The Ben Nevis Race

[Mountain Goatess]

Aye, Daz came flying down the grass bank at incredible speed and you could see he was still going to pass a few. I reckon as he crossed the burn at the bottom of the bank, he was in 13th-15th position, so he passed several more on the last bit of descent. A truly astounding performance, and well deserved. You couldn't hope to meet a nicer person and someone who is so generous with his encouragement, advice, praise and time, whether you're an experienced runner or a newbie at the back of the pack. Nice one Daz, only wish we'd stopped to see you go up on stage!

The other person who deserves a special mention is Sarah Ridgeway. I heard the story on the hill, but have had it confirmed now, that Sarah was well placed as 3rd lady when another competitor had a nasty fall resulting in a bad cut. Sarah stopped to help him and, in doing so, lost any chance of placing in the lady's race. I do hope the race committee made a point of recognising this at the awards ceremony. What a fantastic, selfless act and one which, above all else, sums up what is so good about fellrunning and the fellrunning community.

Well said Mr1470!!!! :thumbup:

Awesome performance Daz! :thumbup:

And Sarah, well done, what an inspiration! :thumbup:

[Marvin]

Fantastic result Daz. Huge congratulations.

[RichK]

It was a fantastic race, I thoroughly enjoyed it, especially descending at the top. I think in future years I might consider missing the big bank and try the path instead, my legs were shot after that.

DazH - amazing performance! Sarah - inspirational. Sums up fell running.

[dantodman]

God that was tough, really enjoyed it though, apart from the road at the end.

Anyone got any photos ???

My other half managed to leave the camera in her pocket, although bonus points for her saying it was because i got to her so quickly.

Dan

[LM]

Wow well done Daz, sounds like you were flying!

[skippy]

Aye, Daz came flying down the grass bank at incredible speed and you could see he was still going to pass a few. I reckon as he crossed the burn at the bottom of the bank, he was in 13th-15th position, so he passed several more on the last bit of descent. A truly astounding performance, and well deserved. You couldn't hope to meet a nicer person and someone who is so generous with his encouragement, advice, praise and time, whether you're an experienced runner or a newbie at the back of the pack. Nice one Daz, only wish we'd stopped to see you go up on stage!

The other person who deserves a special mention is Sarah Ridgeway. I heard the story on the hill, but have had it confirmed now, that Sarah was well placed as 3rd lady when another competitor had a nasty fall resulting in a bad cut. Sarah stopped to help him and, in doing so, lost any chance of placing in the lady's race. I do hope the race committee made a point of recognising this at the awards ceremony. What a fantastic, selfless act and one which, above all else, sums up what is so good about fellrunning and the fellrunning community.

thanks Mr1470 - definitely a rewarding day on many levels - my time to the summit was the fastest i've managed yet to the summit so really happy with that and then I was able to look after someone in trouble - the guy is OK - he had 8 stitches on is head - when I got to him he was in a bad way - a severe head injury with a fairly gory laceration on his scalp so immediately I made the decision that the race was over and he was my priority. Guess its the unwritten understanding - if you are the first person to get to the injured runner then they are your responsibility - and if it's a head injury you dont leave them until mountain rescue get to you.

Really the whole incident demonstrated complete comradery on the mountain - many runners wanted to stop and help and thanks heaps to the guy who helped me get my buff out of my bumbag as i compressed the injured guy's head wound so i could use it as a bandage - there have been many times i've seen a runner fall ahead and someone has got to them first - you ask if they need help and they say its in hand so you keep racing - but if you get there first, thats your job. Sounds corny but i was more than proud to do it.

[Jules C]

Brilliant event, and just to reiterate what a great thing to stop and look after an injured runner, Sarah.

Not on the same scale at all, but I found myself stopping to pick up gel wrappers a few times. Came down with a selection stuffed down my running vest! Quite prepared to give the benefit of the doubt that they were dropped accidentally. However there was one blatant exception on the summit plateau where someone finished their gel and simply tossed the wrapper aside. Maybe he knew the marshalls would pick it up, or even had a supporter who he knew would pick it up, but there wasn't anybody particularly near by at the time. Just hope no-one gets the impression that it's the done thing in fell running. Has anyone else observed this sort of thing as an increasing trend?

Jules

[Kepi Blanc]

The gel wrapper thing!
Someone placed one nice and neatly on a stone by the side of me, i just looked at him and he didn't seem arsed.

[Deejay]

The gel wrapper thing!
Someone placed one nice and neatly on a stone by the side of me, i just looked at him and he didn't seem arsed.

Maybe because he is an %rse

[Deejay]

Fantastic run Daz