Club vs Bowstones Fell Race

Bowstones Fell Race 31 January 2023

For those, as Tracy described, “hardcore” runners (other descriptions available – answers on a postcard please – can someone explain that to the “youngsters” 😊), Bowstones Fell Race, on the morning of New Year’s Eve from Nelson Pit to the Bowstones at the top of Lyme Park, is a very popular race at the time it opens, selling out in less than 15 minutes. However, by the time it comes around to it, its popularity is less so – the hills, Christmas excesses or getting ready for NYE partying, perhaps? 

On the day there were 15 of us lined up for the challenge, some looking particularly overdressed, some looking just cold, but it stayed dry with some brief moments of sunshine. The hills were just as hilly with the first 5.5k pretty much up and more up but at least you’ve earned the descent, although it was very wet and slippery so the amount of attack depended on how close the Wilmslow vest was behind you (more on that later)! After the climb back up to Lyme Cage we were looking forward to pretty much downhill all the way in, but as you came past the cage the wind was full in your face so there was no easing off. Having got through that and down the path to the finish line, water and a bottle of Robinsons IPA was waiting for you - you choose the order!

Barry was first back for the club in 15^th with congrats also to Fran and Trevor as age cat winners (10 year groups – harsh for those of us in the latter half of the cat😊) with Barry and Tom taking the 2^nd step on the podium. 

My battle today was with Matt knowing that I had to try to stay with him on the ups and attack hard on the downs. It was nip and tuck as always but I was hoping that the slippery downhill suited me more as we got to the cage for the turnaround, when I was hoping to see where he was. I didn’t see him which meant that he must still be close. I found out later that it was his plan to sprint up to the cage so I didn’t see him on the turn – it worked, but it made me push hard all the way and worked in my favour this time. It might not be a Club Series race but the battles are ever-present!

Results: racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=20223&RId=147&EId=1&dt=0&adv=1

Mick Hall Photos: Bowstones NYE FELL Race 2023 (Mick Hall Photos) (photohawk.com)

Facebook (private group that you need to request to join) (20+) Bowstones Fell Race NYE 2023 | Facebook

Well done to all, enjoy the celebrations and Happy New Year! Anyone up for a return to Lyme Park for a NYD parkrun? 😣