In a change from the traditional scorching hot day, Erme Valley Harriers had a selected a day a bit more conducive to running this year. The race immediately gets off to fulfilling it’s description, with a steep climb up to Western Beacon. Last year I overcooked it at this point, and paid for it on the biggest climb later in the course, this year I stayed behind Joe Lane – who set a sensible pace up the first climb.
After a brief hello to the marshals on Western Beacon, a speedy decent over grass, rocks and gorse leads to the second checkpoint in the valley. By this point Joe was well ahead of me, and there he remained for the rest of the race, soon disappearing from view.
From here the route climbs before dropping back to the Puffing Billy track for a short while. Normally the Puffing Billy completely fails to inspire any sort of motivation in me, however in this case I had a Cornwall Athletics runner on my heals and I was determined they were not getting past, they did a bit, then they didn’t, then they did and so until the route takes a sharp turn off the Puffing Billy and descends down the Eastern facing slope. At this point I could put in a bit of a gap between myself and the Cornwall Athletics chaser, however I pretty sure that was down to my shoe choice, rather than any fitness or skill.
A short run alongside/through the river leads to the biggest single ascent on the course – a long grassy ascent winding it’s way towards the top of Ugborough Beacon. I made up a couple of places, however these gains were short lived. Huge thanks to the marshals on the top, especially the one which had jelly babies! From there the route dips, with a stream crossing before climbing back up to Western Beacon, followed by. A fast descent to the road and a flat run into the finish at HQ, where in a further positive development since last year, chips were being served in the rugby club.
As per normal for this race, it was brilliantly marked and marshalled, and hats off to race director Chris Prall and Erme Valley Harriers for delivering a excellent race.
Results for the series have been updated, please double check them as entries happen on different platforms, and different race directors choose different categories. Please check that you have the number of races you expect, in the category you expect.
Adults (well U17 upwards) results can be found here.
Juniors (U15s and below) results can be found here.
A brilliant result in what must be our best to date showing at the Fell intercounties held in Rossendale on June 9th. here are a few photos of the brilliant runners and Hayley – the Junior Team managers report.
more great shots available at woodentops photography
Race report
A huge thank you to the parents and an enormous cheer to the nine young athletes who represented Devon at the UK Junior Fell Running Championships in Rossendale on Sunday 9th June.
Getting there..
Many travelled straight from the Exeter Arena Track where they were racing in the Devon Schools Championships, up north to near Manchester where we met at well-known hotel chain with an elitist name for our pre-race dinner. The camaraderie was immense from the very start of organising this team, with many messages offering lifts, kit , room shares etc .so it was great to finally meet the parents and share a drink.
The next day we travelled another 40 minutes further north in a convoy of Devon cars and arrived in Rossendale to be greeted by a cold wind and a quite a bit of rain. Why did we leave sunny Devon behind ?
Tough course
After walking the course and drying out a bit the U15s warmed up, the rain stopped, kit was checked and they were under starters orders. Boys and girls ran together – it was a brutal up and back course. A sharp 180m incline over the first km then a slight reprieve for 500m then another 500m incline up to the trig point at Cowpe Lowe (440m) only to turn around and head back down the incredibly fast decent to the finish. Devon was well represented.
U15 Girls Great team
The U15 girls Devon’s team included Elsie Goodspeed, Scarlett Muscott and Grace Gokhale. They put up a brave battle and finished 18th, 31st and 33rd out of over 50 female runners making then 6th team.
U15 Boys – the national champions!
