"Three showers" Fell Race

Date published: 19 September 2011

Three Radcliffe AC runners took part in the tough 13 mile Three Shires Fell Race in the Lake District on Saturday, jokingly relabelled the "three showers"after competitors battled against torrential downpours at the start and towards the end.

The event, starting in Little Langdale, included more than 4,000 feet of climbing and around 300 runners also faced mist in places and treacherous conditions under foot. They even had a 30 minute walk to the start from a temporary car park because the usual one was waterlogged.

George Critchley (V50) can be well pleased with his time of 3hrs 25mins 23secs and was first home for Radcliffe. He has had a good season, building up his races from shorter events to take on the classics such as the Three Peaks Fell Race and the Lakeland events.George Critchley in the Three Shires Fell Race.

Anne Marie McGilvray (V40) was next home for the local club in 3hrs 49mins 59secs, despite feeeling she had chosen the wrong shoes to wear in the slippery conditions. Husband Kevin, who had run a marathon last weekend, followed home in 3hrs 50mins. He commented "It was for us more of a fast fell walk rather than a run due to the changing weather but George did a fine run." The event was part of the Run The Moors grand prix which Radcliffe take part in along with other local clubs.

In near perfect conditions the following day four members joined the thousands in the Great North Run. Mike Cunliffe was spotted in his Radcliffe vest on television by several members and was pleased with his time of 1hr 34mins 30secs. Mark Williams clocked 1hr 42mins 03secs, Michael Shroot 1hr 54mins 19secs and Denise Kay ran 2hrs 03mins 58secs.