Bob Foreman reports:
After a 4 year absence the Warslow Beer Festival Fell Race is back on. A new RO, Nick Pope of Staffordshire Moorlands AC, has taken the reins and what a great job he did.
A lumpy 6 miles and 2’200 feet, mainly on rough terrain, make it one of the Peak Districts toughest short races.
It was warm with a refreshing breeze for the 86 starters, all making a mad dash down the first two fields to avoid getting held up at a gap stile. Once past this obstacle there is plenty of room for overtaking on the 4 main ascents and descents, two of which are particularly steep.
MAC runners had a great day with Dan Haworth winning in 50.28, smashing the course record by 5 minutes. The first 4 runners also beat the old record. The first lady was Helen Elmore of Dark Peak , 32nd o/a in 69:46.
3rd Joe Oldfield 52:27
4th Toby Gill 54:39 1st M23
10th Tim Perry 60:00
21st Simon Hoggart 65:34
31st Bob Foreman 69;02 1st M60
Former member Jan Forrester had a great run getting around in 80th place in 94:04
The 1st male and female prize was a nights stay in the local and very good Greyhound Inn. Other winners received beer and barbeque vouchers which were soon redeemed at the beer festival. Myself, Joe and Dan took advantage of the camping on offer and had a great evening at the festival which included a Country and Western hoedown in the Village Hall.
A great race which deserves a bigger turnout and next years is on Saturday 6th July.
Don’t forget your tent!
