Runners tackle ‘The Swamp of Doom’

Although a short race, 1.2 miles, runners face the tough challenge of running up Lantern Pike and back down again.

Simon Bailey of Mercia FR saw off a strong field to cross the line first in 31.42. Sally Newman (FV50) of Calder Valley FR was first lady back in 41.16.

Cartwright came in an impressive sixth in 35.37 and Matlock team-mate Mick Moorhouse was third MV60 in 44.44 from a field of 196 runners.

Fat Boys Stanage Struggle Fell Race (9.9k/355m) took place on Sunday, September 21. The final race in a series of six in the Outside Challenge but also part of the Matlock AC Senior Grand Prix. The excellent weather brought out the crowds and the runners with a field of 351.

This is a tough race with a long slog up onto the tops with a great run to the Nab before the final descent to the school field below. The winner from Dark Peak was Stuart Bond in 38.10 and Helen Mort of Sheffield RC was first lady in 46.43.

For MAC, Colin Davenport was first home to claim the 20 GP points and finishing tenth overall in 43.29. Richard Bradbury was 16th in 44.44, Karl Webster 48.51, Christine Howard second LV40 in 50.59, Jim Thorneycroft 56.52. Thorneycroft’s display shows he is getting to grips with the fells and reeling in Steve Mead who finished in 57.52, not far ahead of wife, Sian, in third LV50 in 58.56.

Dennis Belbin 59.52, Darran Nuttall 60.14. Becky Mead following in her parents’ footsteps in 62.40, Paul Keetley 66.11 and Ian Gibbs 70.11.

Rhys Brown decided to go for a more adventurous and muddier option on Sunday and took part in the Wild Warrior Obstacle Race and Mud Run near Ashbourne, which includes ‘The Swamp of Doom’, water slides, tightropes, tunnels, cargo nets and the assault course. He finished 34th out of 1,877 in the 10k.