Kildwick fell race
Friday, May 22nd, 2009
As always with these evening races, there is a mad dash to pick people up and get out of Leeds to register for the race and get sorted. Once arriving, we managed to register and get ourselves sorted and over to the start line before the heavens opened.
Soon we were starting and as soon as the race started the rain stopped, leaving a cool evening air, and the great smell after a recent rain shower. Perfect for a run.
The race starts with a steep road ascent before hitting moorland and upwards still. I felt a load better than Jack Bloor last week, but was apprehensive not to push too hard too early. The up soon gave way to a gradual descent back down to tarmac and me thinking I was on my way back to the finish so started to push a bit only for the people in front of me to disappear back up the hill again. Damm, back up to the top again, I wish I had looked at the race route beforehand. So up again, lungs now gasping and rasping. Always seems to be the time the photographer gets snap happy and catches you looking pained and deadly serious as you concentrate on not stopping to catch breath.
This time the ascent was shorter but a lot steeper, and soon we were back downhill, gradual, followed by steep followed by tarmac and very steep. Before you know it you are sprinting (if you can call it that) across the field to the finish, before stopping and trying to catch some breath.
The best bit about these evening races is the pub afterwards. A swift pint, a catch up with other runners you know and a bit of banter. Oh and if you are lucky a prize. Somehow I managed to come away with a bottle of wine for my efforts.
Final result was 17th out of 105 in a time of 29.27. Winner was Jonny Bradshaw from Wharfedale in a time 26.02, but ran closely in by Tom Adams from Ilkley only 2 seconds behind. There are some seriously fast juniors around that are giving the seniors a real run for their money.
The foot was hurting afterwards, but I know that I am reasonably confident on it on shorter distances and races. So with that in mind any long distance stuff is going to be on the bike this year and only short stuff on the fells.
Huge thanks to Brett and the marshalls for organising a real cracker of a race. A great pub afterwards as well.
I would like to thank David Brett for the use of the photos. Some of the others are absolutely great! Definately worth a look at. Bob Wightman was also taking photo’s so you can check out his as well.
