Race report by Josie:
The second race on our midweek Fell Championship is a local favourite, AGGIE’S STAIRCASE FELL RACE. Organised by neighbouring club Darwen Dashers, this 4mi/1148ft race is a lung and leg buster with lots of runnable terrain. With 30degree heat and humidity, runners were advised to wear hats and carry water.
It was cooler at the start, shaded by the trees but Lostockers were keen to set off and escape the midges that were already biting.
Greg led the charge on the uphill start that quickly became a narrow overgrown footpath. Eventually, the path widened and the steep climb up to Darwen Tower followed by a fast descent gave opportunity to overtake. A good battle was on at the front between Tony and Greg jostling for position, whilst Josie went unchallenged passing fellow captain Shutters. Taking no prisoners, Josie saw her opportunity to also pass Greg on the rough downhill that leads to the rugged ascent of Aggies Staircase.
From here, the run to the finish is fast and furious, taking a 2nd pass of Darwen Tower and retracing the route down to the finish. Tony Marlow was 1st Lostocker home and 2nd M60 in 41:37 narrowly missing out on a category win by 6 seconds. Next across the line as 2nd Lady overall and 1st F50 was Josie Greenhalgh in 43:21. Greg Kilshaw held his position in 45:22 whilst being chased down by Mark Shuttleworth 46:01. Nikki had a great run and finished as 2nd F60 in 47:58 followed by 3rd F60 Sally McCoy in 49:49. Supervet Mary White won the F70 category in 51:16 whilst Matt Withers suffered terrible Hogweed burns as he concluded the Lostock turnout in 51:49.
Icepops and water were provided at the finish to cool the runners down and a free beer for everyone at the presentation! Isn’t fell running great!
