Kirkbymoor - 28th November 2009

The 2007 Kirkbymoor fell race proved a difficult navigational challenge for a number of KAC runners and a couple of our members were keen to exorcise those demons in 2009.

After the extreme weather of the last two weeks it was a delight to race with blue skies and sunshine above our heads. There was a good covering of snow on the high Duddon, Eskdale and Wasdale fells providing exquisite views when there were opportunities to take in the surroundings.

Steve Hebblethwaite was clearly in the mood as he led, with a group of three including Helm Hill's Mark and Tom Addison around the course. Running strongly Steve dicatated the pace at times; the lead changing frequently through the race but lost confidence in his route choice after the penultimate checkpoint and lost a few minutes with an unnecessary detour around Crag Height. But Steve (55:02) recovered to finish a highly commendable third place and four minutes faster than 2007.

Colin Valentine (62:30), having run this race a number of times, was never going to be beset by the navigational difficulties suffered by more inexperienced members and put in another good run finishing 16th out of 71 competitors and was third counter for a KAC team that came second behind an excellent Helm Hill side.

Ian Davies, after a debacle in 2007, was pleased to get his lines right this time finishing 7th (57:19) and taking some notable scalps.

The first lady was Jackie Casey of Barrow, putting in a fine run as she was also the first Vet 50.

There were some good times despite the sodden routes and full results will be on the Black Combe Runners website in due course.