| 12/08/07 The 12th
Forest Burn Fell Race - from Will Horsley |
up the bank from the first stream
crossing (photo: Rob Stephens)
Race Organiser's Report.
A record turn out of sixty-six runners, including some from
Northern Ireland, Coventry, and Wiltshire, lined up on the
edge of the showground for the 12th running of the Forest
Burn Fell Race (29 were from NFR). Several runners had duplicate
numbers, and many more had last minute improvisations (click
me) which fortunately, with the aid of Rob & Pat’s
photos, just about did the job. Tom Green was plucked from
the crowd and set the runners off. Jones set a fast pace
with Horsley, P Vincent and Maynard in pursuit. Jones led
over the first stream crossing but began to lose ground on
the climb out of the stream. By the time the group had turned
to ascend Wards Hill, Jones was in their sights and had been
overtaken by the summit. Horsley took the mantle and led
down the other side of Wards Hill and around the fields with
Vincent close behind. Almost at the summit of Wards Hill,
Maynard came storming through to leave Horsley and Vincent
stunned. Maynard then led during the second descent of Wards
Hill, the run through the trees, and the second stream crossing
with Horsley and Vincent close behind. However Maynard faltered
on the steep ascent from the Forest Burn and Horsley seized
the opportunity. By the time Maynard had got his breath back
Horsley was too far in front and won in 22m51s, still 2 minutes
off the course record. Maynard and Vincent were less than
20 seconds back. In the women's race (of which there were
9 contenders, including two U18’s) R Vincent led from
start to finish and was half a minute clear of her closest
rival, Robertson, in 25m36s. However Robertson can take satisfaction
in knowing that her course record (set in 1999) is safe for
another year with Vincent finishing over two minutes adrift.
All finishers received a prize, except for Wasim who fell
asleep near the stream and returned nearly 2 hours after
the start. With neither course record being broken, the whisky
will have another year to age – but now the challenge
is on to beat the race organiser!
Thanks to Jo, Frankie, Monica, Hillary, James, Greg,
and the 2nd Rothbury Scouts.
results
Will Horsley
click photos for larger version
more photos from Pat
Dunn | Rob
Stephens | Bill
Tomlinson
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