Fairfield Horseshoe - 14th May 2011

The mountains above Rydal and Grasmere provide the setting for the popular Fairfield Horseshoe fell race. Beginning at Rydal there is a congested start as the runners jostle for positions as they head towards the fells. The majority of the 3000’ of ascent is found in the first climb up Heron Pike. With this first climb out of the way the running becomes good and the field spreads out.

There follows a loop over Great Rigg, Fairfield, Hart Crag and Dove Crag before the descent starts in earnest down the eastern side of the horseshoe. This drop drags on over High Pike and Low Pike down to Low Sweden Bridge. The race contains a sting in the tail with a brutal flat run in back to the finish; this is torturous for runner’s legs which have already taken a battering over the Rydal fells.

This year the weather was clear but a fairly strong wind was blowing. With an English Championship counter taking place on the same day near Clitheroe a number of local runners were missing. But there was still a healthy field of 296 taking place and some real quality at the head of the field.

Borrowdale’s Morgan Donnelly, despite going slightly astray towards the end of the race, recorded a comfortable win in a time of 1:20:19. He was some way ahead of Simon Deakin of Leeds City AC (1:23:39) and first veteran Craig Roberts of Kendal AAC (1:23:55).

Ladies victor was Claire Russell of Cumberland Fell Runners (1:49:04). She had just over a minute over second placed Angela Armstrong of Carlisle Tri (1:50:24). Third place and first female veteran was Kathleen Aubrey of Helm Hill (1:53:55).

Chris Robinson was first Keswick AC runner coming in 18th in 1:32:26. Daniel Barton, in a prolific period of racing was next in 40th (1:37:36). Narrowly behind Daniel was Craig Smith (46th, 1:38:34). Colin Valentine was 63rd in 1:41:28, Nick Ogden 85th in 1:46:40 and Peter Bailey was 124th in 1:52:09.

With a strong ladies team traveling to the Championship race at Mearley Clough it was down to a trio of runners to represent Keswick AC at Fairfield; Rachel Slattery (2:02:15), Siobhan Brewer (2:10:24) and Victoria Haworth (2:12:54).