Old County Tops and New Dungeon Ghyll Fell Races 21 May 2011

Thanks to Tash Fellowes for supplying the article.

Old County Tops 2011 winners
– Dan Duxbury and Gary Thorpe
(Click on the image to view a larger version)

This year was the twenty third running of the Old County Tops, with the previous fifteen having been organised by Arthur Daniels. It was with some reluctance that Arthur decided to hand the organisation over to a younger person. I willingly accepted the challenge and we agreed that 2011 would be my first year, after keeping a close watch on Arthur during the 2010 event. It was with even more reluctance that Arthur eventually handed over the all important maroon folder containing lists, more lists and numerous notices, all essential if the event was to run smoothly.

The big change for this year was to hold the New Dungeon Ghyll race on the same day as the Old County Tops. The New Dungeon Ghyll race route is a classic, but the event has suffered during recent years due to lack of support. The change from Thursday evening to Saturday afternoon had resulted in some improvement and it was felt that combining it with the Old County Tops might further increase awareness of the event.

Pre-race organisation went smoothly thanks to a lot of work by Alex Erwin to improve the web site. I had some concerns about whether we were going to have enough marshals, but these were eased after a few phone calls. After much shopping and watching the weather forecast during the preceding week a few of us assembled at Bishopscale on Thursday 19th May to make the final preparations. Tents were pitched, sandwiches were made, marshals sorted and before we knew it registration was opening. I was expecting in the region of 90 teams and, given the weather forecast, I was pleased to see 83 teams start on a dry and windy morning.

After the Old County Tops had set off the field was cleared for Bill Mitton and his team to get the New Dungeon Ghyll race underway. This attracted a record entry of 40 runners, including a past British Champion who managed to beat the record and set a good standard for future years.

Back to the OCT, the winning team of Dan Duxbury and Gary Thorpe was the only team to complete the course before the rain started (in a time of 7hrs 5 mins) and once the rain started it did rain. The remaining competitors took quite a soaking, as did the marshals who were at the finish and various parts of the course. All competitors were eventually accounted for by 19:50hrs, with seventy teams completing the course, twelve retiring and one being disqualified (they broke rule number 1 – all pairs must stay together throughout the event).

As usual we received much positive feedback after the event with quite a few wanting to come back again next year – fell runners are a strange bunch. My thanks must go to all those who helped on the day. Without the support of club members and friends these events would not take place; through them we make a lot of people aware of our club and we generate a lot of respect within the fell running community.

The marshals on the summits deserve particular mention, with conditions on Scafell Pike and Coniston Old Man becoming increasingly challenging as the day progressed. I must also thank the following people: Arthur for working nearly as hard as he had done the year before; Tony Shanley for the use of his van and ferrying the catering team between Wythburn and Cockley Beck; Janet Makin for taking me to Costco and, with the rest of her team, ensuring that all competitors were fed and watered en route; Hilary McGonagle for standing with a watch, under a wholly inadequate umbrella, at the finish for five hours, and John Broome for being at the finish until the end in case his medical expertise was required (fortunately it wasn’t). Finally I must thank Raynet for providing essential communications during the event and Lakes Runner for their generous support.

(Marshalls and helpers 2011: Arthur Daniels, Peter McHale, Pete and Hilary McGonagle, Gary Pollard, Joanna Lee, John Rowbottom, Rhys Watkins, Ray Miller, Mick Seed, Tom Roberts, Chris and John Preston, Richard and Jane Leonard, Sheila Anderton, Leo Pollard, Tony Shanley, Janet Makin, Lynn and Jeff Lea, Nicola and Martin Kirkman, Bill and Pat Mitton, Beryl Daniels, Mick McGovern, Paul Charnock, John McGonagle, John Joe McGonagle, Ian Costello, Sean Makin, John Broome) (To those who I have not included I apologise)

Fell Runner’s Meet Jan 2011

Thanks to Tash Fellowes for supplying the article.

Since it first started 3 years ago, the fell runners’ meet has become more and more popular. This year 18 runners and 5 dogs piled out of 2 vans at Dunmail Raise into a beautiful frosty and sunny Saturday morning and, led by Dave Makin, began the ascent of Steel Fell. With plans for the spring in mind Dave was killing 2 birds (and most of us) with one stone and had set the day’s route to be a recce of leg 3 of the Joss Naylor Challenge. The route also covered parts of leg 3 of the Bob Graham Round and so was a good choice for the future BGR hopefuls and supporters amongst us.

