Gavin was our sole representative at this race up England’s highest peak, and finished a creditable 28th place in 1 hour 28 minutes and 36 seconds. Here is his account of the race:
“A slightly different course this year I was told, a nice easy start across trail, dry river beds with massive stones in, through a stream, through a bigger stream, across a bridge then find a way up. The map apparently was a rough guide. So up the ridiculously steep Lingmell, 550 meters elevation gain in about the same distance! Followed by a steady climb. Followed by bogs and streams. Followed by a steep boulder field to the top of England’s highest mountain.
Here, we had to hand over 1 of two tags (I guess they figure most people will turn back before the top so need something to make sure you actually go all the way), turn and head back through the hordes of tourists and ankle breaking rocks. Some very quick descending, back the same way, very fast until the super steep bit came then out of the blue, the legs went, and I went tumbling after. This suddenly seemed like a good approach until I realised there were big rocks so I picked myself up again.
Very shaky legs as the steep turned to the flat final 1km, amongst a couple of others, thankfully 1 shot off (no chance!), and the other was struggling so I put in a bit of a push (stagger), back through the streams and collapsed over the line. Unable to stand for some time. Best race I’ve done!
Who’s up for next year?”
Danny Hope (Horwich RMI Harriers) won the race followed by former Skipton AC runner Luke Maude (Barlick). The women’s winner was Caitlin Rice (Glossopdale Harriers).
1. Danny Hope (Horwich RMI Harriers) – 1:07:06
16. Caitlin Rice (Glossopdale Harriers) – 1:17:20
28. Gavin Smith – 1:28:36