Middle Pack

A cool yet clear day greeted the 133 runners at Ennerdale Bridge, the start of the 23 mile 7500ft Ennerdale Horseshoe race. This being the second of the Lakeland Classics series and also the second of the superlong fell races. These being called superlong not for the distance inparticular but the mix of distance and height make these feel a very long way indeed. I think it is safe to say you can add at least 90 minutes onto your marathon time if you are running well.

The route goes clockwise around Ennerdale Water, going past High Stile and Haystacks along to Green Gable before retuning down the other side of the valley via Kirkfell, Pillar, Scoat fell then back via a few more tops to Ennerdale Bridge. Classed as a 3 days walk. The aim was for sub 5 hours. (more…)

An excellent article on fell running from the ever popular Planet Fear on the increase in popularity of fell running has prompted me to add my two pennies worth on the subject. They are right and there is no denying that some races are getting harder to enter. I won’t spoil it all but I will say read the article. There is not much I can add to the article apart from to discuss why it is seen to be becoming more popular.

It is generally seen now that all outdoor activities are becoming more popular. This could be mountain biking, trail running, walking, climbing, adventure racing you name it. It seems as the majority of the nation generally gets fatter there is a growing minority that is getting away from it all out of the city and into those hills. (more…)

February kicks off with the popular LDWA event Rombalds Stride on February 2nd. A 25 mile run or walk around Otley Chevin and Rombalds Moor. Albeit a walkers event this is usually 50% runners. The Pennine Bridleway relays are on the next day (3rd Feb) so may keep entries down this year.

The 9th February brings the Wadsworth Trog (20m and 4000″). The 1/2 trog is also on the same day and is a 9 mile course with 1500″ ascent. Winter hill is a popular event on the 10th organised by Horwich Harriers. Pre-entry is advised as otherwise the entry fee doubles.

The 24th Feb has two great races at different ends of the spectrum. Ilkley Harriers have their ever popular short Ilkley Moor fell race which manages to cram in 1260″ of ascent into 5 mile. A course record of 35.31 set in 2004 is there to be beaten although the 43.48 female record set in 1996 may fall first. The second great race is over in the Isle of Man. The Arthur Jones Fell Race organised by the Manx Fell Runners is the first AL race of the year.

There are a number of other great events across the country. Check out the FRA fixtures handbook for all the details. If you are not a member of the FRA then JOIN NOW! 

The 2008 date for the Rab Mountain Marathon has been released a couple of weeks ago. This year it will be held somewhere in Northern England on 27th and 28th September.

The entries are being limited to ensure that it is being kept as a low key affair so get them entries in as soon as possible.

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The Dark and White Mini Mountain Marathon series finished on 2nd December with the mens under 40 already won by A Buckley having won the first two events convincingly. The real race here was for Vets category with Paul Addison, Andy Davies and Clive Hughes all in with a chance to win. Eventually Addison held on to the series in the final race.

The Womens category only had 2 competitors who completed the 2 races to get them into contention. Rachael Lawrance took 1st with two impressive runs at Hayfield and Hope. Womens Vets more well attended but Sally Gilliver ensured it was not as close as some of the other classes.

Mens V50, Womens V50, V100 team all were wrapped up by wins at the first two races. Full results can be found at the Dark and White web site

D & W have already released the dates for the 2008 series as Sept 14th, November 2nd and December 7th. Entries open in Spring 08