Borrowdale Fell Race

[stevefoster]

More added...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/wharfee...7627404042810/

Zoltan Fodor (sounds familiar?) at the Sty Head checkpoint

With a name like that he's got to be Hungarian, well done fellow Magyar:thumbup:

[wharfeego]

...I can't see Zoltan's photographic equipment about his person but he managed some considerable pixel exposure along the way. See here.

A great set of images from Zoltan...even more so seeing that they were all taken 'on the run'.

[Goldie]

Cracking weekend, race & night in the pub!!! huge thanks go to all the helpers it really is a proper fell race!

Top pictures Wharfee, whens the rest coming i want the one of me & Holmsey laughing!!

The Band went down a storm and so did the mountain rescue guy who played the spoons!!!

Wharfedale Barmy Army!!!

[Also Ran]

Cracking pictures Wharfee - well worth the wait. Zoltan's are also a good effort - gives a real feel for the route and the conditions

[wharfeego]

...i want the one of me & Holmsey laughing...

does tha means this'un?...



I didn't include it in the Flickr set coz it wasn't a good enough shot...tha looks like thi right leg's gone funny!
Plus Holmesy's got an arm (I think it's an arm?!) stickin' out of his sponsored shorts!

[smoggy]

Had a very steady run/walk all the way to Honister, upped the pace a little climbing Dale Head but then both thighs cramped up as soon as started descending. Thought I was a goner but after faffing about for a minute and some "Keep moving" advice from Chippendale (thanks Mark) I stumbled down to the Tarn and managed to run to the finish in 3.49. Really enjoyed the race, think the steady start is a must for these lakeland races then a few beers in the pub with the usual suspects from Wharfedale H. Was very lucky to find the youth hostel after circling a few fields in the dark. Will definitely be back next year. Beers on me at Viking Chase.

Well done mate. Just got back from holiday in Coniston. That looks like a good time that you clocked. My target was sub-4.30. Did a few gentle (ish) runs up Walna Scar while I was in Coniston and the ankle doesn't seem to be getting any worse (or better). I'll haul myself around the Viking Chase regardless of injuries just to get that pint of John Smiths at the finish. Can we expect to see a good turnout from Calder Valley at the race?

Cheers

[Dixie]

Anyone tell us if Borrowdale is usually a sell out? and is it first come first serve when selecting from the 31st of May.

[Old Whippet]

Anyone tell us if Borrowdale is usually a sell out? and is it first come first serve when selecting from the 31st of May.

Yes it fills up. Also, this year, I'm told it's an English Championship race, so it'll fill up quickly. I don't know if it's 1st come 1st served.

On another Borrowdale matter.....
my 3 x experience of running this is that I am dead on my feet by the top of Dale Head. The steep tussocky descent to the tarn is a nightmare on knackered legs, and then I can run again fine down the quarries. I know that the superstars go slightly to the right, but for mere mortals and 'also rans' like myself....
I've often wondered whether it'd be worth running down the tourist path - which is only a little further, but easier on the legs. I'd also wondered about this re the Anni Waltz too. In fact I set off this way on my 1st time out of ignorance and habit, but a helpful fellow runner or marshall called me to the usual line.
Any thoughts?

[Mark G]

Yes it fills up. Also, this year, I'm told it's an English Championship race, so it'll fill up quickly. I don't know if it's 1st come 1st served.

On another Borrowdale matter.....
my 3 x experience of running this is that I am dead on my feet by the top of Dale Head. The steep tussocky descent to the tarn is a nightmare on knackered legs, and then I can run again fine down the quarries. I know that the superstars go slightly to the right, but for mere mortals and 'also rans' like myself....
I've often wondered whether it'd be worth running down the tourist path - which is only a little further, but easier on the legs. I'd also wondered about this re the Anni Waltz too. In fact I set off this way on my 1st time out of ignorance and habit, but a helpful fellow runner or marshall called me to the usual line.
Any thoughts?

I've tried a few different lines and its interesting to see route choice in different races - eg Borrowdale, most off to the right a bit and eventually crossing the boggy path a bit to the right of the tarn, TWA/AW - some did that this year, I usually aim for the left of the tarn but descend more centrally and drift left towards the bottom where there is a line though the craggier ground that sets you up nicely to come out where you want to be but the interesting one for me was Dalehead itself - I've seen people in this come back down the path and pass to the left of the tarn which seems a long way round to get to the col before you drop down through the quarries. I suppose its ultimately down to what suits you best and how well you know the little ins and outs and bits of scree etc.

[stumpy]

There is a limit on numbers, so it might fill up. Not just first come first served, but there is a qualification criterai for entry that they check too.

I've thought the same myself about the descent from Dale Head, but always ended up taking the line to the right, not wishing to take the gamble at that point - and you're right, it's a real killer after what's gone before! I usually find streams of people overtaking me on this bit whilst I curse every step!

With fresher legs in the AW though, it didn't seem anywhere near as bad...