Rylstone Fell Race Results
Sunday 19 October 2008
Race Report
The wet weather this summer has had a dramatic effect on the BOFRA championship this year with the cancellation of the final counter of Wasdale. The committee decided that we would stage an alternative race at Cracoe, obviously it could not be compared with Kirk Fell but our President Kevin Rogan did us proud giving us probably the hardest championship race this year taking in both the Obelisk above Cracoe and then across the skyline to Rylstone Cross. Given the messy conditions which made the rocky path across the top very hazardous, you had to keep your wits about you. Our juniors did the same routes as the normal Cracoe summer event but with a lot more mud to think about, one consolation it didn't rain while the runners were out but the wind made it hard work in sections.
The senior's event saw Clayton runner Tim Edward put in a convincing performance coming home clear of Adrian Pickles who was first BOFRA counter and first v50. This was an outstanding result for him in a tough race, talk about going out on a high. Sam Watson needed a good result here to clinch the under 23's title so his 3rd place nailed it for him, Mark McGoldrick's 4th place ended what has been a great championship for him. Jack Holt came home strong in 5th place closely followed by Andrew Alton with Andy Smith and Jonathan Gibson in 7th and 8th places. This put Jonathan's name of the v40's trophy this year, Gary Bastow came home in 9th and 1st v45. The ladies were led home by Wharfedale runner Kathryn Bradley with Judith Marshall putting in an impressive run in second and Dawn Richards coming home 3rd (also BOFRA lady v40 champion).
The under 17 race set off with the seniors but they turned at the Obelisk, it's just as well seeing that Jonny Bradshaw and Jack Smith were leading both sets of runners up to it. Jonny came home just under a minute up on an in-form Jack Smith with Rossendale's Jordan Beard in 3rd. The first 3 in the girls were Melanie Hyder who has had a great BOFRA season with other classy runners Jenny Dybeck in second and Emma Spencer in third.
Seven seconds parted James Hall and Pascal Dark in the under 14's they came home 1st and 2nd with Harry Sessford running his heart out to claim 3rd prize. In the girls it was a Keighley duo which led the field with Pippa Barrett ending an impressive season with another win and gaining the under 14's girls title. Erica Carter and Nicole Narey finished second and third places in what has been a good year for them with BOFRA.
Ben Johnstone was heading for some Mediterranean sun later in the day but still managed to lead home the 24 runners in the under 12's, he has competed in all our under 12's championship races this year and won them all so he deserves his holiday in the sun. William Smith followed him home in second place with Oliver Keating and Oliver Willink in third and fourth place. The under 12's girls were led home by another runner with a clean slate; Lorna Jo Nunwick, with Ellamae Gibson putting in one of her best performances just 12 seconds adrift and Sophie Marshall showing her pedigree coming home in 3rd.
The under 9's saw 18 runners compete and it was a close thing with 3 seconds parting the winner Joshua Newbold and second place Charles Smith, this was followed by the first two young ladies with Katie Horn putting 6 seconds between her and Shona Hastings. They were closely followed by the third boy Adam Gibson with Helm runners Tom Willink and Joe Kent closely following. Third girl's prize went to Ellie Keating.
Finally I would like to thank everyone who helped us put on this race at the last minute, considering the amount of runners that supported us it was well worth the effort. Next event, the Presentation Evening - if you haven't been before you are missing a treat unless you are a fun dodger. It's not too late yet to book it - but time's running out. Hope I see loads of you there.
Barry Scholes