20 Year old NFR James Taylor from Alwinton had youth on his side as he prevailed in a closely fought race at the front with Berwick’s V45 Adam Fletcher, followed home in 3rd by Steve Turland of Ilkley.
The route had to be altered due to the stone slabs and steps on the Simonside ridge being in a dangerous condition due to ice, making the race 0.5 mile shorter.
Karen Robertson comfortably led the ladies home in 1.29.19
Top performances from NFR’s Chris Winter and Phil Green were also highlights of the race.
Neil Cassidy who fell and banged his head ended up waiting 4 hours at Wansbeck Hospital to get 11 stitches in his head wound, but he is ok and will be coming back for more. A special mention for Bernard Kivlehan and Glen McWilliams for sacrificing their races and marshal Graham Wilkinson who all helped to bring Neil down to safety.
A search party was being organised to go and look for the one runner who had not returned, when thankfully he appeared at the finish safe and well having taken a wrong turn in the trees over at Coquet Cairn.
So quite an eventful day, but thankfully ending ok.
Paul Appleby (Race Organiser)
