Gibson Grind

71 brave souls completed the 14k Gibson Grind on Saturday; brave enough to take on Scout Scar in breezy drizzle and mist, but not quite brave enough to have a tilt at the Loughrigg & Silverhowe Chase! The route starts at Dean Gibson Catholic Primary School in Kendal (just behind Kendal College) and works its way steadily up onto the fell via a network of playing fields, tracks, footpaths and a bit of road. From there, it goes directly up to the famous Mushroom viewing point via the old race course and then follows the edge of the Scar due south to Brigsteer. It then heads back towards the Mushroom via an undulating and twisting route that runs roughly parallel to Brigsteer Rd, before reversing the ascent to get back to the school.

Mark McGoldrick (Wharfdale) was first back in 56:40, followed by Paul Dugdale (Kendal) and James Baird (FRA). The first woman was Sarah Sherratt (Wesham Road Runners) in 73:12 (26th overall), followed by Tracey Peters (Southport Waterloo) and Shirely Staveley (Burnden Road Runners). Quentin Merritt was first back for Keswick AC, coming 17th in 72:23 and more than happy to finish ahead of several quicker men who chose more 'scenic' routes! Jeremy Ancketill was the only other KAC runner, finishing 57th in 85:31. (Full results will be posted on the school website here in due course.)

Despite the weather and some navigational challenges, this was a fun and friendly race to do; definitely recommended for those whose ambitions don't quite stretch to the national championships!

Quentin.