Harriers Blown Away by
Kentmere Horseshoe Fell Race
Lambs to the slaughter, it all looked nice and calm at the start ...
(photo thanks to Carole Critchley)
Pictures thanks to John Mayall
Full Results
THE SEVENTH RACE IN THE LOCAL CLUBS’ ‘run the moors’ fell race Grand Prix took place last weekend. Runners from the six participating athletics clubs travelled to the village of Kentmere in the Southern part of the Lake District.
The twelve mile / 3,300 ft ascent course roughly followed the Kentmere Horseshoe route, starting in the village and looping around the reservoir, taking in Ill Bell, High Street, Kentmere Pike and a number of other peaks along the way. The competitors were subjected to gale force winds for about 4 to 5 miles, gusting to 60mph. Fog on the tops added an unexpected navigational challenge.
Saddleworth Runners provided both the first male and female finishers from the local participating clubs. Sean Willis had a terrific race, posting 1hr 41min 31sec to take 7th place overall. After a fast start, Radcliffe’s Donna Cartwright was set to be the first lady finisher from the local Clubs. However, after Donna took a wrong turn in the fog, Saddleworth’s Cath Litherland took the lead and clocked 2 hr 23 min 58, about 4 minutes ahead of Donna.
Rochdale’s Paul McGlynn was experienced in Lake District trail races, but this was his first fell race in the region. Even so he was first to finish from Rochdale, posting 2 hr 06 min 42 sec. Next were Ian Stainthorpe (2:15:06) and John Mayall (2:17:15). Rochdale’s one and only lady competitor, Ann-marie McGilvray, clocked 3hr 0 min 30 sec.
Results for members of Rochdale Harriers were as follows:
70 Paul McGLYNN, 2:06:42;
100 Ian STAINTHORPE, 2:15:06;
113 John MAYALL, 2:17:15;
141 Dennis LUCAS, 2:24:27;
160 Kevin McGILVRAY, 2:36:13;
176 Phil ROBERTS, 2:55:38;
180 Ann-marie McGILVRAY, 3:00:30.dal
