Stiperstones Fell Race
28/07/2010
Stiperstones Fell Race 14th July 2010
This was only a fairly short race of just over three miles, but the steep ascent and over 800 feet of climbing just added to the pain as the runners climbed up to the Stiperstones through the bracken before looping round and returning at breakneck speed down a track to the finish. The wet conditions also hampered some of the runners as it made the descent slippery in some places.
From a starting line up of 90 there were 12 of the town’s running club who took on this challenge and did well amongst some stiff competition.
Noel Hogan was first home for the club in 24th place in 33m56s, closely followed by Maurice Reid in 34m04s just two places behind. Another two places behind him was John Taylor in 34m14s in 28th and 30th was Helen Skelton in 34m 44s who took the prize as second lady.
Sandy Mackenzie was 32nd in 35m12s, and then there was a short gap to Rodney Jones, who finished 67th in 41m43s to be second in the MV60 category.
Sarah Howells, running for only the second time in a Newport vest, did extremely well to be 71st in 44m33s to take the prize for first junior lady. Not only that, but she managed to pull another runner out of a ditch on the way.
Sandra Dainty had a good run to be 78th in 49m26s and take second VL40 prize with Rachel Storey 79th in an identical time. 80th was Liz Masters in 50m 24s to take the award for first VL45 with Gill Kelson 82nd in 52m16s to take runner-up in the VL45 class.
Pauline Newton bravely faced her demons as she set out on the course as she fell and broke her arm in the same race last year. Fortunately, there were no such mishaps this time around and she safely negotiated the course to be 85th in 52m57s and also take the honours for first LV55.
