Event Report
by John Slater - Planner and OrganiserI’m glad to say that the Cumbrian weather welcomed this event back after its overlong absence and the 55 competitors enjoyed a cold clear November day and some great views. Based this year from Whinlatter Visitor Centre the three courses headed north over the fells surrounding the Wythop valley and were treated to a mixture of terrain challenges but mostly fast runnable open fells.
Winner Steve B heads for the final control.....
On the Long course WCOC’s Steve Birkinshaw just beat OMM Elite winner Brendan Bolland by 80 seconds over the 19km course but was actually just ahead all the way round. First Veteran was Kendal AC’s Phil Clark whose name features frequently as a previous victor on the Joe Long Memorial Trophy though Jim Davies would likely have had the honour had he not missed a control. Borrowdale's Liz Cowell was first lady and also had the fastest split down from the last control to the finish.
The 14km Medium course was won comfortably by WCOC’s John Noblett who was also first veteran. Angela Brand-Barker was first Lady and fourth overall.
The 9.5km Short course was dominated by some of WCOC's highly promising juniors with Bobby Hagan edging Lewis Taylor by just 32 seconds. First Lady was the highly talented Charlotte Watson who was fourth overall, just 5 minutes behind the winner and in front of first Veteran, Ray Wren of Border Liners.