Blazing Blakey Blitz
The “winter “ series on the North York Moors is drawing to its close, most of it having run in fairly nice weather. Sunday was no different, 18 degrees in the car park of the Lion Inn on the top of Blakey Ridge. Vest n shorts weather, or shorts n no vest by the end for many.
This is a fairly tough race, with two big climbs and descents, lots of rough moorland and bog, and even a section of land rover track to play catch up on. The stinger big climb to the finish is one and a quarter miles of pure slog. The good thing about the final ascent is that the pub is only 500 yards from the finish.
The gorgeous sunshine made Rosedale and Fryupdale valley bottoms into perfect heat traps, nice for picnicking but not for running up hills. The picnickers and cyclists all provided welcome cheers and support on the way round.
So NFR was represented by Lawrence and David Johnson, Neil Gammack, Andy Russell, Marie Drozdowicz, Trevor Wakenshaw, Chris Sanderson, Charlie Stead and I. Martin Hall of Tyne Bridge was down with us as well.
My plan had been to take it canny for the first few miles, turn the legs over after Saturday’s hot thrash round Prudhoe XC and enjoy the day generally.
Lawrence and Chris opted for the Banzai approach disappearing into the distance on the long downhill from the start.
I was passed by lots of runners in the first few miles but gradually started taking back places as the race progressed, and was chuffed to take four on the final climb.
Lawrence had a stinker and blew up in the heat, but he, Lesley and Blue the dog were at the finish to cheer us on and take some photographs. It was greatly appreciated.
Paul Butler (loftus), Cameron Taylor (Esk), Charlie Stead and Joe Blackett (DP) had been at it up front. This was Joe’s second fell race back after a long layoff after a knee op but he looked fit as a lop. Cameron was first back by a good way, followed by Paul, Charlie and Joe.
I finished in 17th place with Chris in not long afterwards.
DJ was in next followed by Trevor. Marie and Neil came in together followed by Andy.
Andy was taking photos on the way round but still managed a good time.
Excellent effort all round.
The day was topped off by a pint of Theakstons Paradise pale ale in the Lion beer garden, where Neil got an early season first. First wasp sting of the year!
The next is the penultimate race in the series, Guisborough moors race 12.5 miles BL , which is in both championships NECCA and NFR.
Phil Green
photos from Clive Thornton
