Made the long drive over to Silecroft in the south west Lake District today for the Black Combe Fell Race. At 8 miles and packing in a healthy 3400ft as well as starting at sea level it's fair to say this was a tough one. To my surprise the weather was sound and the ground relatively dry.

Looking around at the runners at the start line it was apparent the standard was good. Once we got away I was in 3rd behind Jebb and Lightfoot but once on the "hands on knees" climb to the Black Combe summit I fell right back to 9th. Between checkpoint 3 and 4 there were spells of good fast running and descents that were very enjoyable so I took 7th position back and closed right up to the 3 runners ahead (Birkinshaw, Scoffer and Amor) but once again on the return climb up the other face of Black Combe Fell I lost ground. The final descent on the established tourist trail allowed for super fast running.

I finished 7th in a race of 120 runners won by Rob Jebb. I would recommend this great race and especially the meat and onion pies afterward!!!.

Results on Black Combe Runners' website

Gary Jones