Sedbergh Hills

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“There was an excellent turnout of 14 folk from NFR for the championship race at Sedbergh Hills on Sunday. This tough 14 miler packs in 6,000 ft of climbing. Grassy running at the start and finish gives way to muddy contouring and climbing in the middle section. The route varied from a high-level contour with views over the M6, to a runnable path up to The Calf which is the highpoint of the Howgills. Apart from being greasy underfoot, conditions were excellent with high cloud cover and a cooling breeze.

NFR ladies stole the show, winning the team prize. The 3 counters were Karen Robertson, Joanna Smith, and Henrietta Bolton Carter. Jane Briggs was also there, finishing just behind Henrietta. For the men, Roger Sillito was first home in a creditable 13th place, with Matthew Briggs not far behind.

The tea and cake went down well in the Village Hall afterwards. Many thanks to Paul Brittleton and his team for the race. If you had pre-entered, it was only £6.50 – bargain!
Results are on the race website: http://www.sedberghhillsfellrace.org/

John Duff”

Allenheads Natural Ability Fell/Trail Race

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race_tape-e1371633698511Allenheads Natural Ability Fell/Trail Race

Sunday 15 October 2017 at 11am
Entry Fee £10 (£11 online) – Entries limited to 200

Starting and finishing at Allenheads, the 5.5 mile course over footpaths, bridleways and open moorland climbs high into the Northumberland North Pennines – an area of outstanding natural beauty, affording runners and spectators stunning views.  Excellent refreshments available at the Hemmel Cafe and the Allenheads Inn.

Application Form

Pre enter at: http://www.racenumber.co.uk/events/natural-ability-trail-race/

Entry also possible on the day

Beacon Hill Fell Race

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“Ideal conditions welcomed runners for this midweek race.
20 year old William Robson (NSP) was the victor closely followed by Matthew Hetherington (Heaton). 17 year old Matthew Briggs (NFR) had an excellent run finishing 3rd.
Dawn Cooper (Derwent Valley) brought the ladies home closely followed by Jane Briggs and Nina Cameron (both NFR). The drop down to the finish off Beacon Hill was diverted due to the ongoing footpath improvements and instead came down off Dove Crag.
This added half a mile onto the route but the general opinion was that it was a better descent and will likely become the permanent route.” – Paul Appleby

results

Chevy Chase: report and results

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Chevy Chase 2017

NFR turned out in force for the 61st Chevy Chase on Saturday 2nd July. There were over 20 NFR club members in the large field of approx 200. Conditions for the race were pretty good. The recent rain had left the ground soft for running, and it was never too hot.

The run out to Cheviot was into the wind. Turning for Hedgehope, runners were greeted with a fine view of the Harthope Valley as they dropped swiftly to the burn before the climb to Northumberland’s second highest top. Various lines were taken to Langlee Crags through the recently cut heather – but none of the new lines seemed to be any quicker than the original track.

After rounding Brands Corner, the run up the Careyburn seemed to go on a bit – it is getting rougher and the bracken ever higher. At least the final run-in over Wooler Common was (mostly) downhill and with the wind. Back at the youth hostel, runners were greeted with a T-shirt and the usual delicious spread of tea, sandwiches and cake. After 20 tough miles and 4,000 ft of climbing, the refreshments were much appreciated.

John Butters vied with Will Robson (NSP) for the lead, before pulling clear at Langlee Crags to win handsomely in under 3 hours. Katherine Davis (NSP) won the ladies’ race with Karen Robertson close behind in second. There was a welcome return to form for Fred Smith (Saltwell) who won the V60 prize. NFR retained the men’s team prize (JB, myself and Scott Gibson). NFR packed the minor placings with 7 runners in the top 20. It was also good to see long-standing club members Louise Wilkinson and Jane Saul back in their club vests and completing the course.

As ever, The Chevy was superbly organised by Wooler Running Club to whom many thanks are due. It was indeed a grand day out.

John Duff

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Organiser’s report

results