Kirk Fell Hill Race, Wasdale Head Sheperds’ Meet and Show 13 October 2007

Part of the BOFRA Championship.

First day of the holiday,heard there was a Shepherds’ Meet,so of course there is always a Fell Race. Just had to do it.

2.5 miler, 2,400ft elevation. Kirk Fell is just,just staight up from the Meet. As Bren would say it’s “bru’al”. On’t trod up hill and eallyback.Simple.

Started with a walk in the hills,then back to the field at Wasdale Head ready for the off.

Really good atmosphere as we clapped in the Junior Races: under 12,under 14, under 17’s, before the Senior Race. So we could see what was about to befall???? us, as they continually fell and picked themselves up again. The gradient being so severe that traction was ,well, just think of Alva.

One of those leaden,essentially grey days,with half the hill in the clag. Over the field,harem-scarem over the large wooden stile,over the dry stone wall (that was close to a massive pile-up). Up the trod,on to the scree,trying to grip,then up to the boulder field. That was just plain nasty, and just how polite do you want me to be about coming down thro’ that?

For a very short race that 2.5ml. was interminable. As for knowing where you were inthe great scheme of racing life-well the leaders were literally heavenly bodies-enveloped by cloud, passed on to a better……

The descent of course was just a blur as we came out of the cloud

and near the end, were the Quads going to give out(just recovered now). Mudclaws with studs would be the best option,if anyone is interested next year.

1) Mark Horrocks (V40) 38.25

(5th victory of the season)

2) Colin Moses 38.53

3) Bruce Elsworth 41.07

4) Sam Watson 41.14

6) Paul Tuson (V45) 42.44

10) Jack Holt (V50) 44.56

21) Hamilton Semple (V50) 51.44

Kate Cooper First Lady 54.46

Lyndsey Buck 58.57

Kate Rogan 1.OO.35