Dark Peak Stones

Dark Peak Stones on Sat 10th Dec 2022

Following two unsuccessful attempts to run this as an evening race in the summer, it finally took place as a winter weekend race. The freezing conditions could not have been more different than the last time which was a swelteringly hot evening.

At the start of the race, unbelievable enquiries were made from two runners, who should know better, as to whether they could run down roads, to which the answer was a firm “No”!

Three most select groups of hardy runners set off at various times onto the snow plastered hills on an icy and misty morning. After listening to Bob Dylan’s rendition of getting stoned, ‘Team Defibrillator’ set off first, followed by the ‘Discerning Group’ (including the disappointed road runners) and finally the ‘Eyeballs-Out Group’. A new face appeared on the start line in this last group unknown to the RO who therefore had to carry out a sensitive safety check as to their ability and experience to undertake a race in such severe conditions. He therefore delicately enquired, “Hello, I don’t know you. Are you any good?” without hesitation Anna replied, “Yes”, and categorically proved so with an excellent run.

After what the RO considered to be a meticulous explanation to the runners of a most obvious route with checkpoints being some of the most unmistakable features in the Dark Peak, there was a still an incident requiring a steward’s enquiry. It appeared that one individual had not run ‘through’ the White Stones, but an unknown distance ‘above’ them. On the initial running of this race many years ago, a similar incident happened involving the first two runners home which resulted in them both being subsequently disqualified. However, as this race was near Xmas and the season of goodwill to all mankind, Mike Nolan’s rather plausible but perhaps possible reasoning was accepted. However, it was later deemed necessary to impose a small time penalty of 90 secs which has been calculated into the final and definitive results.

A hard battle ensued up front with Oli Johnson edging in front of Tom Brunt by just 18 secs. with Jack close on their heels. Chris finished 4^th and only just pipped Anna who certainly proved her worth with a superb 1hr 5 mins. Andy, Willie, Mike, Dave and Mick all produced impressive times for their respective age groups. Michael and Bob finished in a most respectable time under 2 hours and it was with relief to the RO when Roger emerged out of the freezing conditions in a worthy time.

This race was chosen by Oli as the decider for the Eric Mitchell Trophy. Two different, complex formulae were employed to establish the handicap winner, but both confirmed it was Mick Cochrane, M75. Dave presented the trophy with some kind words remembering Eric.

Elite runners in all categories were awarded various coveted stone based trophies as indicated in the results.