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ISLE OF MAN FIXTURES

Picture by Paul Jackson

The penultimate round of the Managrakem Fell League takes place on Sunday 24th August starting at Glen Ruy Farm at 2.00pm. The Buchanan & Pitts sponsored Laxey Horseshoe race was held on the new 8 mile course for the first time last year and it proved a resounding success with everyone thoroughly enjoying the absolutely magnificent setting and sporting course. Personally I think it is one of the most spectacular courses I have ever competed on and compares favourably with the best in the British Isles. On a clear day the scenery is absolutely stunning especially at the start and finish area at James Coulsons house at Glen Ruy farm. In my race report last year I stated that the race was arguably the best ever seen on the Manx hills and I still believe that to be correct. There is a definite possibility that this years race will be equally as good if all the favourites turn up on race day. Ian Gale will be favourite after his excellent run at Snowdon but the whisper is he is running the local Marathon and Grand Prix series and could therefore be below his best. Tony Okell is still not recovered from his injury problems and has been trying to retain some fitness by entering the 10 mile time trials on his bike. If he has shrugged off his injury by race day he will obviously have a big say in who wins. Another member of the Manx team at Snowdon who is in great form is Ozzie Osbourne and he will fancy his chances of a second win on the fells. Others who will be there or therabouts are Simon Skillicorn, Steve Partington ( the rumour is that Cal will be making a reappearance as well ) and Tony Rowley. We always seem to get a few runners from off-island for this race ( Yorkshireman Peter Buttery has been a welcome entrant for good knows how many years ) and there is always the possibility a suprise could come from this direction. Whatever happens we are sure of a great battle at the sharp end of the race with all our available top runners competing against each other.

Last year there was a misunderstanding about the route on the back part of the course. If any runner has any doubts about the route they can contact either myself 629267 or Tony Rowley 674968 and we will do our best to explain.

_{RICHIE
STEVENSON}

LAXEY HORSESHOE FELL RACE – IMPORTANT NOTICE 06-08-03

by Richie Stevenson

All competitors in the Laxey Horseshoe are advised that as it is classified an A category race it will be compulsory to carry minimum safety equipment consisting of a whistle and a waterproof jacket. This applies irrespective of the prevailing conditions on the day. I know this rule seems a bit over the top when the sun is beating down but we have no choice in the matter as we are governed by FRA rules and if we did not enforce them we would not be covered by their insurance.

Competitors should also be sure of the route from the checkpoint on Cronk Y Vaare ( checkpoint 5 ) to the final checkpoint situated on the mountain wall at the top of Ballacowin Farm. COMPETITORS ARE ONLY PERMITTED TO CROSS THE MOUNTAIN WALL AT THE CHECKPOINT. Last year some runners cut across private land by crossing the mountain wall shortly after leaving Cronk Y Vaare. This is not permitted and will be monitored.

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