Friday, February 15, 2013

My Borrowdales

In response to a recent reminder from TF that 2013 marks the 50th running of the Borrowdale race, and Scoffer's suggestion of something extra for folk who've clocked up 25 finishes, I delved into my archives.

In 1990 I'd already completed Wasdale at my second attempt and, prompted by JtE, I entered my first Borrowdale and finished in 5:05. In those days the ascent of Bessy Boot was via Stonethwaite and the north east flank, a dangerous wooded, steep , mossy slope, live with loose stone, and it was not unusual to see one or two early retirements due to injuries caused by falling rocks.

I completed the race for a further 15 years, making 16 in a row, achieving a PB of 4:26 in 1994, my BG year.

The first 13 of those used the "fun" route but in 2003 the route was changed so that Bessy Boot was attacked from her more benign westerly flank.

I didn't enter in 2006, but returned in 2007, when the route was shortened to omit Scafell Pike due to the adverse weather, making 17 finishes in total.

In 2008 I was timed out at Honnister and decided that it was time to move on.

1 comment:

Toothfairy said...

no 40yrs EtU, or at least that's what Scoffer posted on the Home page of Fellrunner.org.uk and I forwarded. A 'specsaver' moment, as opposed to a 'senior' one!