Roaches Fell Race
Seven members of Long Eaton Running Club made the trip to Staffordshire on a sunny autumnal sunday morning. Recent rain made some parts of the course quite challenging including the farm near the start which combined with the usual “farm slurry” demanded particular attention as the consequences of a dive into that were unthinkable!
The route takes runners from the start at Meerbrook near Tittesworth reservoir across farmland via Frith Bottom to Roach House. The course then follows the ridge to Roach End and then descends into Gradbach Forest.
Runners then cross the freezing cold River Dane and climb up to Helmseley Farm, Tagsclough Hill and Wildboarclough. The halfway point involves a climb to the summit of Shutlingsloe, the third highest peak in Cheshire at 506m. Runners then retrace their steps back to Meerbrook.
The course measures 15.8 miles and involves 3,700 feet of ascent.
First home was James Kevan of Horwich Harriers in an impressive time of 2hours 8 minutes. First back for the club was Phil Abbott, continuing his fine form in 36th position overall in a time of 2 hours 36 minutes. Eddie Mathieson was next in 2hrs 42 minutes putting in a good performance on his Roaches debut. Clive Allison who last ran this race in 2002 was next in 2 hours 55 minutes followed by Rob Jackson just dipping under the 3hour mark with a time of 2 hours 59 minutes.
Fell guru Phil Walters was next home in 3 hours 6 minutes followed closely by Colin Bostock in 3hours 9 minutes. Pete Sturgess completed the impressive Long Eaton display in a few seconds over 4 hours.
205 runners in total completed this challenging but enjoyable race, which comprises all the features of the fell discipline and is rightly regarded as a “classic”
Comments:
TBPA wrote; Brilliant report Stella - thanks.
Stella wrote; 1st place for Phil means he regains his fell title, congrats
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