Statistics
- Distance: 12.6km
- Elevation: 1030 metres
- Team: Leg 1, Bruce Lacey, Leg, Andy Young and I, Leg 3, Simon Smith and Chris Wilshaw and Leg 4 Robert Dennes
In the realm of British Fell and Hill Relay Championships, where the unforgiving terrain meets the indomitable spirit of runners, I had the honour of representing Belper Harriers. This annual athletic pilgrimage, a pinnacle of fell running, is a prestigious event that draws runners from across the nation. It stands as a testament to the prowess and achievements of those who have carved their names in the annals of fell running history. Our team was comprised of individuals who shared an unrelenting passion for the challenges presented by the British Fell and Hill Relay Championships held at Braithwaite, in the Lake District. Together, we were a force to be reckoned with, each member bringing their unique strengths to the collective effort. Leg one kicked off with Bruce Lacey, setting the tone for our team's performance. His unwavering determination and focused approach paved the way for our journey.
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| Three teams from Belper Harriers racing |
As I took on the mantle of leg two, alongside the capable Andy Young, a unique set of challenges awaited us. This leg covered approximately 12.6 kilometers with a staggering 1030 meters of ascent, making it a stern test of all-round fell running ability. To add an extra layer of challenge, I had recently recovered from COVID, which had left me with a renewed appreciation for the rigors of the course. The hills, already formidable, appeared even more daunting. Each ascent felt like a monumental feat, a true test of physical and mental resilience. In stark contrast to my struggles, Andy seemed to effortlessly glide up the hills, his graceful movements appearing almost surreal. It was as though he was consciously matching my pace on those challenging ascents, providing an unspoken support that served as a lifeline during the race. However, on the technical descents, I came into my own, managing to pull Andy back and contributing to our progress. His sportsmanship during these moments was evident, and it brought a sense of balance to our partnership. The route itself was a treacherous labyrinth of ascents, descents, and varying terrains. The initial leg took us along the side of Barrow, across a beck, and onto the open fell, where blue flags initially guided our way. The course choices were left to the runners, with the path to CP1 at Outerside leading through Stile End to the tarn at Low Moss, followed by a heathery ascent. CP2 at Coledale Hause presented open route choices, and the decision to follow established paths or traverse rough terrain was a pivotal one. CP3 was a distant call from the summit of Sail, and the path leading there was an arduous scramble up the end of Eel Crag and over Crag Hill. The descent from Crag Hill toward Sail was marked by loose rocky terrain and required careful navigation. From Sail, mandatory blue flags guided us down to Sail Pass and up onto Scar Crags, presenting a thrilling ridge run with breathtaking views.
Reaching the col before the ascent to Causey marked the final stages of the relay, as we were turned down a steep grassy hillside reminiscent of the Causey Pike race. The mine track led us to the last climb up to Barrow, marking CP5, from where we descended down the ridge to the finish. This exhilarating descent brought us closer to the finish line, and I couldn't help but marvel at the privilege of representing Belper Harriers in an event that showcased the epitome of prestigious fell running.
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The final descent off Barrow
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