Wardle Skyline Fell Race- Saturday 10th April

Another good turnout saw 9 A&T at Wardle Village for the 7-mile/1250’ ascent fell race. Being a Grand Prix race also there was a cracking turnout of 239 runners.

The good weather had been arranged and although a bit warm for most it was a great day to be out there.

Things started really well and we were after an initial run on track and a downhill section! (Not a usual Fell start), we were soon tackling the steep hill onto the moors. Some good open running terrain on the tops and three hills to contend with. Now I think we all knew there was a sting in the tail at the end of the race from the race profile I put on the blog, but even I was lulled into thinking that the downhill run down the cobbled path would lead us back to the village and the finish line, only to be demoralised when I saw the runners snaking up a final hill to the right.

Then it was a fast downhill tack run to Wardle finish were drinks and applause awaited…..well for the most of us anyway!

Lyndsay had a different idea.

After posing for Dave Woodhead’s camera on the top of the moors she went over and badly sprained her ankle.
Dave Woodhead stopped taking photos immediately and gave assistance. Help was summoned via a local fella and the marshals. Mountain Rescue were soon on their way and Lyndsay was soon being stretchered off the hill with her ankle in support .
Word got back to the other club runners who were keen to ensure she was okay.
Down she came in the back of the M.R. ambulance, all smiles and in safe hands.
The Mountain Rescue team were first rate and Dave Woodhead is an absolute gentlemen and a hero for dropping everything to help Lynds. The local man whose name I do not know deserves equal praise as do the marshals and John Armstrong the race organiser. Dave and John have contacted Mark and Lynds to offer their support since, which I feel was far above and beyond what could have been expected of them. A big thanks to all of you!!.

The club are to make a donation to Rossendale & Pendle Mountain Rescue to show our appreciation. They are volunteers whose service survives on charitable contributions, and their work is invaluable to those running on the hills.

Back to the race..

Mark Ruscoe was first blue vest home edging out Simon by just under 30 seconds. Then me very closely followed by Dave Ruscoe with a fine run and Marcus Taylor who is really getting into the fells. Brenda was next in and was also first V45 Lady, Well done Brenda!
Abbie was next, smiling all the way, and another steady run on the fells. Helen Minshall dug another gutsy performance, followed by Tracy Parry who was running her first club fell race. Well done Tracy! I’m sure you’ll be back for more. All in all a successful day for the club in terms of the Grand Prix but more importantly Lyndsay is back safe with a bit of rest to look forward to.

Full race photos available on Dave Woodhead's site http://www.woodentops.org.uk/

Next up for the Grand Prix is Pendle Cloughs (AL) on 8th May (Nav skills required) and for the Club Champs is Holcombe Two Towers (AS) 4ml/1300’ on the 9th June (a cracker!). There is also Henderson’s End fell race on the 3rd June from Rivington which is another good one for the newcomers. Further details to follow.

1st Adam Osborne- Leeds City 45:41
37th Mark Ruscoe 53:33
43rd Simon Ford 53:57
85th Paul Jackson 59:43
96th David Ruscoe 1:00:33
106th Marcus Taylor 1:01:34
131st Brenda Wane 1:03:54
218th Abbie Eckersley 1:21:03
232nd Helen Minshall 1:34:53
236th Tracy Parry 1:40:03

Regards,
Paul Jackson