3 Peaks Fell Race
The 62nd 3 Peaks Fell Race was held on Saturday 30 April. It was quite literally 4 seasons in one day as the 800 runners – some of the best fell runners amongst them – set off from Horton in Ribblesdale in lovely sunshine up to the snow topped fells.
Heavy snow and hail set in with thick fog during the ascent of Whernside but the blue sky kept reappearing albeit for short spells. Very tricky conditions underfoot – snow, ice and very muddy in places made for a tough race especially the final descent off Ingleborough. Over 100 runners didn’t finish – either missing the cut offs or due to injury.
The winning time of 2:48 was only just outside the course record though. For Ripon Runners: Alex Fawcett did an amazing time after recent efforts at Manchester and Reeth and completed the course in 3:59:29 placed 172nd – 9th in age category and Sally Houghton finished in 4:30:17 placed 376, 31st lady and first in age category.
Anneke Imeson was unlucky to miss one of the cut off times by one minute, while husband Ben had to retire earlier on in the race.