Thropton Fell Race 21 September 2013 , Round 7 of NSP Championship

Rare sighting - Mick Golightly back on the fells - and leading by example as first home in 21st place in just over 58 mins

The final hurdle in the Poly's first ever fell championship - with only 2 fellers left in contention for the title  with Chris Rowe and Barry Young. Both were committed to the final dog fight over the Simonside Fells.Just to mix things up , Mick Golightly rolled up for his first fell competition and our numbers were also complemented by Mal Slater and George Adamson. A good turnout for this fine and varied race.
Organisation was again in the big hands of Big Phil Green who gave his cheerful pre race intro with a warning that runners had to stick to the forest track on the hillside return. So the 'neck break' route through the thick bracken to cut off the forest track meander was prohibited. A major blow in the challenge against Chris Rowe....an extra 600 metres or so of running.
It was a quickish start - with runners led out by eventual winner Morgan Donnelly   . Mick's trademark hot sole sprint was unusually abandoned but he was still sharpest of the Poly contingent as he headed the peloton to the stream crossing. The Coquet was fairly full this year with knee depth wading across the gravel flats.

George Adamson  safely across the Coquet . George was 4th quickest V60 and home in about 1 hour 25 mins.

On the ascent Mick , Chris and Barry were pretty much together - though Chris had taken up the lead on the road climb from Mick. Chris faltered a bit on the forest climb giving Mick the chance to break past . On the climb up the crags Chris was feeling hot breathe down his collar and he broke just over the summit as for about 70 metres across the plateau - the trophy was in Barry's sweaty hands. Unfortunately it was a brief encounter. Chris's descending skills eclipsed my ascent and he reversed the positions carving out a lead of roughly 150 metres across the heather. The forest descent was quick - as Chris's shirt dipped in and out of view through the spruce. No short cuts and he was able to break cover for the final charge retaining his lead. The long chase in and options to pass became limited. Mick's bulk was again in view as he hurtled back towards the river. By the road bridge Chris knew he had it covered as he gave a final thumbs up  for the run home. Mick took the race honours and then in high spirits made his annual promise to run more fell races next year - as part of his Ironman training. But don't hold your breath - though we may see him again here next year.

Despite a glaring fashion faux pas with sky blue shorts , Chris didn't let that put him off a classic descent and returning as a very fine winner of the first NSP Fell trophy. Chris was back in 23rd place and a shade under 59m

A worthy winner with Chris Rowe and a fine end in glorious weather to the first fell champs.
The industrial fair was again impressive - with Matt Poxon's wife, Sally, collecting first prize for a handknit. Sue Mitchell from NFR took home  a clutch of awards for entries ranging from jam to tomatoes.

One of our irregulars, Mal Slater pursues an Elvet Strider off the lower slopes. Mal was home in about 65 mins.

Finally thanks to Elswick's Lee Bennett  for the photos. Lee had the Elswick sprint section in tow ( a duo of greyhounds clad in Elswick vests ) - fine on the track but  no match for  fellrunning dogs like Trev's brace of Border collies.
Results are here : http://www.thehottrod.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/simonside-fell-race.html
( From Phil Green's blog)
Final Championship positions here :  1. Chris Rowe 198 pts; 2.Barry Young 197 pts; 3. Dave Johnson* 96 pts 4. George Adamson 95 pts 5. Mal Slater 93 pts; 6 = Garry Robson/John Baty/Mick Golightly  50 pts; 7. Martin Frost  49 pts ; 8. Heather Gould 48 pts;

Early stages and already playing catch up on Chris Rowe. A quickish descent and back in 59 m 28 secs - a mere 30 seconds away from victory !