over 3 minutes faster than last year running 1.33.31 for 22nd, and James Walker who completed the trio in 32nd (1.41.45).