Al Andalus Trail Race
Ripon members travelled to Spain last week to compete in a 230km (144 miles) race over 5 consecutive days. Competitors not only had to battle intense heat but also a total elevation climb of 7,101 metres (23,300 ft) to complete all the stages, with day one comprising of 39km / 1,330m ascent, day two 48km / 1,640m ascent, day three 39km / 980m ascent, day four 67km / 2,031m ascent and finally day five 37km / 1,120m ascent.
Billy Foreman put in strong runs on every day to finish in the top 10 and claim 7th place overall with a combined time for all 5 stages of 27 hours 16 minutes 4 seconds, while Claire Jamieson claimed a fantastic second lady spot and 17th overall in 30:25:23. Ray Raper was 27th in 32:33:56, Paul Morgan 34th in 33:20:29 and Sheena Jackson was 43rd in 38:22:40.
Mel Dutka completed all 5 stages but was unlucky to be just outside the cut off time on the 4th day, while the same happen to Chris I’Anson. Illness forced Iain Wallace to retire after day one but he recovered sufficiently to complete the final day.