kevin bray on the dunnerdale fell race

​YuvnivverdunDunnordale? Calyerselafellrunna? WeymanyivegorraduDunnordale! Itzaclassic!
The words of Peter Reed, aged 71 ¾, founder member of Northumberland Fell Runners 25 years ago and a man whose enthusiasm for Fell Running is as strong as ever, even after 500 plus fell races!
So, off to Dunnerdale it was and I was back there last weekend for my 4th attempt at the race.
A beautiful place, great weather, a rugged, interesting 5 mile route with 1850’ of climbing, a lone Morpeth vest surrounded by my NFR mates and a top quality field at the front end that soon disappeared as we hauled ourselves up to the first top at Knott.
Trying to run off the top I realised I had overcooked my early effort and my lack of training due to a month swanning round Italy meant it was payback time.
Blimey, did I suffer! 

About to ‘Dib in’ at Stickle Pike summit

I kept plugging away and managed to pull a few places back on the run across to the final top at Great Stickle – a couple of route options to get there and I tagged onto a Black Combe Runners vest to guide me through the boggy bit – their local knowledge paid dividends.
A steep but runnable descent off the top and back down to the sting in the tail - a final climb up a farm road before turning and running down the finish field.
My legs were like jelly – 69 plus minutes for 5 and a bit miles and 1900’ of climbing, well down on my 2018 PB of 61 when I finished 3rd v60. I haven’t looked at where I placed this time!

Anyway – tea and a pie at the finish went down well!
It is a classic! 10 quid to enter, extensive prize list, chip timing and a pie plus really friendly crowd and as Peter would say ‘thatzwotitzaalaboot’!
Well done Black Combe Runners who put on a really well organised and enjoyable event!
Be a great event for a club weekend.............maybe next year??
If you fancy it, details are here.