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.

Ulverston Xmas Pudding 10k

I am planning to do this race on Sun 6 Dec. (It's flatter & faster than the Langdale race, so better for people chasing a fast time.) The race starts at 11am so I was thinking of leaving Keswick at ~9am. If anyone wants to car share, give me a shout via email (q.merritt@tiscali.co.uk) or phone (017687 72730). Q

Footage of Keswick flood

Just in case anyone hasn't seen this, here's some terrific footage of the flooding along Penrith Rd:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5PuKO8B_v4

PS Just 6 brave souls turned up in scuba gear for tonight's swim!

Brampton to Carlisle 10 mile road-race -Saturday 21st Nov

The 58th edition of this 10 miler on Saturday, was run over a shortened route because part of the course was lying under water. As the race organisers were keen to offer a run for the field of more than 400 runners that had entered the popular race, said to be the longest running 10 mile race in the country, a 9.25 mile course, that missed out a short section through the village of Brampton near the start, was run.

Brampton-Carlisle annually draws a large field for its straight and reasonablly flat course that attracts some high class athletes and club runners alike. Ten Keswick AC runners made the short journey this year and after a week of very inclement weather, Saturday itself was largely a day of respite with just a few blustery showers and a crosswind in places to focus the attention! A good time was had -well done all who turned out.

1. Ben Gamble (Tipton Harriers) 46.37
2. David Kirkland (Alnwick Harriers) 46.40
3. James Douglas (Border Harriers) 47.28

1. Helen Waugh (Unatt) 53.33
2. Niamh Devlin (Edinburgh AC) 54.50
3. Joasia Zakrzewski (Dumfries RC) 56:59

Steve Hebblethwaite -52.17
John Dawson -1.03.37
Neil Elsender -1:04:12
James Johnstone -1.12.33

Julie Carter -59.49
Jo Gillyon -1.03.44
Anne Downie -1.09.59
Cath Burrus -1.11.29
Cathy Colam -1.11.51
Alison Cutts -1.18.15

FULL RESULTS

Brampton-Carlisle 10 - update

Following the example for the FRA, the race organisers have intoduced a new rule requiring all runners to wear appropriate gear on Sat:

Brampton Carlisle 10

Does anyone want to share a lift for this Saturday's Brampton Carlisle 10?

The race starts at 12.30pm from William Howard School in Brampton. Buses run from the finish at Sands Centre in Carlisle to the start between 10.30am – 11.15am (£2.50 on day). So I guess I would be looking to leave Keswick at around 9.30am, to leave plenty of time for parking and getting on one of the buses.

If you want a lift, email me (q.merritt@tiscali.co.uk) or call me (017687 72730).

Quentin

PS: There is a 'baggage bus' to bring gear back from Brampton to Carlisle.

Dunnerdale 14th November 2009

Despite foul conditions sweeping the country there were 276 runners out for the Dunnerdale fell race this year. Recent rain meant many of the trods had become small streams and the boggy underfoot conditions ensured heavy going for those taking part. But the course was free of the low cloud and the post race pie and pasties were suitably warming for the sodden competitors.

A strong field saw some terrific racing in both the ladies and gents categories. Ambleside's Jane Reedy (48:12) secured her second victory in consecutive years but had to run hard to hold off Helm Hill youngster Melanie Hyder (48:22). It was an even closer thing in the men's race with Tom Addison (Helm Hill) winning the race in 39:36 from Dark Peak's Lloyd Taggert (39:42).

There were a few Keswick runners out, some of whom were obviously paying far too much attention to some idiot harping on about this race.

Jamie Luxmoore, off the back of the Lancaster Half Marathon, ran well despite some tired limbs and finished head to toe in mud having thoroughly enjoyed himself over the wet course. Jamie finished well up the field in 21st place (45:59). Craig Smith (41st - 49:27) and David Owens (83rd - 54:51) were not short of pre-race adrenalin leaving things a little tight to get parked up, registered and on the starting line for the Midday off. Nigel Horney made the long trip from Norfolk but was still the first to register for the race! Nigel finished 100th (56:08) and still managed to fit in Xmas shopping and visiting family in Leeds before getting back to Norfolk before Midnight. There was another close run between Chris and Kim Clark, with Chris getting the better of things this time (204th - 65:10) putting nine seconds between himself and Kim (207th - 65:19). Excellent racing!

Thanks also to Chris Knox who, despite not running, still endured the grim conditions to cheer us on from the first checkpoint on The Knott. Your encouragement was much appreciated Chris.