Three Shires

Three Shires on Sat 16th Sep 2023

What has to be one of the musts of the autumn fell running season in the Lakes saw 16 Dark Peakers arrive in the field opposite the Three Shires Inn on an improving forecast. The river was rather full so the crossing of the bridge at the start proved the first obstacle to negotiate, followed by the long climb up to Wetherlam. From there the route is really pure fell running delight with the descents off Swirl How, the fast and technical descent off Pike of Blisco and the race to the finish down off Lingmoor. There was a mix of young and old with both the under MU23's posting impressive resullts (Finlay and Cynog). Selwyn Wright (who knows a thing or two about fellrunning) commented that Finlay surely must be a future winner.  Fran carried all before her to win the women’s race with Jenny first FV 50. There were three MV60's with Ashley in his last race as a 63 yr old (really?), finishing ahead of Greg (just 61) and Keith.  Alice was second FU23 and  the women were joint winners of the team prize with Ambleside - Fran, Ellie and Jenny taking the opportunity for a photo with Selwyn. If you haven’t done this race it comes highly recommended and with what must be the closest finish to a pub in the lakes.  All in all a lovely autumnal day in the Lakes for young and old.  Dave Sykes.