Last week was super busy with championship and qualifying races. Great to see that Devon was represented by Tom Perry ( was Exeter Harriers now Dark Peak Fell runners) in the World junior Mountain trials. An amazing result and i am sure Tom’s local local running family are well chuffed. Enough from me – this is what Tom thought..
Tom’s account
‘Last weekend, I raced the GB u20 mountain running trials in Ambleside, which was the selection for the World Mountain Running Championships which will be held in Innsbruck, Austria in early June.
The race started fast, with a very strong field lined up (this race as well as being a GB/England Trial, was also an FRA junior race!). The course started in Rothay Park and winded up a steep road before heading up onto the fell. I got to the top of the first part of the climb in 5th place, feeling reasonably strong having tried to hold back a little on the climb. The course then followed an undulating track for around a kilometre before a short scramble and then we hit the final part of the climb up to the summit. I got to the top in 4th place, feeling a bit in the red zone, but confident that I could make up some ground on the descent. Off the summit I immediately moved into 3rd and had 2nd in my sights. After the initial steep part of descent, the course then followed another undulating track interspersed with a few bogs and stiles which was quite energy sapping late into the race. Just before the final steep descent back into Rothay Park I managed to overtake 2nd place and moved into an auto qualifying spot for Worlds. I pushed hard on the descent and was gaining on first but the finish came too soon!
It felt amazing at the finish, having finished in 2nd, and knowing I’d secured my spot for the World Championships in Austria, where I’ll be racing in U20 ‘up & down’ race on the 10th June. Achieving a GB vest in mountain running has been a dream of mine almost since I started running in the hills, so it feels incredible to achieve it in my final year as u20!
Close finish
The results show how fierce this competition was. Well done Tom! It really great to see the a local runner that has supported events from athletics, cross country, to Dartmoor Runners , to orienteering and of course the Dartmoor fell series. Get such an amazing result. Take note SW Juniors over the years we have produced some excellent international mountain runners.
Some of our local juniors are off to Shropshire on June 24th to take part in the junior Intercounties – good luck. And another big well done to Tom and family.
Well lots of you will have worked it out these are the majority of this years Dartmoor Fell series Race organisers. On race day they will be incredibly busy people so I thought I would go and get some of their views on the series and fell running. A couple more still to make a contribution but i am sure will offer some great insights.
This years newest race
So first up a big welcome to Jan Moore ( top right) for our newest race added to the series – ‘ I am Race Director for the Buckland Bounder which started in 2016, with help from a great team of people. The idea was to bring in more people to the summer fair. It has inspired many people from the village to enter it and it’s a great atmosphere at the finish when runners join in the festivities. ‘
What Jan failed to add is that she also contributes to marshalling at many events, this year the Buckland Bounder is June 10th, please support and of course, senior finishers get a of beer! See race calendar for details.
So next in clockwise direction is Chris Prall from Erme Valley Harriers who added a new race last year. What does Chris like about Fell Running?
‘ I love the low-key, non-commercial aspect to the sport, its only about one thing – trying your best on a challenging route, and usually (if you can find time to look) there are some awesome views. Its competitive but there is also great camaraderie.’
What do I get out of being a Race Organiser?
‘My first race as Race Organiser was last year in the new race Ivybridge 3 Tops, put on by Erme Valley Harriers. It was one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. Chatting to the runners after the finish, where everyone pretty much collapsed on the grass at the Ivybridge Rugby Club I could tell it was as tough to race as I’d hoped when I’d finally fixed the route. But everyone seemed to have loved the challenge in the spirit of Fell Running. It was also satisfying to put on junior routes as well to encourage the youngsters into a great sport – I wish I’d started Fell Running as a junior! Thanks’
A big thank you back to Chris and EVH and I am sure people are looking forward to the great evening race again. on August 9th, yep and juniors check out events or EVH site.
Yes all the way up there!
This was the only picture I had of Rees Jenkins who kindly took over the organisation of the Great Links Tor Flyer , this year, surely one of the most scenic and spectacular evening courses. Some previous quotes from Rees – he enjoys the camaraderie and simple , straight forward arrangements and of course maybe a ‘wet’ after.
A big thank you to Rees and his team of helpers I am sure he has this year well organised look forward to it on Aug 23rd. yes juniors too.
Changing how we get Results
Check out tim’s tips below on recording and timing, TimMockford has been at the centre of SWfellrunners since it started. I asked Tim to tell us a bit more about the race timing that he does and supports so amazingly. He has done so in following article – it’s got great detail but what he doesn’t say is how calm . dedicated and well prepped he is to help make race organisation on the day so much more efficient! Thank you
Tim on Timing!
Fell race timing is much the same as timing any other race, except that the locations and weather have a tendency to be more challenging. The main factor when deciding how to time a fell race is finish line density, and whether intimidate check points are required. For straight forward, finish line only timing the options are usually some form of chip timing, or manual timing or a hybrid.
