From Ben Sheppard…
Returning to the Kentmere Horseshoe fell race 11 years after my only other time, it was another thoroughly enjoyable day trip with fellow Harriers Paul Carman and Charles Wain. A long established classic lakeland fell race (next year will be its 50th edition) over 12.3 miles and 3,300 feet of ascent, it is said to be the longest of the ‘medium’ category lakeland fell races. It offers panoramic views of Windermere, the Eastern Fells and further afield – provided the clag is not down (it wasn’t) and you remember to look up and around you (I occasionally did). From Kentmere village you head up Buck Crag and skirted around Yoke to the first checkpoint on Ill Bell were I was reminded just how runnable this race is with its grassy trods along the ridgeline. Uncharacteristically, I managed not to go the wrong way, as a few runners ahead of me followed the main path via the summit of Froswick whereas the racing line skips around it. You then have a fast trod up to High Street (CP2), the highest point on the race at a height of 2,718 feet, followed by a descent to Nan Bield Pass and an undulating and exhilarating the run to Kentmere Pike (CP3). A mile or so of more technical descent and then a final mile on road/tracks brings you to the finish and the lure of sandwiches, cakes and tea in the village hall. A thoroughly enjoyable fell race with all three Ilkley Harriers finishing without mishap. I was surprised to finish only one minute behind my 11 years younger self.