DAVID STAFF FELL RACE

 

Sunday, 26th November 2006

 

It’s just after 12 on Saturday. I’m lying on a table, having a massage after the Wesham 10K, ready for Liverpool and the cross country. Now if that is not crazy enough, I’m listening to Chris Whitlock talking about the David Staff Memorial Fell Race and thinking about doing it Sunday morning!!! Saturday night 7 o’clock I call Chris and tell him “Yes,” and he says he will pick me up at 10.

 

The following morning Chris and Lisa arrive at mine and off we go. Chris is raving about this race. He has done it for the past couple of years. I am uncertain what to expect but it’s a bit late for that now. We arrive at the start with plenty of folk about. A few who I have seen before and, just then, coming back from registering, was Nigel Shepherd doing this for first time. Chris and I walk down the steepest steps you can imagine and register. Andy, who MCs Freckleton half is doing his stuff. The atmosphere is great. Dave Wood is here and Stewart Forsyth from Lytham.

 

Numbers on and ready for the ‘off’. We start at the side of a stream next to a picturesque old bandstand and off up a, not too bad, leafy track, through the woods. Still going up and round the reservoir a flat bit, (very welcome), then it’s onto the hill leading up to Darwen Tower. My legs are on fire.  Lots of people are walking and, despite my efforts to run, sadly I cannot. Twice I have to take a little rest but, on reaching the top, it all becomes worth it. Now I suddenly realise what Chris meant. The view, and the feeling, is amazing. Anyway, off I go, round the back of the tower and I can feel my legs again. Here comes another climb but I manage this one OK. We come to the part Chris had told me about, while smiling – AGGIE’S STAIRCASE!!! Staircase my eye!  Thora Hird should try and get a Stanna fitted to this bugger***.  It’s like trying to ski downhill, blindfolded -oh man! Respect to all fell runners!

 

Having managed to make it down unscathed, the rest of the downhill seems quite tame and I have got involved in a race with a lass from Chorley Harriers who seems confident on the downhill but not as strong uphill or on the flat. I recognise the woods and realise we are not far from finish.  One last effort should do it, and it does.  Chris and Nigel are at the finish with Lisa.  I get a Mars Bar and a drink and we all congratulate each other on, what has to be, one of the most enjoyable races I have ever done. (Easy to say when you’ve finished)

 

Big thanks to Chris for talking me into it.  Must do it again next year – it’s that sort of race. Highly recommended for a first fell race.

 

Written by: Graham Vickers

Submitted: 27th November 2006

Edited by: Brenda J Earnshaw WRR Editor