Chip timing for fell racing tends to take one of two forms, UHF RFID or sportident, however it will be interesting to see how bluetooth timing develops and whether this takes off in fell running. It has an advantage over UHF RFID and sportident in allowing contactless intermediate checkpoints with very little in bulky kit and each marshal can be a checkpoint just by having a mobile phone on them.
Manual timing is an art form, and I am in awe of those who either individually or in teams manage to do the impossible and record numbers and times without becoming flustered. The downside being that either the time required to process results or the increased team size needed for rapid results processing.
Hybrid is my preferred way of timing start/finish only fell races as it keeps costs low, gives many of the benefits of chip timing but with considerably less expense and kit to lug around. This method consists of an app (Webscorer being one of the most common, but others are out there) on which the timer “ticks off” runners as they pass the finish. Runners and organisers have instant results, and (in theory at least) any errors can be swiftly remedied.
Lastly, two essential additions for fell race timing have been an extra person to chase that runner who crossed the line with their number lost on the hill / in their car / under their jacket, and a GoPro setup to record the finish, for when either technology or human failure or error occurs.
A huge thanks to Tim for opening my eyes to ‘tech’ really making it better for organisers, showing me a better way and speeding results for runners. Bravo
A Running career
Last year Dave Chanter very kindly added a new local race ‘Langstone fell race‘ a superb village based course. This year on May 27th at 4Pm and has juniors. So here are Dave’s thoughts .
‘The morning after the race is always a bit of an anti-climax. No more course recces, no more worrying about volunteer helpers, no more medals and trophies and numbers to buy, no more last-minute details to attend to. What happens is you have the crescendo and then its over, you have lost your desire to create the best event that you can. For me as a race organiser there’s probably more joy in seeking than attaining.
Why go through all the ups and downs with all the effort it took to share all your excitement and love of running with others? Is it a quest for kudos or is it a genuine desire to put back into running what it has given to you over the years as an athlete. As I finalise the preparation for the upcoming Langstone Fell Race before looking forward to organising my 20th Peter Tavy Plod later in the year I believe and hope that it is the latter.’
It is really great to be able to have an organiser with such an athletics pedigree , founder of TRP, England Athletics Endurance group coach and a stack of qualifications. Thanks for embracing the series and getting what runners want.
We have included the Haytor Heller in the series and although it is now not the longest or the most height gain it is certainly the most popular and challenging. Please meet Bon Rymel who i must say looks way too relaxed as Race Director for Teignbridge Trotters.
A few words from Bon on what it’s like organising a fell race. “Where to start, my love of running just makes organising this event more of a hobby as opposed to a chore. When you go to races and keep seeing the same faces and the sense of community, it really does make it all worthwhile. This year has been challenging as all races seem to be down on numbers from previous years, I guess the cost of living is having an affect in all areas” What I love about running “That’s a tough one to answer, I love the feeling I get when I run, I love the feeling I get after a shower after a run, and what I love the most is that I can eat what I want and not have to worry about counting calories, haha”
Thanks Bon for a huge team effort putting the largest field of the series, sounds like also eating the most calories and i am sure there will be huge interest in this years event on July 15th.
Well with Tim and myself, Colin Kirk Potter has been central to establishing the Dartmoor Fell series and SW Fellrunning. Colin is Race organiser for Summer Solstice on June 21st and the Postbridge Pootle on July 27th – when not organisers all the adventures for Run Venture . A few wise words from Colin.
‘Running is a broad church and fell running is just another aspect of running. It’s less about fast metronomic cadence and more about route choice, the ability to climb and more importantly; descend over rough ground. It’s less of a race against each other and more a race against nature which means it’s more inclusive as winning is less important. It’s not for everyone but suits a different crowd.
Putting on events on Dartmoor means I get to share my passion for running in the National park. The lack of medals, road closure costs and general nonsense that often engulfs major events means there is less pressure on organisers to charge high entry fees, and means the focus is more in just running in open spaces for fun!’.
A big thank you to Colin and all the support he gives and musters. Hope people have seen his up and coming talk on the Bob Graham Round if not check out Run Venture site and also check out his new book!
So we also have Ian Ripper from Okehampton Running Club organising the Cosdon beacon race on July 9th ( careful limited entries 50 – so be quick) note they also have 3 other races not in the series- they are great too!.
We are also still trying to organise an away race on – in Kernow as part of series. ( because its a great course, and we have a great travelling Cornish contingent) . so keep your eyes peeled for our Sept 16th event.
I would also like to put a shout out to Ceri Rees who has helped with Yar tor race and competing and building the ‘wild running community’. We do like to switch races around in the series to keep it fresh.
