Wasn’t this clear on the day – many routes around were found
Race 1 – testy mist start
Well what a difference 12 hrs can make- an amazing weather window. The course was a real challenge to set up in Friday’s blowy deluge- but 8 markers did go out to test the navigation. A little challenge in the river below Kitty was impassable unless your wanted some grade 4 slalom canoeing- so a big diversion to essentially run the course twice 🙁 also yours truly should have taken a head torch as was out until 7pm. ( kit lessons!)
A cracking spring day..
We were fully booked with 24 pairs who were due to set off from 8:30 am for a challenging 10miles and 850m of climb. All teams had kit check which mostly was spot on. I can reiterate that it is only for your own safety if stuck or stranded when your petite shorts and skimpy top is not going to keep you warm. We ran staggered starts with slower estimates first and fastest last just to add some edge. Some early dense mist played a few tricks on the navigation with a few extending their course by 2k-4k. As we were tracking we could see some interesting route selection between Arms tor and the foot of Lints. Some great team running though with everyone staying friends.
results
Results are https://www.webscorer.com/racedetails?raceid=381313…
Three pairs getting under 2 hours – very tough in these conditions. Jamie Parkinson and Ben Perry taking the honours , followed by Patrick Devine-Wright and Tim for Axe Valley Runners; then and an Okehampton Running Club (ORC) pairing. First mixed pair to Haldon Trial runners; first female team to Becky Prall and Louise from Chagford Runners. Some great Tavistock Athletic Club (TAC) performances with Rob Jinman paired with Joe Lane ; Heather Fell and partner; and the indefeatable pairing of Sarah Holland and Caroline Steven.
the vibe
There was some great running and some interesting and at times humourous navigation. But the post race cameraderie was fab choices of footwear, biggest bum slides, deepest bog dip, and route selection and all were being enthusiastically discussed.
Ps some interest in Dartmoor Trail & Fell Running Services nav courses expressed!
A special thanks to our trio of marshals Helen Perry-Smith; Bev and Iain. plus superb Tim Mockford the tech genius who enabled .tracking the whole way through. hansk to the runners for some superb results and banter.
Coming up
Next race is Mar 15th – still looking for a half way marshal – winter pairs part 2 – starts Ppostbridge.
next race for summer series is Mar30th ( yes march! also Devon seniors selection- can we get a female team this year for intercounties?)- open for entries tonight
see you on the hills
Richard Best Tim Mockford and Colin Kirk Potter