Anniversary Waltz Fell Race, 22 Apr 2017
Race Report by Kate Mansell
Fell runners Wynn and Steve Cliff decided to commemorate their wedding in the Lake District by establishing a fell race around the Newlands valley. The Anniversary Waltz Fell Race is now in its 21st year; it is a beautiful 11.5-mile horseshoe route taking in the climbs or Robinson, Dale Head and then to Cat Bells before a steep descent back to Stair Village Hall for tea, cake and a free beer. The race winners were Chris Arthur in 1:32:52 and Heidi Dent in 1:56:01. Four Todmorden Harriers took on the race under clear blue skies with Graeme Brown having another excellent race to finish in 13th place and fourth V40 in 1.47.26. Kate Mansell was next home in 224th place in 2.25.39 followed by Helen Hodgkinson in 411th in 3.08.29 and John Lee in 4.19th in 3.12.18. The Waltz is child’s play compared to its companion race, the Teenage with Altitude, which is run on the same day and first takes on Causey Pike and Whiteless Pike before joining the Anniversary course to create a 15.4-mile race with 7600 feet of ascent. Dave Garner had an excellent run finishing in 54th in a time of 3.43.09 followed by Andy McFie in 3.52.20 (68th) and a strong performance from Michelle Fuller who finished in 5.35 (137th). Race winners were Carl Bell in 2:37:38 and Jill Stephen in 3:16:02