Manx Fell Runners

Report by Rob Sellors

A resounding victory for Lloyd Taggart in the Manx Fell Runner’s race at Creg Ny Baa this morning brings the number of victories earned by him to a perfect 6 out of 6 in this season’s league.

Taggart made short work of the 8.5 mile course and over 2,700 feet of ascent, finishing in 1 hour, 8 minutes and 22 seconds and also taking the course record away from Simon Skillicorn (1:18:24 in 2007 over the same ‘reverse’ route). Taggart’s time today was 8 minutes ahead of second place Skillicorn (1:16:49) who fought hard with Nigel Armstrong (1:17:21) himself having to be content with third place. Good solid performances from Ian Gale, Peter Bradley, Brian Osborne ( who took the over 50‘s prize in spite of overcoming injuries) and Jackie Lee, provided a good competition for these experienced athletes with close finishes. Newcomer to the fells, Paul Sykes, together with Steve Partington and Rob Sellors fought hard together during the final ascent up Snaefell and completed the top 10 positions.

A tremendously powerful display of fell running from Lee was rewarded with an impressive 7th place overall, winner of the ladies race (1:24:55) and also seizing the women’s record, held by Cal Partington (1:40:11 in 2007). There were good races too from Rachel Holden (1:57:43) and Caroline Caren (2:00:29) who came 2nd and 3rd respectively in the ladies.

Runner up after Osborne in the over 50’s race was Rob Webb, following a very strong race, 13 minutes ahead of MFR chairman Richie Stevenson in third spot.

In spite of cold conditions, the lifting cloud and sunny periods meant hopes were high for the 44 runners who limbered up at the Bungalow for the start, and good visibility (which was denied in this same race last year) meant navigation was not a barrier to fast times, aided also by fairly dry slopes underfoot. Scaling the summits of Mullagh Ouyr, Slieau Lhost, Beinn-y-Phott, Carraghan and Snaefell provided a challenging course with two grueling climbs, the second from the footbridge over the Sulby River and up to Snaefell summit which proved a real test in the latter stages, but all runners enjoyed the long descents and comfortable running flatter sections which the course offered.

Well done to the marshals, timekeepers and officials who supported the event. The next fell race in the Rentokil sponsored league takes place on July 4th at Narradale, details here.

Further coverage including photos and video by Murray Lambden on manxathletics.com with full results here.

Filed under: Creg ny Baa