Dunnerdale Fell Race

A few weeks ago, Craig Smith of Keswick AC described to me Dunnerdale  as a smaller version of the Langdale Horseshoe, and a fell race that I would enjoy...........well I beg to dither, I would describe it as Four little Ben Nevis's!!

As soon as my feet left the road and onto the fell I was in trouble, maybe I had set off too quick, but what ever it was I knew for the next 50 minutes it was going to be a struggle. I was relieved to reach the first checkpoint thinking that most of the climbing was done. No such luck. It was only the first of four little steep climbs.
I was feeling absolutely done in, and other runners were streaming passed me all the time. This continued till the last half mile where a bit of power retuned to my legs and lungs and I managed to over take 3 of them before the finish.Never have been so glad to see the finish line, you would think that I had ran a marathon, not 5 mile and 1800ft of climb.
I finished in 41st position in a time of 49.05.
Four other Eden runners had made the trip into Lancashire (only joking ) for the race, one of them been Sam Ware, who sometimes runs with me and Steve Bennett on a Wednesday night. After telling Steve of Sam's good run, it was agreed that we need to find someone slower to run with now!

I always find these short races hard and even so I found this one tough, it was a good way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Great pie at the end is enough for me to give it another go next year.

Verdict. More fell miles and hills needed.

I'm not sure if Craig Smith reads this blog, but if he does, you should do the Great Lakes Run, its a bit like Latrigg!!

The photos below were taken by Luke Appleyard. Thanks.

Kim Colinson

Sam Ware

Still cursing Craig Smith

Gary Johnson

Andy Ramsay