Borrowdale

The race was held despite extremely difficult problems for the organisers, who deserve full support for the decisions made in order for the race to continue. Incessant rain throughout Friday and overnight caused waterlogged parking fields, registration field, and the final river crossing was in spate. Soon before the start the Mountain Rescue on Scafell Pike summit advised that the wet, windy cold conditions, together with mist and slippy rocks were too dangerous. So we stopped climbing at Esk Hause, descended to Styhead Pass, to continue as normal. We were in shelter most of the time from the westerly wind, so never really had to face the worst of the weather. Everything from Bessyboot was soaked, all the rocks were nasty and slippy throughout, making very awkward descents. Wisely we were sent across a nearby bridge to avoid the swollen river. A shortened course, but still a good day out in the Lakeland Hills, with the organisers being the real stars.