This weekend...
Rich Roberts at Ras yr Aran 2011
The Edale Skyline, Yr Aran and the Wrekin fell race are three stand-out races this weekend on the fells and hills of the UK. The Birnam Hll Classic takes place in Scotland, part of the Highland Boundary Series…
…which kicks off tonight with the River Tay Dash with the Birnam on Saturday and the Deuchary Hill Canter on Sunday.
Tomorrow also sees a Welsh classic taking place. Yr Aran is renowned for its unpredictable weather (when the clag comes down it can be a disorientating place) and its network of lines on the higher reaches, and local knowledge or at least a good recce or two is helpful. Still, the weather looks great for Saturday, so let’s hope that the MR teams won’t be troubled.
Edale - with more seasonal March weather!
If you are looking for a run at Edale this weekend you will be disappointed as the classic 21 miler, hosted by the Dark Peak club, is closed after reaching its capacity of 300 runners.
Also on Sunday is the excellent Wrekin fell race. Now in its 35th edition this one is a deceptively difficult event. Past winners include Simon Bailey, John Wild and Carole Greenwood – both of whom still hold the men’s and women’s records, with Wild’s dating back to 1980!
Simon Bailey @ Wrekin 2009
Other races this weekend include Wirksworth Incline in the Peaks, Blakey Blitz in North Yorkshire, Cleveland Survival up in the north-East and Rivock Edge in the Peninnes.
More info on racing for the rest of the year online from respective Welsh, English and Scottish associations here WFRA, FRA and the SHR sites. The weather looks superb for this time of year, so whether racing or just running on the hills for pleasure, enjoy!
