Ricky Lightfoot blazes a trail at Hutton Roof.
The sun shone as competitors rolled up for this year’s crags race. After two years of appalling conditions it was great to see runners enjoying the limestone tracks and scenic views. It was a blistering pace, however with two Ellenborough athletes, Ricky Lightfoot and Brian Taylor giving past winner Lee Siemaszko a hard time. The route is well flagged because traditionally a lot of road runners do this race. Never the less two runners went slightly wrong at the base of Farleton Knott giving Craig Roberts chance to attack up the scree slope but victory was to evade him yet again. Paul Dugdale had a good race enjoying the fast early pace and was 5th while climbing the knott but he faded a little towards the end.
It was good to see local amateurs having a go this year with Steve Elliot having the shock of his life as he faced the steep slopes of Farleton Knott for the First time. One runner had brought his brother in law from Holland who was full of admiration for the lads at the front who manage to run up these steep slopes. Some athletes from Idle AC turned up late and even stopped for cakes before completing the route.
This is a great little race with a traditional country fair that has something for everyone especially if you like cakes! The locals are out in force marshalling, timekeeping and providing entertainment back at the finish. They deserve special thanks for the professional way the whole event was run. Mark it in your diary for next year, but come early to avoid Bank Holiday traffic.
John Dickinson Race Organiser. The Homestead, Hutton Roof Carnforth Lancashire. LA6 2PG
TEL: 015242 71929 Email: john@dickinsons.bbfree.co.uk |