Intended to be the Club’s annual trip to a classic fell race but down on numbers due to injuries and other commitments. Just three Croft runners made the long trip to Seathwaite and again had excellent YHA accommodation, an excellent meal and a couple of pints on the night before the race.
Gary G was brave enough to tackle the long event of 18 miles, this year being a round of the English Championships. Gary P suffering a knee injury in the previous championship round at Church Stretton decided to accompany Tom on the 10 mile short race.
Both races bring home the lack of real hills in this part of the world with 6000 and 3000 feet of climb in the 2 races!
Unfortunately Gary G, still suffering from his two falls, pulled out of his race midway round. Gary P starting at the back gradually worked his way through the field coming in an excellent 12th overall in 1.56.39 in spite of a wrong turning off the final hill. Tom, just enjoying the scenery, came in 38th in 2.38.26. The winner Tim Austin finished in 1.35.23, 1st lady Amelia Voice in 2.02.53. 45 runners completed the short course.
There were 325 starters in the long race with 299 finishers, the race being won by Rob Hope in 2.44.01. Rob passed Tom at the final summit ( having run 9 miles further) and after running all the way up the final massive climb, which few people managed, he had time and breath to joke with the marshals before disappearing at great speed down a steep rocky slope!
Another trip is planned for next spring so start the hill and endurance training!
