This year’s race was well attended considering the number of other events on the same weekend and once again we’ve managed to make a donation, this time of £100, to The North of Tyne Search and Rescue Team. Their safety cover and marshalling makes the event that much safer and easier to organize and small events such as Windy Gyle only go part way to covering their expenses.
Those who ventured onto the hill on race day returned to the finish with an understanding of why Windy Gyle and its subsidiary ridge, Windy Rigg, were so named. Luckily it was mainly wind, the rain having passed through overnight.
The race was hotly contested with Phil Vincent (Tynedale) narrowly beating club mate James Dickinson to the line in times of 1:06:14 and 1:06:47 respectively. James put in a tremendous performance to also finish as 1st MV50. Keith Murray (Teviotdale) finished third in 1:08:36 and was also 1st MV40 Home. It was good to see Jim Knox back to form and finishing 17th overall as first MV60 in a time of 1:22:16.
Rachel Vincent was the first lady to return, 10th overall and in a time of 1:14:00. Claire Bagness (Wooler RC), who found the conditions “exhilarating,” was second lady and first LV40 in a time of 1:19:58. Colleen Todd, in her second fell race was first lady vet 50 in a time of 1:40:09.
A special mention must also go to those who made the effort to travel north to compete in the race as part of Dave Parry’s Summer Series.
Once again the comments at the end of the race were favourable and I thank you for them. I would also like to thank those who helped with the event. I hope to see you all again on Sunday 21st June 2009.
Keith Cooper
Race Organiser
