“Keep going, he’s just seconds ahead of you,” was Fred Smith from Saltwell’s cheery greeting to Old Cheviot on the flanks of High Spy.  OC spurred his aged bones into action and pressed on in pursuit of the purple and green vest ahead which belonged to David Armstrong.  However it gradually dawned on OC that for “seconds” he should read “minutes”.  As OC reached the summit of High Spy and began the long plod to Maiden Moor, Dexter’s vest was nowhere to be seen.  So OC settled for a steady run-in on the Anniversary Waltz.

The race had started under blue skies and warm conditions in Stair.  After the run-out along the roads in the Newlands Valley, the race started in earnest with a steep climb up Robinson.  After topping out there was a fast descent to Little Dale before a stiff climb up Hindscarth.  The ridge run to Dale Head seemed to go on and on, but was enlivened by superb views over to the Scafell Range which was still flecked with snow.

Coming off Dale Head, most of the runners by OC headed left.  OC favoured the Borrowdale line to the right before swinging in left to the tarn.  He was joined on this by Richard Clarke (Esk Valley) and it turned out to be the better option by about 100 yards.  After a quick drink from the beck, OC followed the snake of runners over High Spy and Maiden Moor, passing the odd runner who was completing the longer Teenager with Altitude race.  The final climb up Cat Bells was hard work in what was now a hot day, but eventually OC was descending to Skelgill and the welcome sight of the finish.

NFR had a team of four led home by Dexter.  Phil Green was pleased to knock 10 minutes off his previous time and was followed in by Dave Johnson.  The newly formed Esk Valley Fell Club was there in force enjoying an away day, and Rachel Vincent (Tynedale) was getting some fitness back with a steady run-out.  The race was won by Ben Bardsley (Borrowdale).  Steve Birkinshaw (Borrowdale) came fifth in the Teenage Race (won by Simon Booth) as part of his training for his Lakeland 24 hour peaks attempt (scheduled for 19/20 June).  In the junior races, NFR was represented by Thomas Green who wore the purple and green vest with pride.

The weather was beautiful, the race atmosphere friendly, and the food and free beer at the finish excellent.  What more could OC ask for?  Let’s hope for a similar day at Buttermere.

Old Cheviot

results on Anniversary Waltz website