Festive racing...
The Brownlee brothers at Auld Lang Syne 2011
As the world winds down for Christmas, the fell and trail runners of the UK will be out and about hitting the hills, whether racing, training or just working off that Yuletide excess. The race scene stops for no one and there are a glut of great races to get stuck into between now and 2013…
Firstly, will Ali and Jonny Brownlee be allowed to risk their million dollar legs at one of the best races of the year? They have pretty much turned up year after year for the Auld Lang Syne race, but after gaining Olympic and World Tri Champion status in 2012, a gnarly fell race might have the heads of British Triathlon covering their eyes!
Still, being the free-spirited, feet on the ground Yorkshire hard-men that they are, we suspect if that they will be there on the 31st of December, mixing it with some of the countries’ best. The start list is full of top men and women and can be seen here.
Rob Jebb at Wansfell 2011
Prior to that there is the Skirrid race this weekend in Wales and the Cruim Leacainn Hill Race nr. Fort William on Boxing Day. There is also the Guisborough Woods race on the North York Moors and Wansfell in the Lakes on the 27th, then next Sunday (30th) the Festive Disorientation (formerly Peak ‘o’ Trial) in the Peak District and the excellent downhill Jubilee Plunge race, with a 1500 plummet from the summit of Moel Famau in north Wales.
Runners at the Morning After 2012
Going in the other direction on New Years day is the Aonach Mor uphill race at the Nevis Range Ski Centre in Fort William. The 1st of Jan also sees a plethora of races in England and Wales, including the Llyn Llydaw race in the bowl of the Snowdon massif, the Morning After race in Church Stretton and a host of races from the Pennines to the Isle of Man, all listed here on the FRA.
So, you see, fell running is for life, not just for Christmas. Have a good one, from all at MST!
Reactions so far
Alan spurr Dec 21, 11:24 PM
The Brownlees could just be a sideshow
ALS. Lookthe quality of the ladies field, with young Annabel Mason in her 1st real battle against some of the best fell running females around. The race was full 3 days after being open to enter, but should be a fantastic spectacle for those of you not fortunate to be running. Happy ChristmasGwynfor James Dec 22, 01:57 PM
Does anyone know when the entries open for next years rzce please?