So the 25th running of the Nine Standards Fell Race and a free commemorative T-shirt to the first 150 entrants. Craig kindly drives and, with John Bagge, we head to Kirkby Stephen. Early to register, we get our T-shirts, and head out for a warm-up run.
It is a cold day and difficult to decide on what to wear but, the good news, it is dry and bright. My knee niggles on the warm-up, well to be honest is painful, where has this come from ? But it won't stop me racing. A good Helm turn-out for this race, as there always is, and more than 160 entrants in total 9so a few unlucky people go without T-shirts).
I start well, the steep 2 miles or so on the road are hard work and I feel John Bagge on my shoulder. Towards the top he overtakes, not just slowly, but with some momentum; he is running well and it is good to see him back racing.
Wet and boggy in places the summit is soon reached and then straight back down the same way. I shout words of encouragement to others, Paul Aitken and Craig are not far behind and I know they will be pressuring me and I intend to pressure John.....in a friendly sort of way.
I gain some ground on him but need another mile or so to catch him ! But am pleased with my run, just 2 seconds slower than last year and definitely wetter underfoot (and that painful knee !).
Always stay for prizes, the soup and then beer are much needed.
Results:
http://fellrunner.org.uk/results.php?id=1793
Pictures:
http://www.runningpix.co.uk/Fellpics/NineStandards1301D/pages/NineSt-dard1301D044_jpg.htm
http://www.runningpix.co.uk/Fellpics/NineStandards1301D/pages/NineSt-dard1301D045_jpg.htm
http://www.runningpix.co.uk/Fellpics/NineStandards1301D/pages/NineSt-dard1301D151_jpg.htm
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