Its the runners and the hills
So lastly me Richard Best , top left. Most will know when I have had a hand in a new course like the recent Meldon Skyline, always trying to give a great view, challenging route that involves navigation choice but most of all creating a relaxed enjoyable supportive feel to to the atmosphere of the day. I get a real buzz seeing the growing community, especially the strength of juniors ( hats off to a few clubs especially ORC) and seeing people learn about safe enjoyable running in the hills and meeting their own challenges.
My next 2 events are Burrator Horseshoe June 24th ( has juniors), this is the 25th year for this event and of course the series finale based at Belstone – East Mill tor Loop on Sept 30th ( has Juniors).
oh – Just a shout out still looking for Marshals ( they are like gold dust to us organisers for Burrator please get in touch)
I hope you have got a better idea of who are behind the races. A big thank you to the time they give to help build our community of competitive/ friendly hill running. If you can please support by running or helping for a few hours.
Well there was a little bit of stuff going on this weekend including so many fell trial races, junior uphill, world junior selection and the intercounties at Sedbergh. Despite us having a very well supported Devon trial on the day we only had a solo runner in the men’s race. The course although not too technical is steep and super fast and 14k and 700+ m of climb with kit!
All credit to Sam Deller , who won the Devon champs and has been a keen supporter of the Dartmoor fell series, for a sterling performance in a top class field which also featured teams from NI, Scotland and Wales.
Sam’s account
‘Standing behind the calibre of Fell runners at the inter-counties this year was sure to make the 1100ft climb in front of us become a mammoth of a challenge, the pace was blistering from the offset. Taking on Arant Haw at 606 metres followed by a steep ramp up to Winder at 473 metres. The descent of Winder could easily be described as one for track runners, it was by no means technical meaning that you could go that much faster. My legs allowed me to cover 0.90 of a mile in 4 minutes & 50 seconds, only to later read that first place ran the same descent in 3 minutes & 59 seconds. Speed kills. After the descent I was more than happy for the race to finish – it did not. The death march began as I went for the second loop. To see men on all fours as their bodies no longer allowed them to climb the second time around set a scene of chaos that un-folded out there. It was a great race & all of the support was fantastic on the day. 28th out of 91 males will do this time around.’
The impact of the laps at the intercounties are legendary as the pace is so intense. Plus although we have hills to be proud of – the length of climbs and gradients of descent will really test local training. A super result well done Sam.!
Joe Lane in action on East mill tor race 2022 a little fresh breeze too!
Latest update a few changes– to help organisers we have had to alter 2 races – Princetown race will no longer run in the series( may be back for winter series) and dropping into its pace is the Buckland Bounder on June 10th – another great village race. Please also note that Burrator is now the 24th June.( back to its village start)
Thanks to the great enthusiasm of last years runners ( over 600 plus runners in senior series) and the keen enthusiasm of host race organisers and clubs – we are please to announce the dates for next years series. Plus we hope that the series will be 12 events – ( we are waiting on confirmation on 2 races) So we hope you can have best 9 races from 12 for the series scoring.
Most of the races will have minimal or no marking as they are fell races and picking your line is part of the fun!
So here are the events and dates ( any further details check with each race), hopefully all races will be taking 100+ runners. Any amendments we will post as soon as we know or as entry sites become live. Enjoy!
Sat (early) Mar 25th – Meldon Skyline – from Meldon – also Devon AA Champs ( selection for intercounties) 12.5k 610m of climb, will require some kit to be carried – unmarked but marshalled. R/O Richard Best SWFR
Sat 27th May – Langstone Fell Race – Peter Tavy- 6miles and two very nice hills , with a lovely village finish – R/O Dave Chanter TRP
Sat June 10th _ Buckland Bounder – Buckland Monachorum – we think with an extra hill on the route – great village event R/O Jan Moore
Weds 21st June – Solstice fell race – Merrivale – lovely ridge run with a few bumps and a nice pub finish- R/O Colin Kirk Potter Run Venture
Sat 24th June – Burrator Horseshoe – Meavy – mid afternoon race and the usual Meavy Oak fair – R/O Richard Best SWFR – Date change
Sun 9th July – Cosdon – from Belstone on same day as village fete- where else can you compete at egg-throwing after a race- R/O ORC
Sat 15th July – Haytor Heller – surely no intro needed- one of the toughies but what an awesome valley – R/O Bon Rymel Teignbridge Trotters
Weds 26th July – Evening race – Postbridge Pootle from Postbridge car park – greatly enjoyed by many last year- R/O Colin Kirk Potter Run Venture
Weds 9th August- evening Race – Ivybridge 3 tops – the hottest race of last year and quite a toughie – R/O Chris Prall EVH
Weds 23rd August – evening Race – The Gt links tor Flyer- super course with one particularly long climb R/O Rees Jenkins SWFR
Weds 13th Sept – evening Race – Hopefully subject to discussions an interlude on Bodmin moor ( if not we have a back up) R/O Toby Lowe
Date change -now Sat 30th Sept ( early) – East Mill tor from Belstone – with series presentations post race – R/O Richard Best – see You on the hills!
