Brough Law Fell Race, 9^th March 2014

Was it the value entry fee, slick organisation, beautiful scenery, early start, or just a feature of the increasing popularity of all types of running? Whatever it was it conspired to boost the entries of the Brough Law Fell Race to a record 121, ranging in age from 16 to 77 years. Conditions were good, being cloudy and breezy but dry with good visibility. By 10am the marshals were in place, the course was marked and the runners were ready to go. The official starter, Mr Telfer of Haddington, duly got the race underway with runners immediately hitting the first lung-bursting climb. The field was quickly stretched out and the leading pack had emerged by the time they reached Sylvia & Terry Hart at Brough Law summit. At the turning of Ewe Hill the runners we’re greeted by the land owner, Farmer Johnnie Wilson, and others who cheered them on towards the bogs of Turf Knowe. Here Paul Appleby made sure the runners took the right line over Middledean Burn and up Corbie Cleugh. At Wether Hill, after the second significant climb, Jane was on hand to send them in the direction of Malcolm Slater atop Cochrane Pike, the high point of the race. At the summit there were still four in contention although a gap was now opening up with two pulling away on the descent. Back on to Ewe Hill and the front two looked clear but who would prevail after the descent back down Brough Law? In the end it was Ewan Brown who managed to open up a gap, just deserts for the journey from Edinburgh. David Beech, a relative newcomer to fell running, was not far behind making good on the form he showed at the end of last year. A steady stream of runners came in thereafter with some close battles fought on the final steep descent. Karen Robertson showed her class by leading the ladies and finishing in 28^th place overall. Prizes were provided by the Chocolate Box in Wooler. £500 was raised for charities with most going to the Great North Air Ambulance. The race was generously supported by volunteer marshals: Malcolm, Jane, John, Terry, Sylvia, Paul, other supporters, photographers and the landowner. Also Abi & Lucy from the 1^st Waldridge Fell Scouts and the ever faithful Casper. Thanks to all. Will Horsley.

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