Steel Fell Race

Wednesday, 11^th August 2010

3 miles 1115 ft Ascent – AS

While on holiday in the Lakes it seemed a good idea to have a go at the Steel Fell race, free to enter, what could be better! Registration was at Steel End Farm just at the bottom end of Thirlmere where parking was tight; we were shunted into any available space, first in, last out.

I registered and went for a warm up to the start of the climb; imagine my surprise when I nearly ran into Declan O’Duffy from Bowland Fell Runners, also on holiday in the Lakes. Declan is lean and mean at the moment and a target to aim for. Neither of us had brought the right shoes for this steep little race, the grass was a bit wet and studs would have been best for the descent.

The atmosphere was very informal, 56 of us lined up in a field for the start, ‘Scoffer’ Schofield the race organiser gave the race briefing – “follow the flags steeply to the skyline, the top is flat, go round the chap at the summit and back down the same way” – “GO”.

Off we went following a muddy stream or a wet path, I wasn’t too sure, to the base of the climb where with hands on knee’s we sweated uphill, it wasn’t long before Declan passed me and pulled away on the climb. After what seemed an age I reached what was described as the flat top! It might seem like that to a runner like Scoffer but at this stage it seemed far from flat to me!

Before I reached the summit Declan came flying back past me, it seemed like ages before I could turn round and chase him down but soon I was on the home run with the finish in sight.

The steep downhill was a bit scary in trail shoes and I wasn’t brave enough to let go, I was passed by a couple of runners on the way down. When I hit the bottom I shifted up a gear determined to get those couple of places back which I managed despite falling twice on wobbly legs over rough ground, (I wasn’t the only one!).

The end was like the start, very informal, no finishing ceremony, no awards and no prizes. The sticky labels with our names on were stuck on a board for all to see. I had a bit of a wash down from a barrel of water in the yard and got changed, had a chat with a few familiar faces before thanking the organisers and clearing off back to where I was staying on holiday.

The winner was Phil Davies of Borrowdale Fell Runners in 22:31.

25^th Declan O’Duffy 27:56 – 1^st V50

30^th Richard Davies 29:16 – 2^nd V50

56 finishers

If you find yourself in the Lakes mid week in early August I recommend that you give this race a try – but don’t forget your studs!

Written by: Richard Davies.

Submitted: 3rd October 2010-10-04

Edited by: Brenda J Earnshaw WRR Editor

Footpaths of the Fylde

Monday night off road running

Monday 15^th February 2010 saw about five Wesham Road Runners setting off for a run across the fields in the dark, the route took us towards Wrea Green and then out towards the M55 motorway and back into Wesham before returning over Towns Hill back to Carr Hill School.

Run distance is 7 miles with about 3 miles on road and the rest on footpaths. There was plenty of mud, rough ground, brambles and nettles. A torch was essential to find the way and avoid the worst of the mud however the group enjoyed themselves and promised to return for the March run.

March saw 10 runners following the same route. Thinking they knew the way, a small group ran ahead at one point and managed to miss a turn in the dark - they had to be rescued!

April came and brought the biggest turnout with 16 runners. The evenings were getting lighter and torches were not needed which was a bit of a shame. We had a little encounter with some friendly cattle in one of the fields which scattered a few of the runners but we regrouped and made it to safety.

I have run the same route a few times over the summer but it is not quite the same, with daylight you can see where you are going; there is no mud to play in; the nettles and brambles come out in force and livestock in some of the fields forced me to walk a few times to avoid a stampede.

Now that the nights have drawn in and the vegetation is dying back we will be running off road again. If you fancy joining us for a run during the winter months of 2010/11 watch out for the email which will be circulated giving you all the details.

Be warned though –

· you will get muddy, off road shoes would help

· you will need a torch

· you will need a reflective as part of the run is on the road

· fields are uneven and your ankles might suffer!

Written by: Richard Davies

Submitted: 3^rd October 2010.

Edited by: Brenda J Earnshaw WRR Editor