Pendle Cloughs Fell Race (AL) 14 mls/ 3900’ ascent- By Mark Ruscoe

On Saturday 8th May myself, Paul Jackson and Simon Ford donned our A & T vests for the third race in the Run the Moors Grand Prix fell league. The race promised to be a tough one and certainly didn’t disappoint, with quite windy conditions and one or two navigational errors adding to the challenge of 14 miles over hilly terrain. Starting at the picturesque village of Downham, nine checkpoints had to be visited in order, calling at the summit of Pendle Hill twice amongst other climbs before a fast finish over a flagged area of open fields.

Simon was amongst the top 15 or so runners before taking a detour of his own as he led a group between checkpoints 4 and 5 only to turn around to see them disappearing in another direction! Needless to say he recovered well, finishing with some strong ascending and making up some of his lost places to clock a time of 2:28:44.

I was pleased to just duck under the two and a half hour mark in 2:29:59, with Paul enjoying another strong run out on the fells despite not having recc’ed the course.

Lyndsey walked to the top of Pendle Hill to support and thankfully made it back down without the aid of mountain rescue this time! This was a tough but well organised and enjoyable race in fantastic countryside.

1st Andrew Orr Clayton 2:14:18
12th Simon Ford 2:28:44
14th Mark Ruscoe 2:29:59
38th Paul Jackson 2:55:30
78 finishers
4 DNF