After our local selection in March a small but quality team of 3 Devon runners made it up to Keswick on April 21st for the Senior Intercounties fell race champs. The course a much tougher test than the Devon trial had 900m of climb in store for the runners over 16.3 k.
Event report
The main event report is available on link below with overall winning time of 1hr 5mins17secs and first three three runners all in 17 secs. total of 22 county teams. This was also GB selection race for a race in Europe.
full county position
Devon report
Firstly our thanks to the three runners for making the trip the long trip north . A few words from our team.
‘An intrepid trio made the long journey north from Devon to Fitz Park, Keswick for the annual Inter-counties Mountain Race. Amongst the very best of British mountain running, the team from Devon acquitted themselves admirably over 10 miles and 900m of climb and descent over Latrigg, Lonscale Fell, and Skiddaw. It may have been steeper than the home terrain of Dartmoor, but a few dry days and some hard paths made for surprisingly fast running and an interesting variation from the boggy tussocks of the moor. The Devon team, two of whom were making their senior debut for the county , was led home by Jamie Parkinson (17th) followed shortly afterwards by Tom Perry (47th) and Stephen Hughes (52nd). Overall the team placed 12th; just behind the Northern powerhouses whilst ahead of everyone else south of Birmingham.‘
‘Thanks to SWfellrunners for entries, Richard Best for organising team and Angela Mudge ( Scotland ) for organising the race‘
SWfellrunners says…
Brilliant performance by team and well done, really sorry i could not be there. Big well done to Jamie for top 20 place, huge well done for Tom 11th U23, and an awesome first outing in a Devon vest for Stephen. To beat all southern teams again this is a truly great result. ( we have clocked 12th, 13th and 9th) in recent years. This was a very tough and fast course. For those with good knowledge and a canny eye will spot John Yells ex Devon runner now running for Scotland. Hope we can build on our result not just to turn out the minimum 3 runners – we can take 5. We also would love to support a women’s team – so look out for the trial which may be in February next year.
See you on the hills
Richard Best