Race Report

It is a classic up and down fell race from the show field, in a glorious setting at Coniston Hall, on the shores of Coniston Lake, not far from Donald Campbell’s fateful crash site.

A crowd of over 2,000+ visitors to the country fair got the adrenalin of the runners going, with the start taking place in the main arena and the runners exiting via a race funnel through the crowds of onlookers, then away onto the fell crossing the Walna Scar track and then on to the top of Coniston Old Man and back.

The weather was bright and breezy perfect for fell running

Alistair Dunn of Helm Hill won for the third time in a time of 53mins 25secs (slower than his record winning time in 2006 of 52.36), with Ben Abdelnoor (Ambleside) a close second in 53.43, with Mark Addison (Helm Hill) third in 55.46

First lady home in 15th place overall was Lisa Lacon( Holmfirth) a previous winner of the lady’s race in a time of 66.23, with the second lady/1st lady Vet 40 Kendra White ( Esk Valley) and 3rd lady S. Pike.

Helm Hill again won the team having four of the first five finishers.

1st MV40 was Paul Brittleton, 1st MV50 was Billy Proctor and 1st MV60 was Patric Gilchrist.

Celebrity runners included our local MP Tim Farron who finished in a respectable time of 89.15 beating his previous record and still had enough energy left to present the prizes.

Coniston Country Fair provides an excellent setting for the fell race and a very enjoyable family day out with plenty to do and see, including Herd wick sheep show, Cumberland and Westmoreland wrestling, craft marquee, children’s sports, ferret racing, terrier racing, demonstration of local crafts, stick show, hound and terrier show, pet show, over 70 trade stands, side shows and refreshments.

Last but not least was the beer tent which was still going strong many hours after the fell race ended. The runners deserved it!

We are indebted to our sponsors Norman Garside and the 3 Shires Inn – Little Langdale, for their support and also the marshals/ helpers on the day including Coniston Mountain Rescue who marshalled the top of the Old Man, our local Community Support Police officers and the friends who manned the entry desk/marshalled and helped with the day.

David Robinson
Green Bank Cottage
Little Langdale
Ambleside
Cumbria LA22 9NX

Tel:   015394 37360 | Mob: 07774 778615 | Email: robinsondr@btinternet.com