Given these dreadful conditions it is amazing that we had a race of such quality with nearly all our top runners out having a real go at each other. From what the lads told me after the race a group formed at the front consisting of Tony Okell, Ian Gale and Brian Osbourne closely followed by Mark Preston. Unfortunately Pressie made a bit of a hash of the descent of Colden and his chance was gone. The leaders came past me ( I had started in the early group ) on the slopes of Slieu Ruy where Tony had opened a lead of about 100 yards followed by Onion and then a similar gap to Ozzie. I was really impressed with the way they were all absolutely steaming along, splashing through the water as if it wasn`t there and they all looked more than comfortable. Either the Onion increased his pace, Tony slowed a bit, or more likely a mixture of both saw a new leader heading to the final checkpoint on Greeba. Onion arrived first , took a glance back and reckoned he had a lead that was sufficient to get him back to Cronk Dhoo first and then sped away from the rain swept summit. As has happened in so many fell races over the years where mist has to be contended with the race was suddenly turned on its head. Onion veered to the left and ended up in thick gorse. By the time he had corrected his mistake not only was Tony ahead but Ozzie, who was finishing at a blistering pace, had got past too. Ozzie sensed the win was his and he went for it good style arriving back at the finish 13 seconds ahead of Onion who had managed to retake runner-up place. Tony took third place in his first race for quite a while so he must be fairly satisfied with his performance.

There was another titanic battle for fourth place that was eventually taken by Mike Quine, undoubtedly his best performance yet in his short running career. He just got the better of Simon Skillicorn and the amazing David Young, just 34 seconds separating them at the finish.

Another runner who performed remarkably well was first female Cal Partington who actually finished 10th overall. Rose Hooton as usual turned in another top effort, as did Christine Barwell and how nice to Bridget Kaneen and Shirley Foley running so well. 

Unfortunately it would be impossible to give a mention to everyone who deserves one after such a tough race. Needless to say everyone who finished, and everyone did, should be well satisfied with themselves. At one time there were bodies flying around in all directions on Colden but everyone stuck to it and completed the course.

Many thanks to Ken Watterson for sponsoring the race and to all the officials who helped on the day especially Brenda, Bruce and family for checking us through at Cronk Breck. Also many thanks to Helen Kermode at Glen Dhoo Farm for the use of the excellent shower facillities that were greatly appreciated by all the runners.

Finally thanks and well done to all the competitors for such a fantastic race with a record entry. Its such a pity that even though most sports were cancelled due to the weather there were no representatives from any of the media to record the achievements of  top quality sports people.