A Grand Day Out for Keswick Fellrunners

Saturday 28^th February saw the first fell race of KAC's fell running championship at High Cup Nick with an excellent turn out from the club. The promised rain held off and the prevailing wind blew us up the valley but made for a very chilly and tough return on the shoulder above the nick. As ever, the running up the valley was very muddy, tussocky and energy sapping but the stream of golden Keswick vests inspired us all to some of our best running. Nearly everyone improved their previous time, most notably Rachel Findlay-Robinson who, in spite of a heavy fall, came in third place amongst the Keswick Ladies helping them to the team prize alongside Angela Wakefield, an impressive fourth lady and Lyn Thompson. The men also took the team prize with Sam Stead proving he is as good on the fell as he is on the road and on cross country. He came an impressive second to the incredible Ricky Lightfoot who broke the course record. It was a great day out for our runners of all abilities and particularly good to see Steve Harwood back out on a fell race for the first time in some years and finishing very strongly.

The previous Saturday, a group of intrepid runners went to the Loughrigg Silver Howe race. Most were lost in the blizzard at some point as the navigation there is challenging there even on a clear day. Particularly good results were by Cat Spurden, second lady and Phil Winskill, fourth man.

Recently our long distance expert, Dave Troman, had a podium finish at the Osmotherly trail marathon and Keswick runners were to be seen doing well as far afield as Bodmin (Sam Stead) and Portsmouth (Adam and Peggy Campion).

The road runners have also had a busy few weeks with several good results recorded with Sam Ayers first lady at both the Lancaster 10 and Netherhall 10 with many other runners getting well placed and achieving personal best times.

KAC is not just about racing though. It offers social runs as well as planned training sessions (both daytime and evening) to improve speed and stamina. Anyone who would like to join us is very welcome. Just check out the training page on the Keswick AC website or email new@keswickac.org.uk.