Yorkshire's hardest Fell Race

26th April 2008

 

The Three Peaks Fell Race in Yorkshire, combining the peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough is an ideal setting for picturesque racing with some of the worls'd best.

This year the event was also a World Mountain Running Championship Event meaning there were plenty of overseas competitors to head for the top spots.

We went to support Tom Edwards (Dark Peak Fell Runners) and Rob Little (Dark Peak Fell Runners) on the way round the incredible course which covers 24 miles of the most rugged and spectacular countryside in the Yorkshire Dales National Park and takes the competitors to a height of 2,500 feet above sea level.

 

 

The course record is held in a stupid time of 2 hours 46'03 by English International Andy Pierce (Bingley).  The women's record of 3hours 16min 17sec is held by another English international Sarah Rowell, but was broken by 2 minutes this year by Anna Pichrtova from the La Sportiva/ X-Air Ostrava Team from the Czech Republic. 

The men's race this year was won by Jethro Lennox from Shettleston Harriers in a time of 2hours 53'39. 

Rob Little was in a great position in the top 20 on the summit of the last climb up Ingleborough but unfortunately got cramp on the way down which ruined his descent leaving him to settle with 105th position (3 hours 35'08).  Tom Edwards had a cracking race, finishing in a commendable 183rd in 3 hours 52'29.

 

 

A spectacular race in the Fell Running calendar but perfect conditions with a little wind and warmth for all runners.