From John Marsham…

Near perfect weather for our annual trip to Buckden gala and fell race. This is a great family day out. A small village gala with a selection of ‘pick lollipop stick/cowpat to uncover a prize’ type games, a coconut shy, a few kids races in the field, a dog show, ice creams, a local band, hot dogs, beer, tea, cake etc. Plus one of my favourite short fell races. 

From the road you head straight up a dauntingly steep ascent that gradually relents to allow some more running to the summit. A fast section on flag stones then takes you to a scenic descent and traverse, before you plunge back down the hill to the gala. It could have done with a being a bit cooler for running, but the breeze helped, and it was perfect for pre and post race swims. Then it is the egg throwing contest. Forget the fell race, this is the real gala competition. 

I was 25 seconds faster than last year, but with only 32 runners in the race this year it was a bit quiet, and it would be good to have some other Harriers to compete against. It might even make me go a bit faster.

1 41:48, Sam Horrocks, Barlick Fell Runners

4 45:07, Izzy Rowe, Wharfedale Harriers

15 55:13 John Marsham

32 ran