Despite foul conditions sweeping the country there were 276 runners out for the Dunnerdale fell race this year. Recent rain meant many of the trods had become small streams and the boggy underfoot conditions ensured heavy going for those taking part. But the course was free of the low cloud and the post race pie and pasties were suitably warming for the sodden competitors.
A strong field saw some terrific racing in both the ladies and gents categories. Ambleside's Jane Reedy (48:12) secured her second victory in consecutive years but had to run hard to hold off Helm Hill youngster Melanie Hyder (48:22). It was an even closer thing in the men's race with Tom Addison (Helm Hill) winning the race in 39:36 from Dark Peak's Lloyd Taggert (39:42).
There were a few Keswick runners out, some of whom were obviously paying far too much attention to some idiot harping on about this race.
Jamie Luxmoore, off the back of the Lancaster Half Marathon, ran well despite some tired limbs and finished head to toe in mud having thoroughly enjoyed himself over the wet course. Jamie finished well up the field in 21st place (45:59). Craig Smith (41st - 49:27) and David Owens (83rd - 54:51) were not short of pre-race adrenalin leaving things a little tight to get parked up, registered and on the starting line for the Midday off. Nigel Horney made the long trip from Norfolk but was still the first to register for the race! Nigel finished 100th (56:08) and still managed to fit in Xmas shopping and visiting family in Leeds before getting back to Norfolk before Midnight. There was another close run between Chris and Kim Clark, with Chris getting the better of things this time (204th - 65:10) putting nine seconds between himself and Kim (207th - 65:19). Excellent racing!
Thanks also to Chris Knox who, despite not running, still endured the grim conditions to cheer us on from the first checkpoint on The Knott. Your encouragement was much appreciated Chris.
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