The British Inter Counties Fell Running Championships

The 2015 British Inter Counties Fell Running Championships were held on Saturday 16th May in Betwys-Y-Coed, Wales. Dumfries Running Club's Jo Zakrzewski was taking part representing the West of Scotland. The following report tells how she got on over the two lap, 10.16K course which involved 462m of climbing and descent...

After seeing an early crash involving 7 of the junior men, Jo decided to start at the back of the ladies field as there were some fast runners targeting specific results, and was actually in 50th place at the first corner. The initial short sharp climb on road was rather brief, as the route headed off onto steep technical single track within a few hundred metres. Unfortunately, it was rather difficult to pass many people in this climb, but Jo managed to run past a few who had started powerwalking. The trail then wound up and down through the woods with rocks and roots to navigate as well as a few 180 degree switchbacks which caused a few tumbles. Jo knew she had to work hard on the uphills and flat sections as she would lose ground on the more technical descents.

There was a lots of support as runners started the second loop but there was also an awful lot more powerwalking to be seen when the ladies hit the steep ascent for the second time. Jo managed to gain a few more positions on this lap, as her increasing confidence meant fewer overtook her on the final descents. Despite Jo saying that it was neither her favoured distance or terrain she was happy that a final sprint finish saw her cross the line in 22nd place, with Emma Clayton (Yorkshire) winning the race and the Cumbrian ladies taking the team prize.

Jo.