Mark vs the 'dale
Mark Harrison became the the latest LERCer to complete one of England's hardest fell races when he crossed the line at the end of the Borrowdale Fell Race. The race takes in ascents of Scafell Pike (3209 ft), Great Gable (2949 ft) and Dale Head (2470 ft) during it's 17 mile, 6500ft jaunt around the skyline of Borrowdale Valley.
Mark had previously only completed a handful of local peak district races and never ventured into the Cumbria hills making his achievement even more impressive.
The August weather actually provided the expected sunshine producing glorious, sunny views of the mountain ridges as they rolled away from England's highest peak. It is something of a rarity to have clear views from the summit of Scafell Pike on this race so Mark's hard work through the marshes of Glaramara during the long, squelchy ascent to the ceiling of the fells was well rewarded.
After the gruelling slog up Great Gable on already lactic filled thighs it was a mad dash over to the world famous Honister Slate Mine and the race cut off time. Along with 2 other runners the ex-army man passed through the checkpoint with just a couple of minutes to spare – got his breath and then, hands-on-thighs, started the final climb up Dale Head.
Comments on the stupidity of fell running along with comparisons to other 'quaint English pastimes such as Morris Dancing' could be heard echoing around the dales as Mark regained his sense of humour to jog out the last descent and stepping stones river crossing back into Rosthewaite.
The phrase 'never again' may have been heard as the exhausted Long Eaton man crossed the line.
We'll see!
Other Long Eaton runners to complete the race were Phil Abbott, Andy Dickinson, Eddie Mathieson, Phil Walters & Richard Wilkinson – Results to follow
This report was brought to you by pabc
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