Wansfell race - photo: Will Horsley
2.5m / 1500ft
Six hardy NFRs turned out for the final
race in this year's NFR championship, with 2 categories being
decided in this last race. The race starts in Stockghyll
Lane, Ambleside and 108 runners lined up on a cold but dry
morning with a good covering of snow on the fells. Hot
favourite Rob Jebb is amongst the front runners who
are quickly out of sight on the road section past Old Kelswick
School.
Across a couple of fields before the real climbing starts
with a steep slog, I mean walk, with hands on hips
or knees for all of the mid-lower field runners, maintaining
position if possible to the top, where completely out of
breath you have to try and start descending through
knee deep snow. Staying on your feet becomes very difficult
and several runners take tumbles in the soft snow but are
generally straight back up for more in what becomes a great
descent before hitting the road section back to the finish.
As expected Rob Jebb is first home in a good quality field. Will
Horsley has an excellent 9th place finish to secure the senior
NFR championship (this after an early morning yomp up Helvellyn
for an invisible sunrise), next NFR home is Dave Atkinson
to secure the V45 championship, followed by myself, Graham
Bingham, new NFR recruit George Nicholson, and Joe Faulkner.
Tea and mince pies were enjoyed in The Lakes Runner Cafe,
followed by a pub lunch for a few of us in The White Lion
Hotel, making for a memorable end of year race.
Paul Appleby
a few more photos from Will
