Ricky's Fell Race

Well I turned 40 on Tuesday and I wanted to do a race quickly to get my Vet 40 status off the mark. I filled in the registration form at the Three Stags Pubs at Darley Bridge and it was strange just actually ticking the VET category. I've run this race before and its a vey fast start but there are a couple of steep climbs to be had. The last one before the finish up onto Oker Ridge is a tough one. I held back slightly at the start as my legs were definatley still getting over Borrowdale. The leaders flew away and I settled in nicely behind them. I was having a three way battle for most of the way around with two runners that I didnt recognise. Up ahead I could see Noel Curtis my fellow Pennine teammate doing battle with the leaders.As usual I whipped my vest off as it was quite warm and I was overheating. Before to long we were speeding down the road and turning the corner to hit the very steep climb up to the trig. If you can run this all the way your going well. I didnt quite manage it all the way and strided the last few yards. I did manage to steal a look at the brilliant view though. A rapid descent through the fields and I sprinted into the finish funnel to be told I was 5th place. A couple of runners had gone wrong in front of me and I had gained a couple of places. Ah well thats Fellracing. Noel later informed me via E mail that I had one the Vet 40 Category. So he picked me up a box of fruit as a prize. That will be winging its way to someone needy.
It was a good night for us Pennine Runners. Noel's good lady Steph Curtis was 1st Lady and Noel was 3rd in the race. So we all did well. Result.
I celebrated by having chips on the way home



If its a typical White Peak Fellrace your after, this one fits the bill nicely. Well done to Matlock AC for there good organisation.