Reeth Show Fell Race Results
Wednesday 27 August 2008
Race Report
Considering the shows that have been called off recently, our junior counter at Reeth Show went ahead, the rain kept off and conditions were very good. On the day we had a few problems with events running late and other things happening in the ring when the juniors were finishing. Also the flags on the fell were vandalised by some moron but hopefully we will be able to find a solution next year.
The senior race was first off with a field of 30 runners. It starts in the ring and muddles its way up several fields before negotiating the fell and once round the summit it's a rough descent through an old quarry and bracken before hitting a road section, down a little thicket and down the fields before finishing in the ring. On the day Andy Preedy brought home the runners, closely followed by Matthew Athersmith then 1st vet Gary Bastow. Ian Pudge followed in 4th with Andy Bennett and Andy Smith taking 5th and 6th. In the ladies it was nice to see 3 keen supporters of our races come 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Val Done collected a well earned win followed by Lynn Whittaker and Sue Narey.
Unfortunately Sam Athersmith went over on his ankle while descending and couldn't carry on. Thomas Wilson was the good Samaritan and pulled out of the race to help. Both lads were running really well so sadly we had 2 non finishers. Fortunately BOFRA members were on hand to give first aid before carrying Sam down to the safety of the showground. Last report was that Sam has a broken ankle, so we all hope that he makes a quick recovery.
The under 17's saw an in-form Jonathan Bradshaw put in a flyer. He climbed out of his skin with Tom Sessford not far behind but looking at their times these lads were giving it their all Johnny's time of 16.15 was astounding with Tom 24 seconds behind him. They were well up on the other runners led home by Robbie Swift in 3rd with Jack Smith and Will Marshall in pursuit. The girls were led home by Melanie Hyder who has been stacking up quite a few wins recently. She has had a great first year in the u17's, sealing victory in the championship with this win. 2nd and 3rd girls were Emma Flanagan and Jenny Dybeck. This has been a very competitive category and everything has been hard fought for.
The under 14's saw James Knox put in a classy performance to put over half a minute between him and James Hall with Daniel Walsh, Pascal Dark and Declan Bulmer taking the next 3 positions. Pippa Barrett put in a great descent to take 1st girls place, but not before a close fought battle with Lauren Munro-Bennett during which Lauren went over on her ankle and suffered a fracture to her leg. Incredibly, Lauren hobbled home in some discomfort to take 2nd place, with Nicole Narey in 3rd. Unfortunately Lauren will be in plaster for four weeks, making it a sad end to a great season. We all wish her well in her recovery.
The under 12's saw Ben Johnstone show why he's the boys champion in waiting with a cracking run leading home the 30+ runners comfortably, with Joe Stapleton and Phil Done finishing in 2nd and 3rd in the same time and Will Smith in 4th. Lorna Jo Nunwick carried on her winning ways leading home the girls with Rebecca Flanagan and Georgina Spencer 2nd and 3rd followed by Ellamae Gibson.
We had a few unexpected problems on the day but they were well managed by the committee and race organisers. We also had several nasty (but thankfully rare) injuries which hopefully won't keep our runners out for too long. Thanks to all who helped on the day. See you at Muker maybe!
Barry Scholes