Ian Hodgson Mountain Relay. Sun 4th Oct.

The weather managed to stay fine for the whole of the race, with just the odd shower up top. The race was run this year in an anti clockwise direction, with one or two tricky descents, that was possibly the reason for at least two dislocated fingers and a suspected broken arm, plus a plethora of leg and knee cuts. Tony Hesketh was one of the unlucky ones to have a bad fall and dislocate his finger with a bad knock to his leg, he went off to Kendal Hospital for treatment. The full results below along with the check point times gives you all the information you need to check out how our runners did. There were a couple of outstanding runs on the day with James Kevan and Ali Murray finishing 6th fastest on their leg for the men, and Suzanne Budgett and Lindsay Squires finishing 4th fastest on their leg. Everyone ran their socks off today with a few finding the down hill rocky sections challenging! It would have been an advantage if we had all managed to get out earlier on the course to do some serious reconnoitring, as knowing where you are going and what to expect are key in the mountain relays. But a good day was had by all with some now looking eagerly towards the FRA relays later in the month.

Capt’s report: What a great team event the IHMR is, emphasised by the amount of teams that participate. As always, a superbly well organised event and a huge ‘thanks’ goes from the Club to the organisers. A big ‘well done & thank you’ to all the ladies that ran the relay thus making the team possible. ‘Thanks’ also to Norman & Colin for ferrying & supporting us all too. Each and everyone of our team gave a superb performance, some half crocked, some under the weather and some just plain & simply up for trying something new! Lindsey Squires was my partner this year and her superb climbing & descending on this steep Leg just shows how much of her fitness has come back. The steep descent down to Kirkstone Pass left us a bit indecisive at the top but one way or another we both got down (me somewhat more tentatively) which does really highlight Normans’ note on the benefits of recce’ing! (I know, I should know better!!!). We handed over to Rachel & Angela who experienced a bit of sleet on the top yet finished in sunshine. I’m sure I heard Angela thank me at the end of the leg because she’d enjoyed it so much! They had a really great run with their individual strengths balancing them out over the course of the leg. I must add that predominantly a road runner, Angela has supported the ladies in various fell relays now and on a serious note, it’s very much appreciated. The third Leg saw the welcome return of Julie Haworth to relays paired with Nicole Kirkham. They had a superb run on this short steep leg, both girls giving it their all, making up a couple of places for the team and doing so in a fine time too. The glory leg was run by Geraldine Walkington & Emma Perrin. This was Emma’s very first mountain relay and she handled it superbly well, taking it all in her stride. Maybe it was the ‘not knowing quite what to expect’ element that kept her so laid back and chilled. Thanks to Geraldine who even though semi-crocked paved the way for Emma’s first taste of real mountain running and ensuring her safe return. We had superb team effort by each and a every lady who all gave it 100% where it matters – on the day! Thanks to you all girls – you’re all stars and very much appreciated. Suzanne

Good weather and excellent conditions were a sharp contrast to the cancelled event of last year. Although injuries and other commitments prevented some of our runners from taking part in this years event we did manage to field both a Senior open team and a male Vets team. In both cases all athletes gave their all and did not let their teams down.

The Open team finishing a very credible 13th overall and the Vets team 45th overall & 10th in the Vets category. A big thanks to all the runners who took part and to the support and enthusiasm of everyone who stayed to cheer on competitors in the latter leg’s. Colin

Overall Results: http://www.sportident.co.uk/results/2009/IHMR/IHMRresults2009.pdf

Check Point Times: http://www.sportident.co.uk/results/2009/IHMR/checkpoint_times.html

Photos:

Ian Hodgson