Untitled - Dark Peak Fell Runners

to run on. It was a foot underwater, but at least you didn't slideabout.I began to wort- my way -forward a bit and tried to settle downafter a rather desperate start. After about three and half miles ofmud and wet grass, a little voice at my elbow says "Hello Mum!" andlopes of, with apparently little effort. At 5 miles this will be thelongest race he has done, and it looks as if he is going well. "Welldone. Keep it going." I called, as he vanishes through a gap in aHawthorn hedge.As we approached Thorpe Cloud again, along the east bank of theDove, I noticed Joan about ten yards ahead. A determined push broughtme just behind her, where I decided to stay until the final hill. Thenif I could really get stuck in•n the way up to the finish I managed to find a relativelyunmuddy route. The better traction enabled me to pull past Joan and tohang on until head down and teeth gritted I ran (?) into the back ofthe queue for the finish. The funnels were far too small to cope, anda line of runners stretched two hundred yards down the hill. As manyof those behind me seemed to want to run all the way to the finish, myposition of 707th is not entirely meaningful, but in a field of 1500 Iwas fairly satisfied. David was &25th, and Peter was a genuine 212th.Other DPFRs who took part were Joan 710th and Ben Hodges 250th.TrishKohn.CUTTHROAT RELAY : 20.10.84In the Strines Pub afterwards hot soups and toddies were ingreat demand and a lot of jostling was experienced around the firearea. In the afternoon blue skies and bright sun were seen but at10.30am, I have to say conditions were tempestuous; even allowing forthe exuberant hyperbole of most fell runners the brutalized bodies atthe finish epitomised the views normally seen after 3 hours on thefells, not a mere sprint.The ladies were attacked by hailstones on Ladybower Tor anddespite the severe west wind blowing them off the path Jane emergedwell clear of Chez to give the Worsell team a lead they neverrelinquished. Billy Wilson reduced the deficit for Gerry's team withan excellent run, but with Steve Clayton going walkabout it was leftwith Bob Toogood to try and close on the Italian ace Farnel1i. Despiteanother good run by Battling Bob Berzin, Martin hung on well to ensureChris had 'Worselled' again. With Tony Trowbridge showing hisrehabilitation is almost achieved, places were exchanged on the lastleg. (There is a rumour that Andy Moffat is to change his name to Kohnfor next year's family prize)Many thanks to Alan Sanderson for pushing people up the hill andNeil Goldsmith for timing. As for me it was a great excuse to get theporridge out for the first time this year and reflect that despitevery adverse conditions the course was reasonable and the spirit offell running can be enriched by such an integrated club event.23