The UKA Fell Relay Championships took place in what was unanimously agreed as foul and pretty awful weather and on what was described as a tougher than tough course. The climb up Moel Cynghorion, described by the Race Commentator as the ‘steep-beast’, was affectionately described as the ‘monster’ climb by some of the Harriers athletes on the day. Along with battling winds of up to 70mph our two teams did really well on the day.
Race Commentators Race Report HERE
Beckie Taylor didn’t let the conditions get her down and shared her thoughts about the day with us – “Overall, the day went brilliantly as it was nice to have everybody together as a team, supporting each other. I was on first leg and was not feeling too confident as the weather was miserable and I did not get chance to warm up as we had to be in the marquee stood still 30 minutes before the race. Nevertheless, I had one of my best races this year, placing 5th lady on my leg. I am really proud as I have kept my head on my shoulders the past few weeks since starting back at university again, and my hard work is starting to pay off. I am also really proud and grateful of my team mate and really good friend, Sarah Caskey for making up the team and getting round the long, painful 8.5 mile leg in extremely bad conditions. I was slightly worried whilst her and Mark were racing as the weather got worse and worse, but was relieved to see her happy and smiling coming in to the finish. My dad and John then took over and had a brilliant race, managing not to get lost on the navigation leg. Matt then set off on the mass start, making up the team on a tough leg, even though he is just coming back from injury, which most people would not be prepared to do. I had an amazing day and cannot wait for next year. I really just hope we can get a good ladies team and have a chance of getting a medal”.
The Harriers had two Teams out on the day with Jack Hindle, Shaun Livesey & John Sutton, Chris Barnes & Michael Toms, Gary Pearse – Beckie Taylor, Mark Bleasdale & Sarah Caskey, John Orrell & Richard Taylor and Matt Nuttall
Full Results by Class HERE
Split Times HERE
Individual Leg Times HERE
Jack Hindle had a cracking run too, stepping in at the last minute to support the Team. He came in 18th on the first leg of 182 runners, a run which has added to his growing reputation this year on the Fells as a Junior. Following the Race Jack said “The conditions were extremely challenging and made the course twice as hard to run on. The competition of the race was first class and it was a great experience to run in such a top class event! It couldn’t have been in a better place! Even though we couldn’t see Snowdon, the scenery was better than anything I have seen before!”
“I told you to take the inside line Richard”
Gary “where’s the grass” Pearse
“Dig in Shaun”…”by the time we have done this they will have to dig us out John”
Matt “I thought this was a Fell Race” Nuttall
