Farleton Knott Fell Race Results
Sunday 5 August 2007
Race Report
Farleton Knott fell races must be one of the best events on our calendar for spectators. From where we park in the field you look up on to one of the most awesome descents the seniors and u/17's do in the Championship - it's not the longest but seeing the runners coming down the scree throwing up dust is a spectacle to behold! Conditions for the race were ideal underfoot but it is quite a suntrap climbing up the fell so it can be hard work on a course which climbs twice to the summit.
The senior race attracted 46 runners and winner Nick Sharp had a 20 second gap on 1st v'40 Mark Croasdale. Mark won the race last year so it was no surprise to see him pressing for 1st place on a course he seems to excel on. 3rd and 4th places went to two of our top players in the championship; Alistair Dunn and Tom Addison, with Jeff Chadwick in 5th. First lady home was Helen Isley whose 12th place had most of the senior's behind her - Karen Forster took 2nd with Kate Rogan 3rd.
The u17's saw James Mountain carry on his winning form, holding off Tom Sessford by a fine margin of 3 seconds. The chasing pack were led by Jonny Bradshaw, whose magnificent sprint in across the field earned him third place, with Jos Addison and Matt Fretwell 4th and 5th. Girls winner Emma Flanagan had a comfortable gap between her and the rest of the girls with Jenny Addison, Amy Fretwell and Sarah Wilson following.
Under 14 Rory Addison has seen his fair share of seconds, so seeing him win at this race proves he has plenty of guts and determination which paid off. Dale Sutton was only 6 seconds adrift in second place. Melanie Hyder had a heck of a run closely following in third and obviously first girl. Keiran Thompson finished fourth with Emma Spencer, Jacob Uren and Scott Baistow in the next three placings in a very competitive race.
The under 12's had 19 runners competing and winner James Hall brought them home with Ben Johnstone and Phil Done in hot pursuit. 5 seconds parted the next four runners; Declan Bulmer, Joe Stapleton, Thomas Taylor and Marcus Preedy. The girls saw Megan Stuart have another fine win, with Sarah Hodgson and Melanie Morphet in second and third.
The under 9's have some very exciting prospects running. The first two runners have had quite a season; Oliver Spencer won the race by a good margin but second place Ellamae Gibson is a class act in her own right. The next three runners are no slouches, Jacob Croasdale, Robbie Johnstone and Daniel Cardus filled 3rd 4th and 5th places. Well done to all our runners who competed!
On a more serious note, could I appeal to our runners not to approach our ladies when they are on the line taking times and numbers. We all like to know where we come and our times, but this job is difficult enough without distractions and volunteers are not rushing forward to do it. Results are usually available within a few hours on the website. Also I would like to appeal for more marshalls to be at key points in our races. We have plenty of people who are up on the fells and when we get it wrong some of these are keen to point it out, but our races do not flag, marshall or organise themselves. The people who do these jobs are unpaid volunteers and we do not have a future without them. A bit of help is needed, not a load of criticism unless it's constructive.
I would like to thank everyone who rolls up their sleeves and helps at our events, you are the stars runners come and go but our helpers are here for the long haul. Thank you!
Barry Scholes