Litton Christmas Cracker 🎅 🎄
Sunday 14th December saw the penultimate race in the Fell GP, Litton Christmas Cracker which is part of the limestone series. 13 MACs took on this challenging but fun race enjoying the hills and dales around the village of Litton. Fancy dress was encouraged and kudos to John Thorpe who donned a full grinch costume. Others opted for a festive flourish of headwear.
We were treated to a very mild morning and as the briefing got underway the sun came out, causing many to shed layers not long after the race start. I suspect those in full pantomime style costume, of which there were many, would have suffered in the uncharacteristically warm December weather! However the strong wind and recent rain added some extra challenge to the tough climbs, tricky traverses and super steep descents that followed. If runners were able to look up from carefully watching where they were putting their feet, there were some gorgeous views to enjoy!
Back at Litton Village Hall we enjoyed a free hot drink, mince pie and great post race atmosphere. A much deserved mention to the brilliant marshals, many of whom were dressed in festive attire and provided some super support, even in the far flung areas of the course.
We had some fantastic results with many MACs making the podium.
Cherry Moger came away with 1st FV40. A trio of MAC women dominated the top 10 with Sally Hale (4th F) , Gemma Cox (5th F) and Cherry Moger (6th F) confidently claiming the female team prize for the club. Lizzie Webster also had a great run claiming 1st FU23.
Greg Hopkinson took the top spot with 1st overall. Richard Bradbury got himself 1st MV50, the mighty Mick Moorhouse took 1st MV70.
Congratulations to everyone who ran which as well as the above included:
Kate Ruffell – 4th FV60
Caroline Robertson – had to settle for 19th FSEN,
Simon Hoggart – 5th MV40
John Thorpe AKA The Grinch – 14th MV40
David Howarth – 11th MV60
Roy Austin sadly turned an ankle in the first kilometre and had to withdraw
