Today was the last of the English Fell Championship races held at Cautley Spout near Sedbergh.

I’m not putting all the stats in here just giving you the headlines and a flavour of the day.

It was a short race but with a VERY steep climb at the start and two very steep descents. Unknown to all before we got there the organisers had put a river crossing (above knees and that was if you stayed on your feet) before the last field to the finish. Fun indeed and with some route choice, it was a tough little race.

The women went off first in perfect racing conditions.  Hannah Horsburgh won convincingly making it 4 wins in the championships.  Sadly she was unable to do the long races this time and so cannot win overall but has broken a lot of records along the way.  The rest of the ladies did well too and we think that the ladies team have come second  (well done Cat S and Jenn) and the V40 ladies team probably third.  Thanks and welcome back to Trudy! So an excellent season for the ladies!

The men’s race set off in steady drizzle but it did clear though the tops remained in cloud just to add to the challenge.  It was terrific to see a stream of gold vests came down the hill to the river which the men attacked with much more gusto than the ladies!  Mark Lamb came down in third, was second by the river and FIRST over the line.  Ably supported by the rest of the Keswick men, Keswick convincingly won the team  championships and Carl is confirmed as English Fell Champion.  Of the 6 championship races, Carl has won 4 and Mark 2!

FRA

Whilst there, I was approached by the new Chair of the FRA who are looking for more Lake District representation and particularly a Treasurer.  If you have any interest in helping this organisation which enables all of us to go to well organised days like today, do please get in touch with me.

Still full of adrenaline from a great run on a great day for Keswick AC,

Lesley (Chair)