Manx Fell Runners

Full Race Report thanks to Rob Sellors

In a record time of 18 minutes and fifteen seconds, Lloyd Taggart increased his dominance of the manx fells, having smashed 3 course records already this season at Snaefell, Glen Mona and the Manx Mountain half marathon. Friday evening’s assault on Carraghyn fell, 1100ft  of tough climbing from the road at Injerbreck, seemed to afford little challenge for the 40 year old manxman who even opted to undertake a full practice run of the course 30 minutes before the race began to ensure familiarity of the route. All this comes less than a fortnight after he competed in the British Championships Silent Valley mountain race in Northern Ireland and took 5th place as well as his terrific victory in the Manx Mountain half marathon a week earlier. Taggart will be looking to continue this top form as he takes on Coniston fell race, Bank Holiday weekend (also in the British Championships) and attempts to defeat 8 times winner Ian Holmes to improve his own previous 2nd place in 2007.

Although reaching the summit, some two minutes earlier, Taggart was pursued by Simon Skillicorn, eager to return to his true form who took second place in a hugely impressive time of 20 minutes, 26 seconds, just some 13 seconds behind his previous best on this race in 2007. Current Manx fell running champion, Skillicorn, battled with Tom Cringle throughout the climb and although a strong runner on steep descents, Cringle couldn’t quite bridge the gap and finished in a most creditable third place in a time of 21 minutes and 11 seconds.

Ian Gale, Peter Bradley and Brian Osborne fought their own battle with Gale thundering down through the plantation to take fourth spot and also the over 40’s title, just 10 seconds ahead of Peter Bradley, himself a force to be reckoned with following some great results recently, who took 5th place. Osborne returned to the fells with his usual grit and determination, following a prolonged injury and will certainly be pleased with 6th place position and winner of the veteran 50’s title. Winner of the vet 60’s race and 14th place was Dave Young, the grandmaster of the manx peaks.

Jackie Lee continued to demonstrate her talent and expertise on the fells in smashing the women’s course record, set by Cal Partington in 2005 of 25 minutes and 8 seconds. Lee (also taking part in the Coniston fell race in Cumbria next weekend) produced a splendid time of 23 minutes and 29 seconds, which afforded her 7th place overall. Second place for the ladies went to Caroline Caren (31,15) with Christine O’Shea taking third in 31, 42).

A sunny, yet chilly evening with dry slopes and little wind provided ideal conditions for the 38 fell runners in this stunning location. This was an impressive turn-out for the sixth race in the Rentokil sponsored Manx fell runners league. All credit once again to the organisers, marshalls and land owners.

The next fell race on May 16th is over the Creg-ny Baa course, starting at the Bungalow on the Mountain Road. Taggart will possibly be looking to challenge the course record set in 1989 by Keith Callister.

Full results here, photos by Steve Partington and Stan Hall

Filed under: Carraghan