Kinder Downfall 10 miles/2500’ 30th April 2000

Club Championship Race No.4

Hayfield Series Race No.1

The ‘Downfall' race took place in glorious weather on May Bank Holiday weekend. There was an excellent turnout from the Harriers, despite the fact that it clashed with the Three Peaks in Settle. For many of us this was the first time we had ran the race, so we were all out for personal bests!

The climb up through William Clough was hot and airless. As we hit the top of the final accent and climbed onto Kinder, a welcome breeze found us and stayed all the way across the plateau to Edale Cross. Underfoot conditions couldn’t have been much better, firm and dry. From Edale Cross the course descent was fast and bumpy, with at least two of us falling - fortunately there were no major injuries. The final stretch of road into the finish is a particularly perverse twist, but gave the opportunity for those with a little left in their legs to gain that extra place.

Alan and Adi had excellent runs to bring them in the top twenty. Bill R. continues to put in solid performances and was the third Harrier home. Next, Vaughan, Andy and Bill C. fought a close battle all to arrive within thirty seconds of each other. Bill B. ran a good race, although was disappointed that his usual downhill speed was hampered by the curry he had eaten the previous night. Mathew, hot off the roads with two recent excellent half-marathon runs under his belt, and Ian, having cycled from Oldham as a warm-up, were probably not at their best on the day. However, they still came in well up the field, particularly as for Mathew it was his longest fell run ever.

Recent club members Gerry Moss, Jim Ollerenshaw and Jackie Purvis all put in excellent performances – it must be all that secret training! Martin Morrison continues to put in good solid runs, but was confused about why he felt he was running well on the day but didn’t pull out a faster time. Having battled it out with Jackie from all the way from Ashop Head, she lost me on the final descent. But I achieved my personal best so I’m happy! Nev arrived shortly after, still recovering back to fitness.

Results

(Course record: 1.01.46 M.Kinch 1995)

An excellent to start to the Hayfield series and a good day out!

Clare Baguley    May 2000

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