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Race Report

The 2008 season kicked off at Sedbergh Gala, with record attendances in most of the age groups. As usual, the day started off with the seniors' race, where a change to the start line due to the gala adding a second show arena, made the mass charge to the outer fence all the more important. The weather held out leaving almost perfect conditions for the long climb up Winder and allowed for a fast descent. Once again, a number of runners were caught out by the gorse bushes at bottom resulting in a number of imaginative route choices.

The sneiors' season started as 2007 finished, with Alistair Dunn returning in first place, followed by Mark Horrocks (who also took the prize for 1st V40). Ted Mason completed the trio coming back in third. Helen Glover started the season in style as first lady, with Nicky Lavery and Lucy Griffiths in 2nd and 3rd. Paul Tuson took the prize for 1st local.

The under 17's race saw Jonathan Bradshaw beat Tom Sessford and Ashley Kay into 2nd and 3rd places and sets the tone for some really good racing this season. This year has seen a huge increase in the number of members in the under 17 girl's category and three of the top runners competed today. Melanie Hyder took first place ahead of Emma Flanagan and Emma Spencer in 2nd and 3rd. James Brock took the first local prize.

The under 14's race promised to be a close fought battle, with James Knox moving up from the under 12's which he dominated last season fighting for the lead with Ryan Croasdale. Unfortunately, James mistook the turnaround point and failed to complete the full course. He declared his mistake at the finish and despite the obvious disappointment accepted his inevitable disqualification in a sporting manner. Ryan Croasdale cruised home to take first place, followed by Sam Westcott in 2nd place and David Walsh in third. This age group is set for some exciting races over the season. Sprint finish of the day has to go to Pippa Barrett, who arrived at the gala field fence together with Lauren Munro-Bennett and Megan Stuart. The race went right to the line, with Pippa holding off Lauren and Megan into 2nd and 3rd places.

Final race of teh day was the under 12's, with a massive entry of 47. The charge to the fence was as ferocious as the seniors, but some of the younger runners were hampered by their size. Up front, Ben Johnstone and first local, David Goad led the field from the start, and returned in 1st and 2nd places ahead of Harry Cooling in 3rd. Lorna-Jo Nunwick dominated the under 12's championship last year and started 2008 as she means to go on, with another fine win. Lauren Appleyard and Rebecca Flanagan took 2nd and 3rd places.

Dave and Eileen Woodhead turned up to cheer on the runners on have taken some great photos of the event. Once again there was great support from the gala committee who put on an excellent show.

Membership to date is up 30% on last year and there has been a significant increase in the number of ladies who have joined, so hopefully we will see some great racing in all of the age categories. Next race is at Coniston Gullies on 2nd June.

Tim Done