Wasdale Horseshoe -Saturday 11th July

Early forcasts for the weekend, which had suggested rain might put a damper on the English Championship counter in Wasdale, failed to be correct -It was sunhats rather than waterproofs that were the call of the day as the threatened rain remained over the atlantic to the west, and warm sunshine prevailed for much of the day.

Shortly after 11.00, over 200 runners set off in the sunshine, up the climb to the first checkpoint of Whin Rigg -Rob Jebb (Bingley) was the first man home a little over 3 hours and 45 minutes later, and with a win today Pippa Jackson excelled herself too. After triumph in the British Championship she now claims the English Championship, with four wins from four races at short, medium and long distances. Very well done...just reward for all the hard work this season. Also another Keswick AC ladies team led by Pippa, claimed points again today making it a good day for the club.


photo: Ian Weetman

A few results scribbled down before the car ride home (full results later)...

Steve Hebblethwaite ran 4:34:13 for 25th place. Pippa Jackson finished in 4:38:21 and 27th. Craig Smith ran a time of 5:14:08 for 66th. Cathrine Evans and Jo Gillyon clocked good points in the ladies championship with runs of 6:02:14 and 6:02:15. And full marks to Andrew Murray for not adding himself to the list of 52 retirements on a hot day, battling with cramp which reared its head on Seat Allan, Andy still took in Pillar, Gable, Esk Hause, Scafell Pike and on to the finish in 6:31:49.