Other Race Results

Highlander Mountain Marathon

Images

Alan Hunt and Patrick Bonnett competed in the Highlander Mountain Marathon centred on the remote Strathfarrar, north west of Inverness over the weekend of 18/19 April. They enjoyed unseasonably warm and sunny weather and wonderful views of the still snow covered Kintail and Torridan mountains together with an overnight Ceilidh at the mid-way camp, Alan was able to pass informed comment on the qualities of the Ceilidh band, although sadly was unable to show off his dance moves due to having to keep hold of his beer and Venison burger at the same time.

Despite a slight problem with the tent zip and frozen fell shoes at the start of Day Two, the pair finished in 8th position in the Score Class in an overall time of 10 hours 36 minutes.The Highlander Mountain Marathon is an excellent event - low key, but well organised, set in a spectacular location with the added interest of entertainment provided at the mid way camp including food and drink (and also at the finish). The courses were well planned, the organisers very helpful and friendly and the terrain allowed a lot of running, especially on the tops.

Unfortunately, this year's event did not attract the number of teams hoped for and the organisers are keen to see more entrants next year.So if you want to start the mountain marathon season early with an excellent outing before the LAMM and Saunders in the summer or have enjoyed the type of scenery and hills that the LAMM takes you to, then the Highlander Mountain Marathon is one to consider. Don't be put off by the distance - it is well worth the effort, and the organisers would like to see some new faces next year. If you want further details, have a look at the pictures on the Highlander web-site at http://www.highlandermountainmarathon.org.uk/#. Alan can also provide more detailed expert insight regarding the Ceilidh tunes played so as to allow you to begin training for the overnight dancing in plenty of time (it is rumoured that Stu will also be introducing this as part of an increased focus on cross-training later in the Autumn prior to the OMM - speak to him directly for further information).

At the post race interview the pair were overheard being asked......"Were you happy with your performance?"...Patrick replied: "Well Bruce we were pleased overall.....um the Highland Fling is a younger mans dance and I felt that the judges were a little harsh in their criticism. But we regained points on the Gay Gordon and recieved compliments on our shapely calves set off nicely by our running tights. I was pleased I applied extra Compede before the dance off as the 'Strip the Willow' was pretty hard on the old tootsies. Overall I think we did Durham Fell Runners proud but am still disappointed that we didn't make the final which we probably could have done if Alan had put down his vennison burger and bottles of Black Isle Organic IPA."

Published: 23/04/09

Early 2009

Durham Fell Runners compete across the north The first three months of 2009 have been busy ones for Durham Fell Runners with club members competing across the north in both fell running and orienteering events. Andrew Minster and Denise Tunstall competed in the Clay Bank East race - 1100 feet of climb over six Miles on January 11th. Andrew came 10th in a field of 113 with Denise completing the course in 65th place - excellent results on a tricky course covered in wet ice in places.
Later in the month nine DFR runners were amongst the 64 runners who tookpart in the Black Hill and Beck race in Hamsterley Forest. Andrew Henderson and Mike Mallen finished in the top ten on the sevenand a half mile course which climbs 1150 feet towards the moors above the forest. Further strong performances were recorded by Tim Makin and Stu Ferguson.

On the same day a little further afield, Patrick Bonnett took part in the Warrior Winter Warmer orienteering trial near Coniston. Competing in the Long 'O' Trial which took in 24 controls and involved 3000 Feet of climb, Patrick was 18th in a time of 5 hours 9 minutes.

February saw members competing in other orienteering events - Steve Gustard took up map and compass and competed in Northern Navigator's Cong Burn event whilst Patrick Bonnett competed in the Black Banks and Knitsley Fell local event near Wolsingham. Six DFR members also took part in the High Cup Nick race in the Eden Valley on the last day of February, Paul Kelly was the first finisher for the Club, completing the nine mile 1500 foot race in 43rd place on a windy and misty day.

The Gisborough Moors race was graced by good weather for early March - very hard underfoot with perfect visibility. 177 started the race with six DFR runners completing. Peter Milburn, in his first outing in the Club vest was first home for the club, Martin Randall, another first timer for DFR, unfortunately after starting very well, turned his ankle and limped in.
Four members of DFR competed in the Cleveland Survival event later inthe month - a 26 mile orienteering race held on the North York Moors which saw over 200 entrants. Julia Steele, Helen Witham, Ray Maynard and Patrick Bonnett endured high winds, snow and increasingly soggy maps butall finished well with Patrick first home for DFR in just under sixhours in 21st place and Helen Witham being first placed lady vet 50.

By contrast, the following day saw glorious spring weather for the Doctor's Gate race above Hamsterley Forest. DFR fielded five runners, first home was Graham Burns in 6th place and 3rd vet 40 category followed by Stuart Ferguson - 1st vet 50 category, Steve Gustard, Denise Tunstall (3rd vet 40) and Dougie Nesbitt also ran well. A special mention to Roz Kelsey who is currently injured and unselfishly gave up her Sunday morning to marshal at the gate.

Published: 01/04/09

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