AM / 6 miles / 2400 ft - 24th July 2005 - RESULTS

Dan Golding (AAC) finishing second in the Coniston Country Fair fell race on Sunday 24th July 2005, an AAC club championship race. (Photo: Dave Robinson).

Over one hundred runners enjoyed ideal conditions for Coniston Country Fair’s Open fell race. A race last held in 1993 and previously won by the likes of Fred Reeves and Kenny Stuart, albeit over a different course.

It is a classic up and down fell race from the show field, in a glorious setting at Coniston Hall, on the shores of Coniston Lake, not far from Donald Campbell’s fateful crash site.

A crowd of over 2,000 visitors to the fair got the adrenalin of the runners going, with the start taking place in the main arena and the runners exiting via a race funnel through the crowds of onlookers, then away onto the fell crossing the Walna Scar track and on to the top of Coniston Old Man which was reached in 38 minutes by the leader.

The lead changed little on the return with the winner Alan Smith, who had travelled from Aviemore, winning in a time of 55 mins 32 secs, with local runner Dan Golding (from Coniston) second in 56 mins 4 secs.

First lady home in 25th place was Jessica Turnbull in a time of 67 mins 54 secs, with the second lady Rebecca Cash in 70 mins 13 secs.

Running clubs from all over the country were represented as can be seen from the results list overleaf. The only slightly surprising thing being the dearth of local teams.

The vet’s classes were very well represented and the team prize went to Settle.

Coniston Country Fair provided an excellent setting for the fell race and a very enjoyable family day out with plenty to do and see, including Herdwick sheep show, Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling, craft marquee, children’s sports, ferret racing, terrier racing, demonstration of local crafts, stick show, hound and terrier show, pet show, over 70 trade stands, side shows and refreshments.

Last but not least was the beer tent which was still going strong many hours after the fell race ended. The runners deserved it! We are indebted to our sponsors Langdale Country Club, Pete Bland Sports, Norman Garside and the Three Shires Inn, Little Langdale for their support and also the marshals / helpers on the day including Coniston Mountain Rescue who fortunately were not called upon for the fell race but who marshalled the top of the Old Man.

A full results list is available on the web site: www.conistoncountryfair.com

Next years date is Sunday 23rd July 2006.

See you there.

David Robinson
email: robinsondr@btinternet.com

NB: My apologies to Mr Dearnaley who should have won the O/60 vets prize but for my mistake and to those I may have incorrectly spelt their names. Some of the writing on the entry forms was difficult to decipher, we must have a lot of doctors running!