Sally Fawcett writes:
Highland Fling Race 30th April 2016 – 53 miles, 7500ft
After the race was announced as the UK and Scottish Ultra Trail Championships for 2016, a number of elite runners entered. Competition was particularly fierce as this was also to be the selection race for the GB & NI team for the Trail World Championships in Portugal on 29th October. The British Athletics selection criteria states: At the trial, the first three eligible Senior Men and three Senior Women will be selected subject to them meeting the following selection criteria: (a) Has demonstrated the ability to be competitive and successful against World Class opposition in domestic and/or overseas international trail races of a similar length between 1 January 2015 and up to 10th June 2016.
Previous course records were: Lee Kemp 7:02 (2013) Lucy Colquhoun 8:10 (2008) So the scene was set for a fast race, even the weather was perfect for ultra running after torrential downpours the day before. A frosty start soon cleared and the sun came out, even with the occasional light, refreshing shower! My aim was for a top 3 female finish, I wanted to back up recent good results, but mainly to try to gain another GB vest.
Results: Starters 700 Finishers 625 DNF 75
Top 3 Male: Donnie Campbell 6:51 Damian Hall 6:58 Kim Collinson 7:00
Top 3 Female: Beth Pascall (7) 7:52 Sally Fawcett (15) 8:14 Sophie Grant (16) 8:15 Other Dark Peak results: Bonnie van Wilgenburg (31) 8:50 Julie Bembridge (148) 10:26
Both the male and female course records were beaten convincingly. I’m now waiting for the selection meetings in June, when the squad for Portugal will be announced, hopefully, my Fling performance will be enough, fingers crossed. Here’s my blog on the race: https://sallyfawcett.wordpress.com/2016/05/02/high…