Wadsworth Trog
Only one Keswick runner took part in this 20 mile race over bog and moorland. But it was Carl Bell of Keswick AC that came out on top winning the race in wintry conditions. Carl and Jack Wood of Ilkley Harriers battled it out and after 20 miles it all came down to who could find the most energy through the final few fields.
Carnethy 5
Two Keswick runners took to the start line for this race. Keswick’s Carl Bell won overall, ahead of Murray Strain and Scott Fraser, both of Hunters Bog Trotters. Carnethy 5 is a really tough 5 mile race over 5 summits in the hills to the south of Edinburgh. It has a lot of history with Keswick’s Kenny Stuart on the list of previous winners. George Foster was the other Keswick representative, who finished a very creditable 24th.
High Cup Nick
The weather was great for Saturday’s race apart from the head wind all the way to the nick. Underfoot conditions were better than previous years though. Sam Stead and Mark Lamb of Keswick AC battled it out at the front with Sam creating enough gap on the fast runnable descent to take a much deserved win. Mark Lamb was second and Carl Bell third making it a 1,2,3 for Keswick and ensuring the men’s team prize went to the boys in yellow and green. Keswick’s Dan Haworth performances continue to improve. He finished 5th in a strong field. John Battrick and Steve Halsall also ran well for Keswick showing the strength and depth in the club. Keswick’s ladies, not to be out done by the men, won the team prize after strong running from Kerry Cornforth, Annabel Holmes and Louise Brown.
In other news, Louise Winter finished 3rd lady at The Silverdale Circuit 20 mile trail race the other weekend, and there were plenty of Keswick runners out at the King Kong Stybarrow Dodd race, including a very impressive climb from U23 Tobias Bartholomew who finished 5th overall. On the fells, next up is the first of the English Championship races on March 11th, down in Edale, Derbyshire and Keswick are hoping to kick start the year with some strong team performances.