ENGLISH FELL CHAMPS 2010 RACE 1 – NOONSTONE 9M / 2300′

Saturday 27th February 2010.

All week it didn’t look like conditions were going to be good for the seasons opener, and so it proved. The temperature was barely above freezing, the ground was saturated, and it looked like the clag was going to be down on top. This race has a reputation as a bog trot, and it is well earned.

First home for Horwich was Darren Kay in 9th place, with a return to form, and looking to improve over the season. Second and Third counters battled it out all the way around, and it took a sprint finish to separate Alastair Murray in 42nd and Mick Green in 43rd. The senior team was completed with Dave Milliken in 59th, still not fully recovered from injury, and James Kevan in 67th also not yet 100%.

Karl Ward was next for Horwich in 153rd followed by Brian Walton in 190th and 4th M55, Steve Jackson in 211th, and Gary Chadderton in 214th. Mick Crook followed in 230th and 6th M60, with Paul Murray in 326th and 6th M65.

Our only ladies representative was Suzanne Budgett, finishing 66th in the ladies race.

423 finished – results.

Race 2 of the English Champs is Coniston, on May 1st. Entries open on Monday (1st March) and forms will be available from here. With a limit of 400 entries, get your entries in quickly!