Race 2 of the Helm Hill Runners club championships.
This is a tough 6 mile race with a mile of uphill road before taking to the fell. This does not suit me and I set off slowly with heavy legs. After the first checkpoint on High Brow I have picked up a few places. The descent and the first part of the ascent to Hartside are tussocky and boggy. I find the lack of spring in the legs continues but I am able to maintain my pace all the way to the summit, gaining on a couple of runners ahead.
Here it is decision time. Most runners descend to Little Aira Beck. But I prefer to take an high line around to Swineside Knott. Further but better running. I do not see any runners ahead of me, just the odd footprint. Later I hear some others also chose this way. I gain another couple of places and another two on the final descent from Common Fell.
A great evening race. The first of a series of 4 races. Blencathra, Dockray Great Dodd and Askham being the others. Hope to do these if possible.
Russell
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