Royal Dungworth

Royal Dungworth on Sat 30th Sep 2017

The Royal International Dungworth Fell Race was held in suitably autumnal conditions & attracted a field of some 30 finely tuned athletes (or should that read 30,some of whom were finely tuned).

After a much briefer briefing than has been usual over the past number of years,the racers started furiously down the grass ramp & out of the park.The pace of most of the competitors was seen to visibly slacken as they turned up the road & their heart rates reached critical levels!As the majority were over 50 this was probably to have been expected.

The fine tradition of Harmerian abuse was hurled at the field by the few spectators seen out on the course.I am glad to report that the level of cow muck at the farm before the final section of Ringwood Lane was such that it splashed around copiously & the aroma at the finish was mellowly fruitful.

The odds on favourite Dave Lund came home first to retain the Granville Harper trophy & the Holmes brothers fought tooth & nail for the V60 honours.Dave Allen had a tremendous run,mostly in the right direction & Steph Coe won the Dorothy Harper Memorial trophy as first lady.The organiser would like to thank Eoin Connaughton for once again providing the international element of the race.

A special mention to Paul Sanderson for 'winning' the grotesque neo-fascist Brugarolas Trophy for his efforts in the Loxley Rough Running series & being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The majority of runners then transferred to the Royal Hotel for chip butties & real ale.

I'd like to thank Tracey & Sarah for recording the times at the finish,Jonathan & Chris for manning the road crossing at the end of Ringwood Lane & Penny for wielding the Brasso tin (which was previously George Yates' money box kept well stuffed with I.O.U.'s from his Dad.)at registration.

All in all,a right good do!

Tim