iROC - inov-8 Run Orienteer Cycle
Donnelly Blitzes the Fell Race
Rob Howard / 18.04.2009
It had been a cold night for those who camped, but the weather for the start was dry, if dull, and the temperature ideal for running. The competitors gathered on the start line for a briefing from Shane Ohly and he said, “It’s a hilly course, rough in places with some muddy sections, there are some fast tracks in places and a river crossing at the end.� Then the countdown on the clock (perched on a nearby tractor) began and the buzzer went to set the race off.
It began by crossing the reinstated bridge which was a major piece of work. New scaffolding and planking had been laid across the rotten trusses and the sound of the runners banging across the planks echoed across the site. Then they turned into the woods and uphill through a bank of wild garlic – it was a smelly start.
From here on the 13km route began the best part of the 900m of ascent, climbing steadily up onto the ridge above the quarry then straight back down again! It was a steep descent with the full extent of the quarry laid out below and as with all the races the route lead back through the start/finish area where the spectators were waiting to cheer everyone on.
Then the second loop began, shorter this time and climbing up past the quarry before dropping again and passing under the remains of a huge conveyer, one of the few remnants of the cement works still remaining. Here runners had to cross the river, it was only calf deep, but they were tired and it was cold. There was only one faller – Gill Watson taking a full bath as she fell on her back. She was OK, just cold and wet.
At the front of the race the outright winner was Morgan Donnelly in 1.03.07. He lead almost all the way and was never challenged. Second was Phil Winskil just over 2 mins behind and third was Jon Morgan. The leading lady was Anna Frost in 13th place in 1.14.46. (Full results are posted to the left.)
I asked Donnelly if he was doing all the races and his answer was, “I think so!� It will be interesting to see how many racers do manage to compete all the events and who comes out the strongest. Donnelly’s mountain marathon partner is Steve Birkinshaw who is the controller here and he does all the navigating. Donnelly added, “Steve’s persuaded me to do the orienteering events – he says they are easy.� He didn’t look so sure but set off to get ready and will soon find out how his navigation copes in a fast race – as will all those going on to do the orienteering.
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