Borrowdale Fell Race

[Deejay]

Like Fleeter, I'd planned to enter Borrowdale before I knew it was going to be a championship race. I'd been disappointed not to have had the opportunity to run the full course last year.
The race and its traditions and supporters exist independently of the championship; the championship latches onto and hitches a ride on a race, but the race itself goes on from year to year.
Personally, if I get in I'll be towards the back of the also-rans; my target would be get round without being cut off. Yet that in itself doesn't mean I'm not a serious runner. How many fun runners ever attempt Borrowdale? I suggest that any 'fun' would evaporate halfway up Bessyboot.

The entry process is explicit and well advertised. If a so-called 'top runner' can't be arsed to apply in time, then tough.
Fleeter's absolutely correct, none of the pre-race info says that elite runners will get priority treatment. They shouldn't and I trust they won't.

Totally agree, well put Tussockface

[Roadrunner]

Why not have two starts? Women and mens? Or even a wave start system as used at Bolder Boulder, Great Manchester 10k etc.

[Swoop]

Why not have two starts? Women and mens? Or even a wave start system as used at Bolder Boulder, Great Manchester 10k etc.

I understand the Manchester system is wonderful!!

[Roadrunner]

Swoop, negative comments like that are no use! The Manchester system does have one problem, mainly it didn't work. the wave system at the Bolder Boulder has many waves set off at minute intervals and then the time gaps expand towards the slower runners. Does mean runners have to be turthful about finishing times.

[Stolly]

I always thought the limit on a fell race entry was to minimise disruption to the fells and allow marshalls etc the chance of not staying on station (perhaps in dire weather) all day. Multi starts is plain madness. And a 500 limit is fine. I think IanR is just a bit panicky because he hasn't heard back yet, that's all.

[IainR]

Not really being pannicy, just think it's worth discussing the system.

[IainR]

Multi starts is plain madness.

For shorts I think it's the way to go, for longs, as you say it may not be fair on marshalls. But events like the 1000m Peaks have multiple starts. Delaying waves for 15 minutes may only add an hour on the fells for a marshall.

Not sure the start is too much of an issue though, in a long you have 15+ miles to sort yourself out, it's being in the race and making the entry process as easy and unbiased as possible, IMO.

[mapper]

This is to be my 13th Borrowdale. My letter went in the post on the day the entry forms were out and I've heard nothing yet. Whilst I'm not supersticious maybe 13 really is an unlucky number

[IainR]

We just found out that we are in, so it was a fair and just process afterall..:-)

No seriously, still think it's a long winded way of going about it. The sooner these races go on line entry the better for me.

Anyway now planning a recce after Blackstone edge.

[Fleeter]

i got in,excited now in a weird sort of way