Coledale awaits British Champs hopefuls
A warm looking Coledale Horseshoe in 2009
This Saturday sees the long-awaited start of the 2012 British Fell Running Championships, with round one at the tough Coledale Horseshoe race in the Lakes. Starting from Braithwaite Lodge the route is a classic with runners and walkers alike.
Taking in such peaks as Grisdale Pike, Crag Hill, Sail and Barrow this one is a favourite amongst the fell fraternity due to its challenging but runnable nature, however the 3000ft of ascent in just 8.5 miles also tells a story.
Sail and Crag Hill from Grisedale Pike summit
Looking down the men’s and women’s start lists it more a case of who isn’t running than who is and we think that the course records of Simon Booth (01:11:25) from 2004 and Pippa (was) Jackson (01:27:52 ) from 2009, could be in trouble.
In the men’s race it’s almost a whos-who of current UK fell running with Rob Jebb, Joe Symonds, Lloyd Taggart, Morgan Donnelly, Ricky Lightfoot, Tom Owens, Carl Bell, Tom Adams, Ben Bardsley, Jethro Lennox, Steven Cale, Tim Davies, Andy Davies, Rob Hope, Ben Abdelnoor, Rich Roberts and Rob Baker all on the list.
Rob Jebb - in form in 2012
Okay we are not exactly hedging our bets here, but with some great runners who are all capable of winning it will be a tough one to call – as any 1 from 10 of the above could take it!
The women’s race could be a little more clean-cut as defending British Champion Pippa Maddams will probably be in the hot-seat. However, with a resurgent Angela Mudge, recent Lad’s Leap winner Emma Clayton, 2011 English Champ Lauren Jeska and Commonwealth 2011 silver medallist Tracy Brindley snapping at her heels, Maddams will need to be at her best. Helen Fines and Catriona Buchanan shouldn’t be far away from this lot either and former British Champion Natalie White is also down, making for a great women’s race in prospect.
Pippa Maddams at the Mourne Peaks race in 2011
Racing gets underway at 1pm for the ladies and 1.30 for the men, though if you fancy a run you’ll be disappointed as the race is full. Expect some expert tweeting from FRB on the day and further details can be sought on the FRA race page.
Reactions so far
orlando edwards Apr 14, 04:15 PM
Super looking field, almost bought a train ticket to Penrith after I read this! Wish I could’ve been there…