6 NFR members, Garry Owens, John Tollitt, Jamie Wilkinson, Chris Eggett, Bernard Kivlehan and George Nicholson, entered this cracking race on Saturday lunchtime, which was won by ex NFR man Morgan Donnelly. The weather was kind with early morning clouds lifting from the summits and even a bit of sunshine breaking through to go with the wind and occasional shower.

The start was 400 yards away from previous years (which meant a cruel climb through the woods at the finish to get to the start/finish line). Route finding was straightforward to the summit of Fairfield thanks to the clear conditions. Afterwards things became a bit trickier especially negotiating the best route around the rockier sections and trying to establish exactly where the 'Bad Step' was so as to avoid it. I took the tried and trusted method of following the bloke in front, which took me right over the 'Bad Step', and found me lowering myself over another steep drop by hanging from a branch of a tree! Despite suffering a bruised foot I made it down safe and well to the car park. It was only then that I realised that I still had to do another kilometre or so back to the finish along the track and then up through the trees. This quickly drained any remaining energy but made the tea and cake provided at the finish all the more welcoming.

Garry came in first of the NFR mob in 60th place, followed by myself in 81st, Jamie in 107th, Chris in 201st and Bernard beating George in a sprint finish to come in 205th and 208th respectively. A great race well organised and stewarded by Ambleside A.C.

John Tollitt