Farleton Knott Fell Race Results
Sunday 5 August 2008
Race Report
Farleton Knott is a big imposing hill off the M6 heading to Kirkby Lonsdale. It's a magnificent fell to test a runners skills whether it's descending down the awesome scree descents or the sheer climb back over the fell, all of this can be clearly seen from the starting point in a field at Farleton village. BOFRA is family orientated and events like this are what it's all about - we cater for seniors and juniors at all our events. Lots of top runners on the fell circuit will remember running as juniors at a similar event to this and will come back years later to get the nice warm feeling of being part of something special. They come back with their children to give them a taste of something very unique in their past.
Conditions for this Sunday's race were ideal - it stayed dry, not too hot with a nice breeze. The senior race attracted faces new and old - let's just pick some out at random for a change. First after he flagged the course it was great to see Steve Carr have a tremendous run, come home 9th and collect 1st over 50 prize. Moving further down Jonathan Gibson has massacred his times this year, he had a great result coming back in 17th ahead of Gary Bastow. Carl Bradshaw's lad Johnny gets plenty of publicity but it's his turn now his 22nd place just behind Lisa Lacon, which proves he's no mug when it comes to running. Andy Holden's gone from no racing to 5 in 8 days and is on the way upwards in the results with 26th on the day. It's always nice to see our friends from around Kendal and Dave Richardson and Terry Robinson graced our races finishing 30th and 33rd, Dave Spencer must be pleased with his 34th position. Moving down a bit more to Melanie Hyder's dad Russell, who had his debut at Farleton - Tim Done cajoled him into running a race, and provided all of his gear to give him no excuses . Maybe Tim should have given him the trainers he ran in as they were a bit quicker, but it was a great start for Russell with a number of bodies finishing behind him.
The under 17's has been very competitive at the top end but guys further down have also been giving it their best shot. Sam Richards collected a well earned 8th position, Scott Baistow who competes regularly was 9th boy home followed by Settle's Duncan Lund. The under 17 girls has also been keen and runners like Rebecca Swindells and Melanie Morphet who were 5th and 6th. These girls are what BOFRA's all about, they turn up and do their best at our events.
We can soon find out who won the under 14's, so let's take two Keighley runners out of the hat. Harry Sessford could be destined to be a superstar like brother Tom but at the moment his 6th place at this race keeps him interested. The biggest thing is enthusiasm at races and Chelsey Holder is another one who is very keen at the moment she might be propping the field up here but there's only one direction in the results and that's up!
The under 12's attracted 31 runners - now let's pick a few out who's dad's did our senior event. Back in 8th and 9th we had Robert Thompson and Oliver Spencer - 4 seconds parted them. Sam Willink has competed at most of our races and came back 15th boy. Back in 23rd we had Odin Hargreaves Madhas who's dad Raj is enjoying his racing in the senior ranks. In the girl's Ellamae Gibson who is new to this age group had an impressive run to get 4th girl in front of Hannah Thom.
The under 9's is an introduction to running and runners like the youngest of the Johnstone's - Sam will not be coming home in 13th place much longer not with his pedigree. Richard Done really enjoyed his run finishing in 15th ahead of George Sumner and sister and brother Erica and William Nicholls who are probably the youngest of these runners who really enjoyed their run coming back 17th and 18th.
Farleton went well thanks to our helpers. The names in the write up this week were picked at random, I thought it would be a nice change to give some of our members a taste of publicity. I hope it makes a refreshing change for some of you to see your names in print.
Barry Scholes