Race report by Josie:
Tony & I travelled to the Lake District at weekend to compete in the Achille Ratti organised Old County Tops Fell Race. Covering around 37 miles and over 10,000 feet of ascent, it’s a pairs race and no easy feat!
The Race starts in Great Langdale and takes in the tops of Helvellyn, Englands highest mountain, Scafell Pike and Coniston before returning to Great Langdale. The terrain between each summit varies from bogs and tussocks to rocky trails & scrambling.
We set off at a leisurely pace looking for a great day out and weren’t disappointed. We were blessed with sunshine for the first half of the race albeit a cold wind on the tops. In total contrast, the weather turned on the final section with temperatures dropping dramatically, rain & we were faced with zero visibility on the Coniston Fells.
We supported each other through some tough times during the race but were more than happy to finish in 10:23:06 and collect the hardest earned finishers t-shirt in Fell running!
Huge thanks to Tony for being a great partner ☺️ b&w photo credit Mark Birbeck.
