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.