Haglofs Open5 Adventure Race
A Connoisseurs' Open5 at Coniston
News Release / 11.04.2014
The finale in a stunning Open 5 series had a lot to live up to, with veteran planner Ant Cooper at the helm, and on Open Adventure's home ground - and it delivered. "A connoisseurs Open5 with weather to match" was how Team Mountain Hardwear's Alex Pilkington described it.
The rain & mist kicked in 24 hours before, and by the time the racers arrived Coniston was gleaming with rain. Spirits were not dampened however, and the event saw the longest entry list of the series too, with over 200 racers. The start & transition was at John Ruskin School, and they headed out on foot to the slopes of the Old Man, and by bike onto Broughton Moor & Blawith Fells, clocking up a fair mileage and finding not a little mud.
As ever the Lake District delivered challenging & varied terrain, from recently upgraded bike routes on the lake shore providing fast returns to the finish, to craggy and slippery slate on the fellside. The checkpoints on offer took competitors past the old quarries on Walna Scar, and navigating their way to the summit and through the slopes of the Old Man. On this occasion they were not rewarded with views, but with the joy of conquering the elements.
It was a good day out for Team Mountain Hardwear, who were rewarded with a 1-2-3 in the male solos. It was also a good day to prove that age is no barrier, with veteran racers on three podiums, and a very creditable 6th place in the female pairs for Helena Burrows, in her second race, and Carol McNeill, in her first - both 60+. Perhaps daughter Heather Burrows (2nd in the female pairs, with Rosemary Byde), should watch out!
Series places were also finalised in this race, where there was reward for consistency. Established pair Rosemary Byde & Lucy Harris won the female pairs, although Rosemary featured four times in that category in different pairings. Interestingly the three podium places in this category went to the only pairs who had raced three races, so perhaps a category to target for next season for the ladies. There was a win for Heather Burrows in the female solos, returning from "maternity leave" and great consistency with perfect (300) scores for Rosemary & Lucy, Chris Hope & Chris Steele in the Male Pairs, and Ian Furlong & Renee Saxton in the Mixed Pairs.
A hint of sadness perhaps as the season closes, with a fantastic race.... Open Adventure and Haglöfs will be back in November with a new series, and in the meantime visit our website for details of other events.
SleepMonsters
