British champs to go down to the wire... (updated)
This Saturday sees no ordinary day at the annual Black Mountain Race. This year it’s the final round of the 2010 British Fell Running Champs and the men’s title is still up for grabs, with Rob Hope and Tim Davies the main players…
As the protagonists line up in Llanbedr for this tough 17 miler, the connotations for who will be in with a chance of winning the title will be added to due to the character of the race. The Black Mountains are often subject to difficult navigational conditions, and with the event running in the Autumn the weather could play a huge part in deciding the title.
Robbie Simpson and Lloyd Taggart also lay in wait on the championship standings, should there be any mishaps for the favourites.
“There are all sorts of connotations and potential winners depending on positions on the day”, says championship leader Rob Hope, who is aiming for a 4th British crown on Saturday, “but crucially I only have to win if I need to stop Tim Davies winning. I know Tim is in good shape and I ‘m going to have to be at my best down there. I just hope that the clag machines are off!!”
Championship leader Hope at Dollar Hill earlier this year
The women’s title is all but won for Pippa Maddams, after another convincing year. The Keswick AC runner just needs to hold her nerve and another British crown will be hers. The racing for the medals once again up for grabs, with Clare Whitehead, Lauren Jeska and Helen Fines all in with a shout.
One thing is for sure, there will be some great racing in South Wales this weekend and the 2010 British title winners will indeed be Champions…
Pippa Maddams at Silent Valley
