Stretton Six Summits – 9 May 2015 – 6.3 miles / 3248 ft
Sharp end of the field early on (Photo by plasticsrule)
Round 2 of the English fell running championship and the first of the 2 medium length races.
This one only just sneaks into the classification for distance but more than makes up for it in the amount of climbing.
A one off special comprising parts of the Long Mynd route and parts of the recent FRA relays, produced a race that seemed to be hill reps with a sprint in between. The descents were on the gnarly side too with near vertical short clipped grass proving tricky for traction control.
Rob Hope romped round in his usual style reeling in the top lads in the closing stages but just not quite being able to catch Tom Addison who pipped him for first spot. “I just ran out of hills,” said Rob afterwards.
Rob pushes ahead of Simon on one of the later climbs. Photo by Andy Holden
Matt Lockyer continued his excellent run at Flower Scar with an even better placing in 17th. The Dartmoor Express of Jamie Parkinson right on his heels in 18th.
Joe Baxter next in, a superb 32nd, and still on a steep upward learning curve in his first proper fell running season.
I competed the team in 62nd and overall we secured 3rd male open team.
For the ladies, there was apparently a good deal of unladylike language to go with the sliding and scraping down the steep descents with Clare Green putting in a determined burst to finish 154 overall (19th lady) and just holding off Rachel Pilling in 158 overall (20th lady), with Suzie Sharman making up the team in 206th place (39th lady).
Graham Pilling had what be would agree to be one of his less auspicious runs but did manage to finish firmly sandwiched between Clare and Rachel in 157th which I suppose isn’t such a bad place to be.
(Comment from Graham: “Felt like I had a shocking run. I tried to pinpoint reasons in order to learn something from the race – did I not eat right prior? Wrong shoes? Wrong mindset? Not enough sleep? I think it just boils down to having a shit run. Note to self: Don’t run like shit in future.”)
Overall the race was excellently organised with the sugary tea and cakes at the end being most appreciated.
Rob Hope did particularly well to come away with bundles of cash for 2nd place overall, 1st vet 40 and a bonus for dipping under the hour.
Rob Hope 2nd (1st MV40) 59:14. Matt Lockyer 17th 1:03:39. Jamie Parkinson 18th 1:03:41. Joe Baxter 32nd 1:06:48. Charlie McIntosh 62nd 1:11:14. Claire Green 154th (20th F) 1:22:23. Graham Pilling 157th 1:22:57. Rachel Pilling 158th 1:23:00. Suzie Sharman 206th 1:31:00. —- 3rd Mens Team; 7th Ladies Team.