Month: April 2016

2014 Race Report

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2014 Race Report

A near record number of runners ventured onto the hills in generally bright but windy conditions with only the last few runners getting a couple of rain showers late on. Ground conditions were assessed as good with some quick times being run in both the men’s & ladies categories. Female Champion Jackie Lee (Eryri) clocking 82.28 only 1.37 away from her own course record. Male Champion Hugh Aggleton (MDC) recorded a great time of 73.42.

Local lad Matthew Blackwell (Deeside) finished 20th overall and clocked a very decent time of 84.36 to collect the U23 title.

Rob Grantham (Pensby), Stephen Watts (Macclesfield), Alan Duncan (Bowland) & Peter Roberts (Buckley) took the M40, M50, M60 & M70 titles respectively.

Janine Roberts (Hart – yep that’s in Fleet – Hampshire!) & Kath Brierley (Todmorden) took the F40 & F50 titiles respectively.

A mention to our Team Doctor Dave George who managed to get around the course in one piece – much to the disgruntlement of several marshals who couldn’t wait to give him some ‘special’ medical treatment. Well done Dave.

It was great to see so many runners from near and far taking part and we would love to see you come back next year. If you enjoyed it – spread the word, if you didn’t – well you should still come back with some friends next year just to check.

Gripes:

Apologies CP6 was in the wrong place (too high up the gully). This will be clearly marked next year for both marshals and runners.

CP4 was repositioned, after the first 6 runners had passed the correct point, to one further along the track. The reason being that after the first 6 runners the next batch cut the corner off the field coming over/through the gate above. So it was a case of moving the checkpoint or DSQ of 134 runners. I believe the right decision was made by the marshals on the checkpoint. This cut-through will be prevented in future.

hop

Race results can be found at 2014 results

2007 Race Report

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2007 Race Report

As forecasted a cold front moved over the Clwydians on Saturday, bringing drizzle and clag just as I was putting out markers. But Sunday dawn brought a clear, sunny sky, which remained throughout the day giving a good day in the hills for both runners and NEWSAR members who were marshalling the event.

Rich Roberts (Eryri) was never troubled to take the men’s prize while Sally Newman (Calder Valley) was first lady home. Roger Lamb (Mercia) and Graham McAra (Cheshire Hill Racers) were the first vet 40 and vet 50 men respectively to finish. The originator of the race John Morris (Buckley) was the first M60 home, with local runners taking 2nd. and 3rd. M60 places.

A few runners would be advised to take either the WFRA or FRA navigation courses.

A special word of thanks is due to the NEWSAR members who forgo a fine day in the hills to provide both runners and team members with refreshments after the race.
Peter Taylor.

Race results can be found at 2007 Results.

2009 Race Report

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2009 Race Report

Horrendous weather forecasts on Saturday meant many hours planning a foul weather route. On race morning the rain was heavy, and the weather forecasts mixed, and as late as possible, bearing in mind that the marshals have to be deployed onto the hill, the decision was taken, in conjunction with the NEWSAR team leaders, to go with the foul weather route. Of course the weather then started to improve; at least it was not so wet.

So 89 brave souls embarked on a course that was designed to minimise navigation challenges, to be shorter and to avoid exposed locations. Within these limitations I hope the course provided an interesting and still challenging run.

My apologies to all the athletes, and especial the Tattenhall runners, for making an incorrect announcement of the team positions. I had developed software to calculate the positions, and on checking when I got home, I realised my mistake. All I can say is that the system required manual intervention and I was not driving the computer!
Pete Taylor

Results can be found 2009 Result