The 35th International Snowdon Race will last long in the memory of many who took part, not least Andi Jones and Philippa Maddams who both took victory in this classic race on Saturday.
After finishing runner up at the race in 2009 and in 2010, Pippa finally found herself returning to Llanberis' Padarn Park over a minute ahead of her nearest rival after the 10m/3065' climb of Wales and England's highest mountain. Pippa has been on fine form this season. Breaking the 11 year old course record at the local Causey Pike race in March, she went on to take further victories with a dominant display of running in the British Championship Mourne Mountains race in N. Ireland, and then again in round 2 at the Ras Yr Aran in Wales, seeing her now well placed to take a third successive British title.
The addition of Snowdon to her athletic career CV raises the Keswick AC runner if not closer to fell running legend, then undoubtedly to role model for every aspiring athlete in the club. Second in the ladies race was 2010 winner Catriona Buchanan who lead the Scottish team to victory in the ladies race.
In the men's race despite Jones taking an unprecedented 5th win at the race, the English had to relinquish the team prize for the first time in some years as a Scottish team lead by runner up Murray Strain, who was close enough to exchange the lead with Jones several times on the descent, took the honours on the day with 2010 winner Robbie Simpson and Jethro Lennox also making the top 5.
The small Keswick AC contingent that included Pippa was completed by Steve Hebblethwaite -1:11:05/11th, Chris Clark -1:51:22/345th and Kim Clark -1:58:51/403.
A more detailed race report can be found at www.mudsweatandtears.co.uk.
The Welsh language TV channel S4C's 45min highlights programme first broadcast on Sunday 24th July, and including some great footage of the exciting men's race can be found on S4C's iplayer here.
Further photos can be found at www.sportpicturescymru.co.uk, and www.fellrunningpictures.co.uk.
The above photographs are © 2011 www.sportpicturescymru.co.uk
3 comments:
Modest as ever Mr Hebblethwaite - that's a top run and excellent effort. Well done all four of you.
Ditto Ian
Steve had a fantastic run and his time is proof that he is well worthy of an England vest himself- roll on 2012.
Great to see Chris and Kim out on the course, sorry i wasn't ignoring you, i was just in pain!
Well done to all 4 KAC runners - esp Pippa and Steve. Great film too. Fantastic race between Andi Jones and Murray Strain. Lots of footage of Pippa and the odd glimpse of the other yellow and green vests.
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