Mon 28 May 2018, Austwick, near Settle A scorching hot day greeted the record field of 183 for this Bank Holiday fell race in the pretty Dales village of Austwick. The village street was closed to accommodate the villager’s stalls and street entertainment. While the runners toiled in the heat, families and friends could tuck into the numerous cakes and ice creams on offer.
The race, of 8 miles and 1200 feet climb, on mainly runnable tracks goes from the village via Long Scar and Sulber to return via Crummack Farm. In the intense heat and no water available on route until Crummack at 6 miles, it was a day to take care with pace judgement. Many runners elected to take their own water and found they were glad of it.
Preston Harriers continued to dominate in this, the second of 4 inter club fell races, finishing first in all categories – Overall, Women, Vet 40, Vet 50 and Vet 60. Richard Smith (5th), Simon Collins (9th), Andy Whaley (13th), Andy Harrison (17th) and John Rainford (32nd) were our 5 runners to count for the overall team win.
For the Vet 40 team win along with Andy Whaley and John Rainford were John Griffiths (39th) and Roger Taylor (55th). The two Johns and Roger also made up the winning Vet 50 team. Alan Appleby (88th) and Steve Taylor (115th) ensured a Vet 60 team success to round off the men winning all the categories.
The ever-improving ladies team completed the whitewash with Jenny Wren (64th) leading the team home with Robyn Anderson (106th) and Vicki Sherrington (134th). There were individual wins for Richard Smith (Men), Andy Whaley (Vet 40), John Rainford (Vet 50) and Jenny Wren (Ladies).
19 Harriers started the race, which was also a counter for the Preston Harriers fell championship. Other finishers were Billy Johnstone (76th), Mike Burnham (84th), Jim Doherty (118th), Mick McLoughlin (126th), Peter Carter (133rd), Olga Wiggins (155th) and newcomer Jenny MacDonald (179th).
The next inter club fell race is Settle Hills on Sun 17 June at 10.30am. This race is also part of the Preston Harriers Senior Fell Running Championship. Entry on the day.
5 Richard Smith M 53:51
9 Simon Collins M 55:40
13 Andy Whaley MV40 56:42
17 Andrew Harrison M 57:51
32 John Rainford MV50 01:00:59
39 John Griffiths MV50 01:02:16
55 Roger Taylor MV50 01:05:48
64 Jenny Wren F 01:07:06
76 Billy Johnstone MV50 01:09:29
84 Mike Burnham M 01:11:01
88 Alan Appleby MV70 01:11:42
106 Robyn Anderson FV40 01:15:55
115 Stephen Taylor MV60 01:17:13
118 Jim Doherty MV50 01:18:09
126 Michael McLoughlin MV60 01:20:05
133 Peter Carter MV50 01:21:54
134 Vicki Sherrington FV40 01:22:22
155 Olga Wiggins F 01:30:59
179 Jenny Macdonald FV40 01:44:29