Harrier James wins the Bolton Community 10k

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James SF was in commanding form as he won the BWFC supported Bolton Community 10k in a time of 31:41 and almost 3 minutes ahead of second place. In a field of over 1000 finishers Rob Jackson who described the course as “hilly, windy but sunny” was 18th posting 39:15 and 1st V50 closely followed by Marcus Taylor as 2nd in the same category with a time of 40:06 whilst on pacing duties.

James Scott Farington winner of the Bolton Community 10k

Round Two of the English Senior Fell Running Championships took place just outside of Keswick with the annual The Newlands Memorial Fell Race. Renowned as a challenging fell run this category AM (medium distance, high ascent) course has competitors starting at Stair to ascend over 3,609 feet summitting Robinson, Hindscarth, Dale Head and finally High Spy before the descending back to finish line to complete the 11.5-mile distance back at Stair. Conditions were good with fast times being posted and the overall winner being within a couple of minutes of the course record which has stood for over 20 years. The men’s team placed 17th. Individual places were Sam Fairhurst 73rd (01:49:35) Dan Gilbert 160th (02:04:00). Alastair Murray dipping his toes in competitive waters was 198th (02:08:22) in his new age category. Mark Walsh 247th (02:16:56) and Marcus Taylor 274th (02:20:35). Solitary lady representative Stephanie McKee crossed the line 120th  (02:51:36) in the female open category.

Back locally for the second round of the Run the Moor series, The Wardle Skyline Fell Race took place. Held in the village of Wardle, near Rochdale in this category BM (medium distance, moderate ascent) is known for its scenic yet challenging route through the South Pennines. The approximately 7 mile and 1,200 ft of ascent race loops around a circular path that encompasses Brown Wardle Hill, Middle Hill, and Rough Hill offering runners a mix of steep climbs, undulating terrain, and a long descent. The course concludes with a challenging ascent on tarmac known affectionately as the “sting in the tail.”

And finally, our international correspondent Steve Thomasson completed a drizzly Leipzig 10k just under his target time of 48 minutes by sneaking a 47:30 in spite of an over indulgence of local cuisine and windy conditions. He commented that Leipzig is an enjoyable event, an agreeable city and with an enthusiastic crowd and that he would be back although it was unclear if this was for food or another race.