2 Sept 2017 On a lovely clear day five Harriers set off up the motorway to take part in this challenging fell race organised by the Achille Ratti Club. Arriving at Glenridding, the whole area was thronged with people taking advantage of the lovely weather. Ramblers, canoeists, cyclists and general tourists were all out in force along with 140 fell runners.
The event centre was the village hall where entries to the 9.9 mile and 5003 foot of ascent race were processed along with a kit check for all participants. At the pre-race talk before setting us off the organiser remarked that people were still turning up without proper kit which could prove fatal if the weather turned inclement whilst out on the tops.
At 11am the race started. The route was up Catsty Cam along Swirral Edge to Helvellyn, then to Dollywaggon Pike down to Grisedale Tarn which was the third checkpoint. From here it was up St Sunday Crag down to Grisedale Beck up Grisedale Brow following a stream and back down to Glenridding village hall. Going up to Catsty Cam the Harriers were given encouragement by some members of Salwick Rambling Club who knew us. There were lots of walkers out and about enjoying the stunning views especially from the top of Helvellyn. Michael McLoughlin was first Harrier back followed by John Rainford and Lindsey Berends who came in together and a little later Peter Carter with Alan Appleby just behind.