Report on the Kong Mini MM from Mark Clarkson:
Well done to John and Micky Butters who “… smashed the old McWilliams round record today. The record was 7.32 but in misty and drizzly conditions they recorded 6.10!!!
The distance is 32 miles. The route is available on our McWilliams round facebook page.” Glen and Jack
Short video from Glen/Jack:
Descending Win Hill, photo: Mark Fermer
I ran the Edale Skyline on Sunday. This AL early season classic has been on my ‘to do’ list for a while. At 21 miles and 4,500 feet of climbing, it’s a toughie. Conditions were nigh on perfect – blue skies, a cooling breeze, and dry underfoot. There was a large field, including a few brave souls who had run the English Championships race the day before (Darren Fishwick was among this number – no surprise there).
The race follows a clockwise route around the skyline of Edale in the Peak District. The route had been varied this year. With flagstones making the crossing of Brown Knoll easier, an extra climb had been thrown in through the woods up to Win Hill.
Approaching Win Hill, photo: Mark Fermer
I took it steady on the first half up to the Mam Nick road crossing, then reeled in a few places towards the end. The last few miles were into the easterly breeze along the edge of Kinder, and distinctly hard work. I ran a lot of the way in company with Simon from Steel City Striders (a Sheffield-based club) who knew the route. He got ahead of me on the final descent from Ringing Roger – I was happy just to cross the line in one piece.
I finished 67th out of about 290 runners in 3 hours 48 minutes. Afterwards in the village hall, the pie and peas went down a treat. All of which was a grand way to work up the raging fellrunner’s thirst – which I duly slaked with a fine pint or two of Peak District ale in the evening. Our secretary, of course, would expect nothing less.
Many thanks to the Dark Peak team who put on this excellent race.
John Duff
Here are the NE Championship scores following Brough Law, from Alan Wallace:
A tremendous turnout for Brough Law:
photo: JB
A staggering 167 runners turned out for the Brough Law fell race in the beautiful Breamish Valley today – twice the number from the previous year! They certainly brought the good weather with them as the conditions were perfect. Registration opened early and it was just as well as the queue built up steadily. This was the first counting race in the NFR championships as well as the North East Counties championships.
The runners were briefed and set off at 10am. It was a close finish between Chris Edis of Keswick, Andy Berry of DFR and Colin Donnelly of Cambuslang with Edis coming through the victor. The leading times were slower than expected due to a flag being missed, throwing the leaders off course with the chasing pack following.
First home for the ladies was Katherine Davis of North Shields Poly with Jo Smith of NFR second and Dawn Metcalf of Derwent Valley in third. 1st M40 was Scott Gibson (NFR), 1st F40 was Nina Cameron (NFR), 1st M50 was Garry Robson (North Shields Poly), 1st F50 was Henrietta Carter (NFR), M60 was Les Turnbull of Norham. Spot prizes were also given out.
Many thanks to all who competed and supported. In particular Mike Steven and Jane Briggs for their help at registration and with the results. Proceeds to Northumberland Mountain Rescue. Thanks must also go out to Ross Wilson for his support and to the Northumberland National Park for the use of their facilities.
Despite the navigation issue it was a thoroughly enjoyable day in the Northumberland hills. Chip timing next year, perhaps!
See you next year.
John Butters
results (* amended 14/03 – please contact John <fellrunner1975@gmail.com> if you have any queries)
More on facebook
Report from John B on his blog:
http://fellrunner1975.blogspot.co.uk/2017/02/low-cloud-at-high-cup-nick-93m-1500.html
“Many thanks to Paul Appleby for organising a lovely evening in Rothbury last night. The talk by Iain Nixon was very interesting, particularly his safety tips. Congratulations to John Telfer on winning the coveted Fellrunner’s Fellrunner award…” – Steph
“A really enjoyable night. Thanks to all involved, particularly Paul and Iain. The talk was excellent and it really emphasised the importance of safety in the hills, even if you’re just nipping out for an hour. Happy running!” – John B
“Many thanks for the splendid night out, food was excellent and Iain did a great talk. It really did open my eyes. Looking forward to doing the championship this year.” – Phil G
“Many thanks for a lovely evening, looking forward to the next one. Much appreciated.” – Gary M
Here’s the selection for the 2017 NFR Championships from Paul:
10 walkers rescued from the Cheviots on Sunday:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-38956453
https://www.facebook.com/NNPMRT/
Dear NFR members
NFR is 20 years old in 2017.
To mark this momentous milestone, the race organisers and club committee propose having a celebratory race weekend, based around the Chevy Chase (Saturday 1st July), followed by camping at Highburn House Country Camping and Caravan Park (or other more salubrious accommodation to suit your taste!).
Even if you don’t want to run this long race, it should prove to be a fun family event. Plans are also afoot for other events during the year.
On-line entries for the Chevy Chase open on 1st Feb via SiEntries, and the event tends to fill up fast.
Details to be found on this link and the FRA calendar:
This race will count in the NFR Championship. Full details of the other races will be announced at the Annual Dinner on Thursday 16th February.
Happy Running
Paul and Frank
NFR Championship Selectors