A wet & blustery morning plus patchy ice on the route made for an interesting challenge. Unfortunatley we had no juniors this morning, perhaps understandable given the conditions, but six hardy types turned out for the senior race...Chris & Kim (for a jolly around their backyard), Steve Hebblethwaite, Ian Davies, Dan Barton & Joe Gillyon. Having flagged the course in the morning (with the help of Steve) I opted to run the course behind the field and pick up the markers (I didn't fancy a third run round to collect them after the race!) We decided to handicap the race -Chris & Kim first off followed 5 minutes later by Jo, with Steve, Dan & Ian setting off a further 5 minutes on. This format worked well and by the second big climb from Kelsick Farm all six were grouped together and were able to encourage one another 'over the top'.
By the second lap (a slightly shorter loop) the field had spread out with Steve & Dan leading the way, Dan pushing the 2009 club champ all the way to the finish. Ian came in next having rediscovered his 'fell legs'. Kim & Chris had a good battle, although I think Chris will be doing the washing up tonight! Jo made up a lot of ground given her 5 minute handicap, she had to run mostly by herself except for the final descent where my dog Gem accompanied her most of the way down.......sorry Jo, as if the ice wasn't enough of an obstacle!
Well done all and thanks to Steve Harwood who did his usual time-keeping job, thanks also to Martin & Lesley who turned out to co-ordinate the junior race that wasn't!
The next race in the series is NEXT SATURDAY 23rd, which will be an orienteering-type race from Revelin Moss in Whinlatter, hosted by Toby Cushion.
John Beetham
RESULTS:
Sale Fell 6.6m/1700'
1.= Steve Hebblethwaite -57.00
1.= Daniel Barton -57.00
3. Ian Davies -60.02
4. Jo Gillyon -74.02
5. Kim Clark -76.28
6. Chris Clark -77.07
No comments:
Post a Comment