Wasdale

A splendid day out with possibly the finest finishing view in an English fell race? It does remain to be enjoyed for longer than might seem fair, however, at the end of 20 hard miles.

 

Another very good turnout of brown vests - more than ten per cent of the field - and a good result too.  First team (Es, John, Mike and Jon); Es 2nd; John 4th & 1st MV40; Mike 2nd MV40; Jim 3rd MV50; Donna 4th FV40.

 

Conditions were near perfect, albeit a little warm at times, and whilst the first third of the field were treated to clag on Scafell Pike, those of us processing at a more sensible pace had clear visibility and sumptuous views pretty much the whole way around.

 

An honourable mention to Tom, who had evidently benefitted from the beasting-that-wasn't last weekend, showing off his experience and descending prowess to take ten minutes out of me on the descent from Scafell Pike; and to Jim also, who took third MV50 for the second classic running despite a tumble coming off Scafell which left him with a nasty wound to his right hand, finishing blood-spattered and, so Jon tells me, "looking like someone out of a horror film".

 

Hats off to Rhys for stepping in late in the day to do a fantastic job as RO - the whole thing ran very smoothly, the marshalling and food was all excellent - and it was great also to see so many familiar faces cheering us on at the checkpoints, where Rhys appears to have enlist the help of every past and present member of SHUOC to marshal the high fells. Many thanks indeed, folks - very much appreciated.