Old Counties Tops Race

1. Martin Beale / Tom Brunt 7:13
2. Mike Robinson / Alan Ward 7:34

3. Morgan Donnelly / John Whitaker 7:38

7. Carl Pryce / Dennis McDonald 8:16

Carl Pryce & Dennis McDonald battled through galeforce winds, driving hail and thick mist to complete this epic race last Saturday. The race is run in teams of two. The circular route takes in the highest peaks in the old counties of Westmorland (Helvellyn), Cumberland (Scafell Pike), and Lancashire (Coniston Old Man). This covers 37 miles and approx 11,000 ft of climbing. That’s if you get the navigation right!

54 teams left The Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel in Great Langdale at 8am in the rain. Prior to leaving there had been a heavy shower which had been a warning of what to expect later in the day. This made deciding what to wear a little bit easier. I started with a waterproof jacket thinking I would take it off quite soon. I was right – it was off in about 5 minutes, but when it went on ½ way up Helvellyn it stayed on for the next 6 ½ hours.
Just under 2 hours took us to the top of Helvellyn – the view would have been fantastic had we not been in the clouds. 15 minutes later after dropping 3000ft we were enjoying a cup of tea and sandwiches at Wythburn car park. Luxury…..but only for a short 2 minute stop.

The next section took us up the Wythburn valley and we overtook a number of teams. Then thanks to some good navigating and a bit of local knowledge, Carl led us up a great line to the top of Scafell. The very steep and rocky descent off Scafell was interesting and I had to remind Carl that he had assured me that there was no rock-climbing in this event! After more bog and another climb a good path led into Cockley Beck.

A steep climb took us up and onto a ridge but the winds threatened to lift us off our feet as we neared the Old Man. All that we saw of the marshal at the top was his hat – the rest of him was staying firmly in his tent. Eventually the clouds lifted and it started to brighten up for the last stretch back to Langdale. We finished in 8h 13 and 7th overall.

The best thing about this race has to be the food at the 2 road crossings. Arriving at Cockley Beck 5¾ hours after the start to cups of tea, jam sandwiches, cake & orange juice was almost better than crossing the finish line 2 ¼ hours later!

Dodds runs 3h16 in marathon

Herewith an affy important massage - fellow Cosmic chum - Alistair Dodds - did the Edinburgh Marathon (at age 45 ish) in 3 hours 16 minutes.

Nae bad eh?
Alfie

Durris Mast Race 2007

Results now available - see attached.
Durris%202007.xls

Brookes kicks ass at Bealach

Rob Brookes had a storming cycle at the Bealach Beag cycle sportif event in Applecross this weekend. After a sociable, strictly non-competitive (!!) ride Rob made it to the finish in 5th place in 2:27:02. If it hadn't been for those pigtails he's have been first no doubt. Well done to all the other Cosmics (Keith 23, Kevin 47, Matt 57, Shelley 118, Ian 119, Colin 180, Anita 184, Elaine 232, Peter 287) who completed the gruelling loop taking in the highest road climb in Britain - and also to ex-Cosmic Kevin Holliday who now races for the Achnasheen Airport Baggage Handlers team...
Full results on the Bealach na Ba website and photos (thanks to Pauline).

Ben Lomond 2007

Well done to new Cosmic Richard Lang who had a good run at Ben Lomond on Sat coming 25th on a hot midgie filled day! Full results on the SHR website.

25 Richard Lang M 1:24:02

Deeside Duathlon 2007

There were some notable performances from Cosmics at the Deeside Duathlon this year with Ian Wilson coming 2nd in the Triathlon (bike, run, kayak) while Keith Varney was the 1st male supervet home in the duathlon (bike, run, bike) in 7th position overall. Kevin Bruce was the runner in the winning team while Colin Larmour as an individual was 20th. Race report, results etc at Fleet Feet website.

Stuc a Chroin

Beautiful weather again for Stuc a Chroin - just as well there's always a plentiful supply of Highland Spring Water. Stuc a Chroin was the first Scottish Hillrunners Championship race this season so there was a strong field and 179 finishers. Jason was the first Cosmic home in a creditable 16th place and Anita was 2nd F50.

16 Jason Williamson Cosmics M 2:29:12
27 Dennis Mcdonald Cosmics M40 2:35:19
39 Carl Pryce Cosmics M40 2:40:15
105 Keith Robertson Cosmics M40 3:08:22
117 Anita Hamilton Cosmics F50 3:14:40
144 Elaine Stewart Cosmics F50 3:32:21
157 Linda Smith Cosmics F40 3:40:59
160 Stuart Hunter Cosmics M40 3:43:46

Full results and 3 photos

Herod Farm in the Peaks

Jason must have felt adventurous last weekend because he was running a hill race in the Peak District! Jason finished in 7th place in a strong field; the race was won by Lloyd Taggart, a member of the English team. Results are attached and if anyone fancies a trip down south next year - check out the glossopdale website.
Herod%20Farm-2007.pdf

99th Krunce results

Click on Races page then Krunce Series for links to results & photos.