photo: Dave Aspin

As many were trotting round scenic Gibside this Sunday, NFR hit The Guisborough Three Tops! This cracking race is about 8 and half miles long with some good climbs. The Matterhorn of Teeside was wreathed in mist as we drove done with great shafts of sunlight through the rain clouds.
We gathered at the Rugby club and were greeted with a massive queue for registration. A heartening sight at any fell race.

This race is the reverse of the Moors race mostly. The steep climb leads to the reverse run out to Highcliffe Nab and the first CP. Thence it is on to Roseberry Topping and the smart money followed the grass beside the wall rather than the hard paving of the Cleveland way.
The grind up Roseberry was well worth the view over Teeside then the bomber downhill but then a turn ENE to pick up the track and cut up throught the woods to the hanging stone. This area has been recently been felled for timber and combined with the mist had a surreal first world war battle field look, stumps, mud and mist.

Then it was a gradual climb to pick yp the Cleveland Way and the long run back to the final CP at the Gisborough Moor Trig point. From here it is a short run back through the woods to pick up the descent leg to Belmangate Lane and the finish. NFR was splendidly represented by Phil Sanderson who was first and may or may not have broken the course record. He was followed in down the field slightly by Scott Gibson. Also running were Paul Hainsworth, Myself, David Johnson (who seemed to have picked up the wrong attire that morning),and David Beaumont.
Other friends of NFR running were Shaun Dunlop from Low Fell, Dougie Nisbet from DFR (Camera in Hand ) and Shaun Roberts from Elvet.

Especial thanks must go to Brett Weeden of Keighley & Craven who gave his cag (threw it at him) to the NYM AC member. He had twisted his ankle and was reduced to a very slow limp in the 3 degree temp. He was not not carrying kit and I bet he does from now on after the ear bashing he got from several runners. This was after Dave asking everyone to carry kit. There's a lot to say for random kit checks.

Phil Green

more photos by Dave Aspin

results and report on Esk Valley site