A big thank you to Rees Jenkins taking over as Race Director – well done!. Thank you to marshals and North Dartmoor Search and Rescue for back up on Gt Links and Brat tor. In spite of pre-race downpour the cloud lifted and only slight wetness to the air which made running a little cooler than of late.
Juniors
A smaller field than normal but still some great running…
Seniors
Colin Kirk Potter said a few words for the recent passing of Dartmoor Runner Simon ‘Rambo’ …. which was followed by applause from all. ON On Rambo!
A good field of 76 runners set a fast pace to the top of Great Nodden, round the two cairns for setting back down the loose track to the ruined tinners hut. Already the filed was well spread out but with the first 20 runners making a nice ‘conga’ line up the long slope to Little links.
So the East Mill Tor race was one of the best photographed fell races in the series! See below for photos from one of the marshals on the course and from the finish. Thankyou to all those who took photos.
Finale! East Mill Tor Loop 15th Oct and presentations!
We have had quite a few emails from runners that could not get into restricted number events. Its a great sign of support and success for these events but for some impacting on their series position.
Still remaining are
Gt links Tor Flyer on Aug 24th – entries open ( max 200)
Sourton tor on Sept 7th – limited to 50.
New race – Oct 15th – Series Finale ( max 250)
We have decided to run an additional ‘finale’ event’ on afternoon of Oct 15th. Still the same number of races to count just an extra one to choose from – so seniors best 7/11 and juniors best 6/10.
There are reasons why we have chosen the date to avoid other races now it no longer falls the day before expected westward league at Plymouth – so you can clean your kit and have it all fresh for this event!.
New race
Belstone tor on the route
Full details will appear in 2 weeks. But simple plan is for 3:20pm junior races; 4pm senior race which will be approx 10k and have 380m climb – including Belstone tor, Oke tor, east Mill tor, winter tor and back via Watchett hill. – FUN!
We expect to do ‘whole series’ presentations at 5:30 based at the Tors pub. So hope you can get date in diary. https://thetorsinn.co.uk/
It was the first time we have used this course- a big thank you to Race Director Colin Kirk Potter and a stunning team of marshals #rememberitsafellrace . The course was set on yet another stunning Dartmoor evening so not much navigation tested just amazing scenery. Great addition to the series with a very swift presentation as a cloud of midges descended on everyone.
The course
Pootle course
A narrow path with 7 , ‘one person’ wide bridges in the first 400 yrs made for an interesting start – that said no reported ‘offs’ or elbow incidents. The course rises quite quickly though Braddon Lake to Braddon tor at 500m height ASL. A ridge of 3 tors followed before the Powder Mills farm.
A short little dip through the site brought you back to the last mile of open moor before the final mile of mostly level forest track took you back for a swift finish.
The Race
An early pack was naturally spread out with 7 runners clearly in contention. The course although reasonably steep was always runnable and some fine sheep trods made for quick descents. The descent from Longaford tor through to powder mills farm – yes the home of the ‘Hairy hands legend!’- was remarked on by may runners as being ‘fab’ with the gradient behind you and just enough granite boulders meant you needed to keep your wits about you for a fast descent. Clear gaps in the front pack with the eventual winner a minute clear from his chaser before the fast mile of forest track.
First lady Elizabeth Dyson Haldon Runners 50:54 – Awesome
2nd Lady ( &V50) Sharon Daw Run Venture
3rd Lacy (&V60) Jenny Nash Run Venture
1st team Mens’ Okehampton Running Club
1st Team Ladies Run Venture
Total of 98 finishers well done all
Great running again from Ceri Rees taking another victory, and great to see a new face from Tamar Trotters take second.
A personal view from Perran Trail runner Toby Lowe
Toby in action at Soltise Fell race
A superb new course, part of the Dartmoor Fell Race Series, featuring a lovely 1 and a half mile climb up onto the moor, before a superb section linking three tors together before dropping down into Bellever forest and the finish. My legs were still feeling it a bit from The Plague 100k a week and a half ago, but happy with the way that I ran and 21st overall | 2nd in Age Cat. Best bit was the power up High 5 from Zach near the start. The Dartmoor Fell Race Series is delivering some superb races. It would be great to see more of the Cornish running community attending them – I can confirm that you’ll get a warm welcome from our brethren across the border. It’s good, hard, honest racing
Thanks for the support Toby and the ‘Kernow’ crew.
Did not expect that moment…
Check out this link to a great short video clip https://www.facebook.com/groups/76407478001/user/532460206/ of one runner caught between 2 herds of cows – that had temporarily joined in the race – very calm under pressure- well done Joe Lane ORC and Rebecca McWass for catching the moment.
