9 miles / 3000 ft

3 NFRs turned out for this race, part of the Ambleside Sports show which incorporates wrestling, cycling and running events on the show field as well as the Rydal Round. It is more or less the Fairfield Horseshoe.

Peter Reed, Dave Johnson and myself set off in a field of 124 runners through the grounds of Rydal Hall and then up the steep slog up Nab Scar, then on to Heron Pike and Great Rigg before reaching the summit of Fairfield. Following the main path another classic Lakeland descent begins and once Dove Crag is reached you can choose to run either side of the stone wall and hopefully pick up a few places on the fast run to the finish.

PBs for Dave and I and a similar time to last year for Peter despite picking up an injury on the descent. A fantastic Lakeland setting and sports show making for a fine day out.

Paul Appleby