Going up Steel Fell is a bit of a brutal experience particularly when you’ve not warmed up. We did see a very handsome fox which took my mind off my screaming leg muscles for a few moments. Unfortunately for the fox it was frozen solid, but it was nice to look at. Once we had reached the ridge the going was lovely; firm underfoot, fabulous views in all directions and a superb undulating trot to Rossett Pike where we stopped for a bite to eat.

Patches of rock hard nevè snow made the climb up Bowfell quite exciting in places, and at the top we looked down on a few wispy clouds drifting in over the Crinkles. From there it was a blast down the grassy trod to Ore Gap, up over Esk Pike, a trot down to Esk Hause and then up Great End. Dave had planned to descend the direct route to Styhead Tarn, the changeover point for legs 3 and 4 of the JNC. However ice climbers had commented on the excellent condition of the gully involved so this part of the plan was put off for another, warmer and less slippery, occasion.

After stopping for a drink at the spring at Calf Cove the descent to Angle Tarn and then down Rossett Gill was a lot of fun. It was good to hear one of the younger runners declaring that he wouldn’t be road running again now that he’d had a taste of the fells! At about 3.30 we finished the Mickleden slog and rounded off a fantastic day with some light refreshments at the Old Dungeon Ghyll.

The evening meal really hit the spot; spicy butternut squash soup (so good that Steve Schofield is a convert) followed by good old pie and peas. My only regret is that I couldn’t fit in another pie. Many thanks to Janet and her helpers, and to Dave for a great run. See you all again next year!

New Years Day Fell Race - 1 January 2011

Thanks to Chris Lloyd for supplying the article.

Click on the image to view a larger version

The number of athletes present at the Langdale New Year celebration this year was lower than usual and only five of us lined up outside the New Dungeon Ghyll at midday on January 1st.

As usual the previous evening’s festivities were not helping and some of us really felt like returning to bed rather than legging it up and down Side Pike. Once Leo had fired the starting pistol (he actually shouted go) it became apparent that we had a two horse race on our hands.

Luke, whose legs are considerably longer than Tash’s, managed to gain the edge on the way up and he was first to the summit. Marcus showed promise on the climb and was third to reach the top, with the two Chris’s somewhere behind.

Tash managed to catch up with Luke coming down, but claims she was delayed by having to close the gates after him, so she didn’t quite beat him to the finish line! A bit of local knowledge enabled Chris Lloyd to overtake Marcus on the descent, and it should be noted that Marcus did not lose the best part of eight minutes on his way down – he very nobly waited for Chris Webb at the gate on the main road so they could finish together. (If Marcus is going to run for Achille Ratti in the future the club captain should seriously consider knocking this type of sporting behaviour out of him). Chris Webb’s descent had been delayed somewhat by the sole falling off one of the Walshes that Arthur had lent him for the race – “you’ll have better grip with these“ stated Mr Daniels. I think Chris will think long and hard before accepting such an offer in the future.

It was good to see everyone smiling at the finish (including those of us who were feeling a bit rough at the start) and there was common agreement that it had been worthwhile. Thanks to Leo Pollard for once again being the driving force behind this race and to Gary Pollard for entertaining my children in the Stickle Barn whilst the race was in progress. Thanks also to those who marshalled on the summit and to Adrian and his hooter for ensuring we all stayed on route at the cattle grid – no disqualifications this year.

We look forward to next year.

Langdale Family Meet September 2010

Thanks to Tash Fellowes for supplying the article.

Despite an unpromising start to the weekend with pouring rain, the meet was very well attended (23 kids with parents / grandparents / uncles in tow) and was a great success, with lots of adventure packed in!

On Saturday a big gang scrambled up White Ghyll, which was flowing well, and then walked on up to Stickle Tarn. The good weather route choice from there had been via Jack‘s Rake onto Pavey Ark summit, but the recent rain meant that it would be a little too serious for such a big group. So instead we took the diagonal gully which slopes up to the right from the bottom of the Rake, and had fun going up there, especially with a slippery crux where we were glad of a rope. From there we carried on up the footpath to the top. With the weather improving we visited Harrison Stickle and Pike o‘ Stickle, and then descended to the Stickle Tarn pub via the Dungeon Ghyll path, with some good opportunities to practice our downhill fellrunning on the way. A swim in Stickle Ghyll rounded off a fantastic day. Back at Bishop‘s Scale we barbequed and then let off some Chinese lanterns.

