It was almost a perfect day for racing. It was not too hot, it was dry underfoot and the only drawback was a strong head wind on the top. Being both a British & an English Championship race, it brought all the top runners in the UK together. The first runner home was Finlay Wild who broke the long standing record for this race set by Colin Donnelly in 1988. Not only did he break the record for the race, but he cycled over from Oxenholme in the Lake District after catching the train down from Fort William. What probably spurred him on to this new record time was the fact that he was being hotly pursued by Daniel Haworth of Matlock AC who came home in second place. It was an inncredible performance from these two athletes. This was fell racing at its best. These two were followed by Matthew Elkington of Ambleside AC
What was also remarkable was that the fact that the fourth runner home was an MU23 and is only 18 years old. It was Finlay Grant of Dark Peak. This young man has a very bright future in the sport.
In the ladies race, Sarah Willhoit was leading at the summit cairn, but on the descent, she was passed by race winner Hannah Russell and second place Nicola Jackson.
Behind the first three, Sharon Taylor put in a good performance to finish first FV40and Eve Pannone was first FU23 in 7th place.