Manx Fell Runners

Race report by Richie Stevenson

Manx Harrier`s Nigel Armstrong continued his outstanding late season form when he took the honours in Saturdays Sean Craig sponsored North Barrule Fell Race, his second consecutive win following  success in the recent James Coulson event.

The race was the final round in the 2010 Rentokil Fell League and it attracted a sizeable field of 38 runners which included 3 juniors and 4 female competitors.

Conditions were just about perfect over the 3.5miles out and back course with the only problem being the brisk southerly head wind on the final ridge run to the summit.
As early as the outward crossing of the Rhowin Road a quartet had moved clear at the front consisting of Armstrong, reigning fell champion Simon Skillicorn, “Onion” Gale and Peter Bradley.  As the terrain steepened Armstrong began to ease ahead and at the summit he turned for home with a small advantage of around 15 seconds over Skillicorn.
with Bradley and Gale still close behind.
The return leg is a severe test as it requires great strength to run at pace over the steep and extremely rough terrain although the leaders were making it look relatively easy as they stormed down the hill. Back at the finish Armstrong burst into view with an extended lead that had grown to exactly one minute over runner-up Skillicorn. He in turn had been put under great pressure by third placed Bradley who without doubt recorded his best result on the fells to date. The fact that he was able to relegate “demon” descender Gale to 4th place was proof of his excellent performance.

Next to arrive was Paul Sykes who has surprised and pleased everyone, including himself no doubt, with his excellent sequence of results in his first full season on the fells. The Douglas Postman and 6th placed Steve Partington were under severe pressure from Oliver Lockley until the talented junior missed the turning into Ballure.  He ended up running a slightly extended course which ruined his chance of a top six placing but he was by no means the only competitor to slip up here. Even with his unscheduled detour he still finshed first junior in an excellent 7th overall

Top lady was Julie Cretney who just got the better of Rachel Holden with Caroline Caren next followed by Alison Corlett. Impressive stuff from the girls.

There were a number of outstanding performances further down the field. Topping the list must be juniors Shaun and Jason Moore who coped with the tough course brilliantly.
Two other runners who are creating quite an impression in their debut season are Glen Weir, who continued his good form to finish in 10th position, and Geoff Hampton who in only his 4th race was top over 50 finisher.
Final positions in the 2010 Rentokil Manx Fell League will be announced shortly.
Many thanks to sponsor Sean Craig, to all the marshalls and helpers, and to the landowners for access.

Full results here

Filed under: North Barrule