On Sunday 17 kids we held the annual ARCC Junior Fell Race. For the last few years the fell race has been held on the fellside at the back of Bishop‘s Scale. This year we decided that most of the children are now old enough for a bit more of a challenge, and so the race returned to a variation on its original route around Side Pike. It started above Langdale campsite. There were 2 different length flat routes for the under 10s. The under 12s and under 14s went up to the wall just below Side Pike, and the lonely under 16 carried on to the 2nd stile on the way up Lingmoor. It proved to be about the right distance to challenge them all but not kill them, and the sun shone which always helps. Back at Bishop‘s Scale Leo Pollard presented the prizes, and then the kids finished off their weekend with a final swim in Stickle Ghyll.

An account of my successful attempt at the Bob Graham Round

By Mark Jackson. June 5th 2010

Thanks to Mark for supplying the article, and congratulations for a successful Bob Graham Round!

‘You need to get fit!’ was one of the first comments a certain Mr Dave Makin said to me in 2008 at my first Achille Ratti fell running weekend.

He was right. Two and a half years later I sat in his van on the way to Keswick and pretended that the pain in my left leg wasn’t there. The next 23 hours and 11 minutes were the best personal experience of my life. Of course my marriage to my beautiful wife and the birth of my two fantastic children far outweigh any personal achievement but this moment was for me and it only became possible because of the commitment and support of the Achille Ratti Climbing club.

From the trance like silent run down Skiddaw in the dark following Phil ‘Captain Krypton’ Hodgson to the 200 metre sprint to the door of the Moot Hall I can safely say that I was in good hands. Andy Pooler’s precision timing and Iain Barne’s stories on Leg 2 as the day unfolded got me to Dunmail in perfect time. Mick Howard washing my feet and applying all sorts of things to them got me up Steel Fell without issue and getting a “well done” on every summit from Marcel and Albert on Leg 3 made the peaks go past pretty quickly. When I dipped before the Scafell range a few choice words were said and I dug in to come into Wasdale after a tough descent (for me) with a little time to spare. Chris Lloyd, Dave Reynolds and Harry on broad stand made for a swift and safe ascent and watching my brother David going down the screes off Rake head crag chasing Dave Makin will stay with me forever as I tried not to fall on my backside for a 4th time.

Then Yewbarrow. The sun came out and I slowed down. By Red Pike faces were looking more worried and then the feeding began. All the way into Honister Mr Tony ‘Threshing Machine’ Shanley talked and fed me. Jeff Lea with whom I have had some of the best reccie days this year beamed his smile at me and helped lift my spirits as Ozzy Kershaw led the way he knows so well.

Then I was half way up Great Gable after a respectable ascent of Kirk Fell and I started to feel as if this was actually doable. Up till then I’d almost been looking round to see who’s BG I was on and why I was so tired. Into Honister pass I managed a good jog down the hill much to my own amazement but again it’s the people around you that make it possible. Sore feet is much of my memory of Leg 5, Oh and the amazing view from Robinson in a perfect evening before the 30 second bliss of road shoes followed my more encouragement from Martin and Nicola Kirkman.

The end was just the beginning for me of many days and pints owed in the beautiful lake district and running with new and old friends. I can’t begin to thank everyone involved on the hills or in support at the stops enough and I hope to repay the favour by helping those who want it just as badly as I did.

A massive “thank you” to Janet Makin, for keeping me fed all day and helping my parents and other family. She ran the day with her usual calm and precision and everything just worked as it should.

To my navigators, Phil Hodgson, Ian Barnes, Colin Jones, Ozzy Kershaw and Dave Makin. Again, there were no issues in any way and I was quite frankly amazed at how easily we seemed to go between some of the peaks. It just goes to show how well they know the fells.

To all the carriers. Apologies for making you all carry so much water and food but I did eat all of it and most of yours as well! John and Chris Preston for a short notice leg 1 camping trip to Threlkeld in their new van as well as carrying! Sean Makin (thanks for the corned beef sandwich) Mark Palmer(I’ll have to try figs on a day out now!) Pete and Geoff Billington, Richard and Jane Leonard, Rhys Watkins, Richard from Tod Harriers, Albert Sunter, Marcel, Colin Jones, Juliet Rand and Ian Charters.

For support, encouragement and believing in me.

Leo and Freda Pollard, Sheila Anderton, Arthur Daniels, Pete Mchail, Faz Faraday, Tash Fellows and all the Ratti kids.

To my family. Constant support always from my Mum Teresa, Dad David, Godfather uncle Andrew, Aunties Joanna and Trudy and sister Anna in her absence. Special regard has to go to my brother David for pushing me hard on training runs and giving me the inspiration to be even half as fit as him. To my wife Jane, thanks for the support and looking after Adam (3) and Daniel (20 months) for the 7 months of training.

Ad Altiora!