Dockray-Hartside Fell Race

We don’t make a huge song and dance about stuff at Dockray, but thanks to you all for running. I think everyone had fun, and I thank you for enjoying your race.

There was some impressive performances amongst you, especially the more ‘mature runners.’ Age is just a number, which we don’t dwell on, and having no prizes age is irrelevant, but Dave Tait from DPFR had a storming run as did Patric Gilchrist in the older age group. There was a great mix of people form all over the country; Dave from DPFR and Peter Hague from the Cairngorm Club. Local lass Karen Bridge-Heaviside did not get lost, despite her fears, impending middle-age and post-London recovery, and lack of downhill running ability, was a clear female winner. Well done Karen.

There is loads of route choice at Dockray, and many stories of poor lines. Indeed, the first two runners were seen racing at 90 degrees from the optimum line from the final summit. Or was it Eden Runners out for a jolly social run? I doubt it at that speed! Quite a few new young faces at the front with Kim Collinson guiding the top runners around for third place, whilst Chris Waters and Chris Newman appeared to out sprint him on the long final descent.

Seriously, well done for everyone for venturing out and taking on Dockray-Hartside; it is not an easy race and takes you into some tough highly exposed terrain. You’ll appreciate your fell racing kit next time when the greyness turns to dank wetness – a wind/waterproof jacket should be the minimum for any race or run in such terrain, regardless of race rules.

Very, seriously, well done to anyone who thought, ‘Bloody hell that was rough, but I survived!’ This is fell running. And everyone seems to appreciate our ‘£1 no frills’ entry fee.

Big thanks to Tricia, Alan and Ken and also to Sian, Judith and Larry, without whom I wouldn’t be doing this anyway. It was Larry and Judith, along with Barry and Brenda Thompson (ex-Landlord of The Royal) who instigated all the ‘Dockray Races over twenty-five years ago. Now we only have the one race, but I’d love to stage more if we had the resources to do it.

Results here soon, (hopefully!)

Joe