
Originally Posted by
Hanging In There
I though a while before making this post...should I or shouldn’t I…here we go…!
I thought I would rejoin the BS thread after this evenings get together of GVS at the local to celebrate our runners achievements in the race. As a club we’ve been successful in the event over recent years with wins by Andy Pead, Julian Brown and Jo Miles (latter two second claim).
Encouraged by the achievement and enthusiasm for the race by the above, numerous other GVS members have taken part in the event over the last 2 years. I’ve lost count of the number of club recces and get togethers that have taken place within the club to improve and help runners with their Bullock Smithy goals. At the centre of much of this has been Philomena Smith, a tireless work horse for GVS who brings the best out of club members. Those not a member of GVS will know Philomena best as the organiser of the Whaley Waltz Fell race.
In 2010 Phil completed the course in 12:05, a fantastic time and one well deserved following the amount and time and effort put in. This gave her third lady overall and her highest finish in a race! Being so close to a sub 12:00 she returned this year to try and break the barrier. At about half way she was a bit behind schedule, but then lost more time by helping and runner who had fallen and broken her jaw. She resigned herself to the fact that a sub 12:00 was not achievable.
Undeterred she carried on and had a storming final section from Walker Barn to complete the course in 12.23. What was more surprising to her was being told she had won the ladies race; a great achievement and one to be proud of.
…or at least that what she thought…and this is the purpose of my post. At the award ceremony, and after receiving her trophy, Phil went to congratulate the overall winners of the race. James (the winner) congratulated Phil, but another was frankly disgraceful with his attitude and comments when he told Philomena that she didn’t deserve the win, her time wasn’t worthy of a winner and if their usual lady runner wasn’t injured she wouldn’t have had a hope of a win.
In all my years running I have never come across this kind of attitude or outburst, whether on the road, fell or otherwise. I for one Phil am very proud of your achievement, as are many other runners…GVS or otherwise…Please don’t let this put you off. Roll on 2012?