Mourne Highline British Fell Championships Race
Report by Rebecca Patrick
On Saturday 14th April, fifteen Todmorden Harriers flew to Northern Ireland to take part in the Mourne Highline British Championship Race. In ‘pea soup’ conditions they were bussed out to start a 9.6 mile roller-coaster traverse of 6 granite summits involving 3700 foot of climb. Conditions were made worse by the 27mph winds which meant it felt like -4 on the summits. The Mourne Wall was a crucial navigational aid, but many runners still ended up doing extra mileage.
The race was won by Joshua Jardine of Helm Hill in 1:35 and Jasmine Paris of Carnethy in 1:51. Andrew Worster had a great race and was first Toddie back in 1:42 and 27th overall. John Wright was 42nd, followed by Nick Barber, Graeme Brown and Paul Hobbs. Annie Roberts had an amazing run and was 5th lady in 2.02. First home for the women’s vet team was Claire Duffield in 2:30, followed by Mel Blackhurst, Rebecca Patrick and Kate Mansell.
Navigation off the final summit, Slieve Commedagh, which left the Mourne Wall behind, cost many runners places. Dwane Dixon, despite the best of preparations, ran over 12 miles, but he was out done by Craig Stansfield who ran over 13 miles in total.
Andrew Worster 1:42 (27th), Jon Wright 1:48 (42nd), Nick Barber 1:53 (55th), Graeme Brown 1:54 (64th), Paul Hobbs 2:01 (87th), Annie Roberts 2:02 (89th), James Riley 2:18 (153rd) Claire Duffield 2:30 (204th), Mel Blackhurst 2:32 (213th) , Rebecca Patrick 2:38 (223rd), Kate Mansell 2:40 (226th) Dwane Dixon 2:46 (243rd), Robin Tuddenham 2:47 (246th), Craig Stansfield 2:55 (256th), Sue Roberts 3:10 (269th)