English Junior Championships – Black Combe
It was a great day today at Black Combe Junior Champs race. Good to see a few other brown vests out (sorry don’t know names). Dark Peak’s Keith Holmes was out there marshalling at multiple locations on the fell.
There were clear blue skies, but tough conditions despite that – due to very strong winds that had blown all night and continued throughout the junior races. Certainly Stanley and Ralph hadn’t run in such strong winds before, but both had their best races to date.
It was a really well organised but relaxed event, with the running on Black Combe being excellent and mostly grassy – and STEEP!
After the U9s race which took a good loop across lower slopes, the U11’s took a steep climb up to the summit of Seaness (which is a subsidiary of Black Combe itself). followed by a brief bit of running on top before heading down fast grassy trods to the main tourist track and finishing field. A tough little course!
U13s carried on a bit further, with a second smaller hill that seemed to be unexpected by most. The older groups all followed the same route, each continuing further up Black Combe, with the U17s reaching the summit. U19s were in the adult race – Black Combe Dash.
The added bonus on Black Combe is the view as its virtually a seaside fell, so you get a great sea view to take your mind off the pain in your legs.
Definitely recommend this one for a future outing for those who haven’t been.
Jon.
Todd Crag
Next event – Saturday 7th May – Todd Crag (Ambleside) – Race information: Todd Crag Junior races
Great Whernside
Sunday 15th May – Entries for the Great Whernside (Kettlewell, North Yorkshire) race are also now open: Wharfedale Harriers race entries
Guisborough Woods Junior Classic
Sunday 22nd May – hosted by Esk Valley Fell Club in North Yorkshire Moors. Race Maps
Helm Hill
3rd July – Howgills Junior, (from Sedbergh) hosted by the Helm Hill Club.
Entries are open.