Leo Dallmeier Cottle and Tim Falle formed our U15 boys team. Leo looked a bit bemused as after 300m he was right up at the front. He continued this form up the first super steep hill and onto the second hill where he turned at the trig point in 2nd place. Despite this being his second ever fell run Leo managed to hold his position down the v slippery treacherous decent and crossed the line in a superb second pace. Tim was on his heels and battled in for to cross the line in 4th place. However, shortly after the race ended it was announced that the winner was disqualified for not carrying all of the mandatory kit for the whole race – it was later confirmed he had passed kit to a spectator on the way up and collected it on his return. A rookie error for an experienced fellow runner which cost him his victory. This promoted the Devon boys into first place and third place and the maths isn’t hard – they also won the team prize. DEVON were FIRST and THIRD U15 BOYS and DEVON WON the U15 BOYS TEAM PRIZE! What an amazing achievement from two young fell runners in their first big fell running championships.
U17 Boys Promise
Our U17 Boys did not disappoint either – their race involved the initial 180m climb over 1k followed by an undulating trail for about 2k then a brutal climb to the cross on Scout Moor – 100m ascent over a distance of 500m. Talk about dead legs at the top ! It was then straight back down , along the trail and then down again to the finish. Although the rain had now stopped the down hill sections were pretty tricky underfoot! Luke Hayes finished a superb 7th, Theo Glew (in his first fell run this season ) was 12th and Aiden Spinney (who did the whole event hard core by camping the night before while we all stayed in a hotel ) was 38th. Great running which meant Devon U17 boys were 5th team. All three runners have another year in this age group so we hope we can build on these results next year.
U19 solo runner
Finally, Luke Stannus was our only U19 Devon. His 8.5 km course included was a combination of both U15 and U17 routes so it included all three of the hills. In a highly competitive race, and nursing a foot injury, Luke finished superbly to take 12th place, especially as he still has another year in this age group.
Managers thoughts..
It was a truly wonderful weekend. I’m so proud of our young runners who have helped put Devon the fell running map. It was great to hear other spectators commenting – who is that team in Blue – as our runners took on the course and challenged the best fell runners in the UK.
By all accounts it was a particularly tough course even for fell runners – so we can certainly hold our heads high and look forward to the next one. Hopefully we can get a few along to English Schools fell running championships at the end of the summer and keep on building on the successes of this weekend. But for now let’s congratulate our runners (and parents for getting them their) and keep on encouraging and supporting our juniors so we help them develop into the top fell runners I know they have the potential to become. It was an honour to be part of the weekend. Thank you Hayley Ratcliff
SWFellrunners says..
An amazing result. Firstly congrats to the runners for the effort in the race and the determination to train and give up a weekend to represent Devon. I would like to think that the series of races we have created for juniors, 8- races now, is helping build our community of hill runners. Next the parents and families – its a huge commitment not just in time but also in money – you are superb. Lastly Hayley the awesome team manager well done. lots more to be seen form these Devon runners – i wonder if you can spot them in the next series races?
Things are hotting up literally – just wish someone would tell the rain that! Three races now complete in the series with Gt Mis tor; Meldon and Langstone now all complete. Some great results and a few course records . Hope you enjoy John’s race report below and a couple of photos hope to get a report on Langstone.
Meldon – Race report and results
Well this is not the view they got as thunderstorms approached but lets hear the Race report – From Okehampton Running Club
Saturday 18th May, the first fell race of Okehampton Running Club Summer Series and the second race of the SW Fell Runners Series took place. Marilyn’s Meldon Madness was held in honour of Marilyn Cooper, former member of the club. Again this year the club was delighted to welcome five-time Olympian Jo Pavey and Marilyn’s son Peter who joined the race and presented the awards alongside Marilyn’s husband, Paul.
There was a great turnout for the two junior races with 19 competitors across the age groups and this year was run as qualifiers for the Intercounty Championships. The U11’s ran a 2km course up the steep Longstone Hill and back down to the Dam where they started. The U15’s ran a 4km course heading further on to the base of Yes Tor before returning to the finish.
SWFellrunners says – well done to Juniors especially Margot Goodspeed U11 who was a minute clear of the field. The first three U15’s all under 17min 10sec closely followed by another Goodspeed as First U15G . Brilliant running and the future of seniors . A special mention to Hayley Ratcliffe and coaches for all the behind the scenes work to muster a teams for the Intercounties in June. Great prize winner pic with jo Pavey!
