Kilnsey Show Fell Race – 1st September 2015

Gavin and Sue tackled the Kilnsey Fell Race and both did brilliantly.

Sue writes:

“I agonised for a week about entering the Kilnsey show fell race as I had never done a fell race before.

I knew my parents and sister would be there and as my dad ran this race aged 17 I knew he would be chuffed if I did it.

I was a nervous wreck and almost pulled out of entering it but after  a big hug from Gavin Smith, a sympathetic look from Dave Gorman as he battled his way to the beer tent and more support and hugs from the lovely Derek Ives I took a big breath and entered the show field to warm up. Here I had another wobble and marched up to Gavin and demanded another  hug (which I got), that wasn’t enough so I marched up to some random bloke and got another hug……..then another off Bruce Elsworth!

Feeling more relaxed after all the hugs the countdown  started and the race began
It was a tough ascent with the majority walking within minutes. Once at the top It became slightly easier but of course that didn’t last long as the descent was steep and slippy. I managed to stay upright and made my way to “the chimney”, a vertical stoney drop. With the help of a rope I swung down like tarzan and picked up some speed.
Brian hugill told me it was a great feeling running back onto the show field with all the crowds cheering and clapping. He was right. I felt like  an Olympic athlete.

I will definitely do more fell races and I’m sure I will calm down pre race although it was very nice getting lots of hugs!

My Dad was very chuffed and proud  of me too.”

Here’s a picture thanks to woodentops proving that Sue didn’t just hug people, and looked like a proper fell runner.

Sue descending