The NFR team at today's Ian Hodgson Mountain Relay hit their targets of a top half finish and to enjoy the day, despite some last minute team changes which ended up including three injured runners. Andrew and George made a great start in good weather to bring us in to Hartsop in 36th place. Dexter and Louis also had a good run on the tough High Street leg, which by now was covered in clag and rain down to about the 1500' level. A little bit of trouble locating a tarn saw us slip to 43rd but with several teams not far in front. Dave and John took over at Kirkstone for a very tough 4.5 miles. Steady running and diligent navigation saw them coming in bang on target time-wise and maintaining our 43rd position, again with several teams not far ahead. This provided a great platform for Will and Tom. A steady pace on the climb up Dovedale and again some cautious navigation saw them stay on course for a sprint finish to secure the team 31st place out of 63 finishers (5 teams disqualified). The team was Andrew Higgins and George Nicholson, David 'Dexter' Armstrong and Louis Goffe, John Duff and Dave Johnson, & Tom Cornthwaite and Will Horsley. Although we were never going to be competing up at the sharp end we all worked really hard and came together brilliantly as a team. Three runners changed plans at short notice and three ran on injured limbs for the team, a spirit which typified the day. Thank you to everyone in the team for all your hard work, and also all the people who make this event happen.

more photos from John

Will Horsley