Seniors- storm chasers
The Senior race started in a thunderstorm though fortunately it soon cleared! The route heads up to the summits of Yes Tor and High Willhays and returning to Meldon Dam via Black Tor. A challenging and technical course including sections of bogs, boulder fields, tussock grass, hidden holes and sheep trods- type 1 fun! The runners are rewarded with a super fast descent on springy grass to the finish!
Overall winner and ORC runner was Luke Stannus in just 37:52 (MU19). There were 6 Juniors running in the Senior race with 4 finishing in the top 5 spots. After the race the competitors received their prizes from the Cooper family and Jo Pavey and were delighted to have their photos taken with her. New ORC member Sarah Dean was awarded the Marilyn Memorial Bowl as first ORC female home. It was a lovely afternoon’s racing with the post-race cakes going down well!
SWfellrunners says.. Very competitive race with first 8 runners in a gap of less than 2 mins, the lead apparently changing many times but in form U19 Luke Stannus just beating James Baker from Chichester by 12 secs. Only 1 senior man in top 5 with 3 u17’s taking 3rd, 4th and 5th – watch out seniors think you may have to up your game! Great to see Charlotte Walker (TAC) continue her form setting a new ladies record for the course in 41m50 sec. Also a fab spicing up of the V50 ladies with Jo Pavey taking the win in her first race of the series.
Team results out soon , as will be Langstone race report.
Senior results below or go to tab on this site. Enjoy.
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.
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.
A great start to the Dartmoor Series on Saturday am Mar23rd at Princetown. With kind permission of the brewery we organised the race out of the back of a car- which given the weather was just as well. The conditions were raw with a basic 5deg further chilled by 35-40 knot head wind for the outward leg.
A small but talented field of 40 runners set off at 10am prompt, with kit, straight up North Hessary, already two small groups of 5 were breaking clear at the top with no need to yomp. Thankfully although blowing hard the rain /hail held off for most of the course. The leading packs making short work of the drop to Hollow tor and then up to Little mis. All runners made the cut off time at Little mis. Careful footwork by leading pack now Parkinson, Roberts and Deller puling away from the following pair.
Big ascent
The big climb from the weir head on the Walkham probably made a huge impact on times and positions, the leader Jamie Parkinson pulling away from Luke and Sam. Further down the field, skipping across clitter was costing more time and maintaining pace up to the lookout really challenging (+220m). The marshal at the lookout and dog Ozzy enduring a real battering from the wind was relieved to see last runner and sweeper through.
Descent with following wind
The times for all runners back was remarkable with 3 ascents done, a helpful push on the back of 35 knots was greatly appreciated, down to the road and sweeping them up to Hollow tor and onwards to North Hessary. At last a final short descent , which apparently was very hard to stay on your feet.
Super congrats to winner Jamie Parkinson in an incredible time of 49mins 25sec with both chasing runners in the next 2 mins. First U21 a brilliant 57 mins from James Palmer who had travelled all the way from Somerset to compete. First lady Elizabeth Dyson a very respectable 64mins 7sec. First team, goes to Tavistock Ac but chased hard by a strong ORC team.
Camaraderie
Great banter at the end with most runners staying to clap in the last runner and sweep. Banana fuelled recovery for all. Really great to listen to the comparisons on lines taken, where they had gained or lost position, niggles gained, mini rivalries won and lost. A pretty unanimous appreciation of the course which on map looked simple but had 4 nice but different climbs. A good selection race for Devon intercounties candidates who will be competing in Keswick on April 21st.
A super thank you to all involved runners, spectators and of course our marshals who may have needed thawing out.
The UK Fell Running Championships is on the 9th June in Rossendale.
