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UKA Fell Running Championships - Kettlewell

DAVE CROLL 17 OCT 2011

The first time Team Trawden had entered the national Championships but after a great day out in the Dales I think this should be put in the diary for future years and who knows, maybe a couple more teams in the future.

The event was hosted by Bingley Harriers and based in Kettlewell. All the legs started and finisihed in the same place so it was a great event for spectators and for runners to support their other team members. A total of 182 teams finished although 190 teams were registered.

Leg 1 was a short 4.5 miles and only 1100ft of climb but it felt like a lot more - straight up the fell and then straight down. Dave Croll got things going and completed the leg in 42.05 mins which put us in 75th. Leg 2 runners were Jim Garside and Simon Kelly who ran together in the Ian Hodgson relay a couple of weeks before. Simon has nicknamed Jim "The Machine" because of the way he just keeps going uphill.

Leg 2 was 9 miles and 2500ft of climb so considerably tougher than leg 1 but our pair finished in 1.33.24 (91st) and handover to Paul Brown and Scott Grant on leg 3. This was a navigtion leg so Paul and Scott had to run a mile before they got their map and a number of checkpoints to visit. Weather on the day was such that the navigation leg was easier than if the rain, mist and clag had covered the course but they completed their 7 miles and 1500ft of climb in 1.24.51 (85th).

The last leg, like the first was a solo leg which was a run up and down Great Whernside, 5.5miles and 1600ft. Steve Gregory had a tremendous run passing a number of teams in the first mile or so and completing the leg in 48.59 (58th) and leaving us in 77th position overall.

I know 77th means 76 teams were faster but it also means 106 were slower and as this is a national event it represents a good team Trawden performance. As I said at the start - great day out, great weather and one for a couple of teams next year wherever it may be!

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