It would be great if we can get teams for this event . U13 and above have an opportunity to represent the county in this big event . We would love to have county teams in all age groups for girls and boys. So, if you are interested in running at Rossendale please get in touch with Hayley. And that applies even if you cannot run at Meldon as the entries are already open .
So the series is nearly upon us but we thought you may be interested in some interesting facts about what it takes to ‘put on’ and ‘do’. We are pleased to have the support of a bunch of organisers and clubs that bring the series alive plus the army of marshals.
Last year we had over 500 senior runners compete.
Juniors
9 out of 12 races will have junior races to build on the huge success of last year with over 65 juniors competing. Lots of local success and many travelled to Intercounties and English schools. Distances range from 2k and 4k for the younger age groups, to 7k and 10k for the older juniors.
What if?
In total if you did every senior race you would complete 110k of running with 4252 metres of height gain. To put that into context from sea level that would be higher than climbing MT Toubkal in Atlas mountains – the highest peak in North Africa. Or if you left Lukla airport ( Nepal) it would take 89k of trekking to get to Sagarmatha (Everest) base camp climbing only 2504m. So you are going 20k further and 1800m higher ! ( oh for those that cannot follow routes you may go a little further…erhmm.)
Sagarmatha Base Camp, Nepal, Himalayas
How competitive?
We are very fortunate to have had GB standard, fell, trail and orienteers compete in the series. So if you are looking to push yourselves you may be rubbing shoulders with some talented runners. We also have a good club runner following but we would say the majority are keen to be outdoors running on great courses enjoying the camaraderie with friends.
First timers
Do not be afraid to take on courses as a beginner but take some sensible precautions, be able to run/jog the distance, wear good footwear, take some simple personal safety kit and if you can get a little of map reading in- it helps. You will enjoy choosing your running lines or just running with the pack. The courses are challenging but most courses are between 7 k and 12k so for most that means 45 mins to 1hr 40 mins of running. All the organisers are very approachable and helpful and you will find fellow runners helpful too. Most races have online entry, which also describe the route and what kit you need and are normally live about a month before the race – or more.
First up- Great Mis tor loop
We are starting the summer series in early as we need to select Devon teams for the intercounties. It is also a series and open race so do not be daunted. For the competitive if you are a Devon club runner we are looking for a male and female senior team to race in Keswick in April. Come and build on our tremendous county -the first race is Saturday morning March the 23rd from Princetown. Website live by 10th Feb.
The ground may be mush, well’ crusty with frost mush’ for the next few days but the series is nearly ready to go. There are a couple of date changes which are important to note- but the main 12 races are the same. The first series race will now be a month earlier as the Senior Intercounties is much earlier than expected and it is a selection race.
Winter pairs race – next year!
We are unfortunately not able to host three winter races, there are too many races in the calendar/ and i have run out of weekends!
Apologies the previously mentioned January 28th race will not go ahead. we will get ourselves sorted for next year.
Series date changes
Race 1. Devon AA Champs Course – Venue Princetown Sat March 23rd RO Richard Best- this is a seniors only counts as series race and Devon AA team selection (min age 18)
Note April 21st is Seniors Intercounties in Keswick Race 2 Meldon May 18th RO ORC (J) Note we hope this will be junior intercounties selection and Devon junior champs Race 3 Langstone May 25th RO TRP (J) Race 4 Buckland bounder 8th June Race 5 Burrator Horseshoe Sat 15th June (J) Race 6 Solstice – Merrivale Weds 19th June (J) Race 7 July 7th Cosdon RO ORC (J) Race 8 Haytor Heller Sat 20th July RO Teignbridge trotters Race 9 Postbridge Pootle Weds 24th July – this year maybe with visibility? (J) Race 10 Ivybridge 3Tops Wed 7th Aug RO Erme Valley Harriers (J) Race 11 Gt links tor flyer wed 21 Aug (J)
Race 12 East mill tor loop sat 21st Sept joint ORC/SWF (J) and series finale and presentations.
