From Michael Odell…
Photo credit Roam Hamilton
This race only came onto my radar two nights prior and it was only as I shared a lift to the start that fellow Harriers Jeff Green and Dave Robson explained the concept, that is: start at the church in Addingham, follow a set route up Beamsley Beacon and then take any route back to the church. On registration it became clear from the race map that there was a preferred “runners line” to descend by via a snicket which became the point of debate on the start line; just how overgrown with nettles and brambles would the snicket be and would it really be the quickest route?
According to Wharfedale Harriers this was most probably a record turnout for the Beamsley Beacon Fell Race, with 169 runners setting off on a glorious evening. The race is around 8.5k +/-300mtrs elevation.
Having made an initial circuit of church field, crossed the Wharfe on the pedestrian bridge out of Addingham, I began the steady ascent in about 4th place together with fellow Harriers Lawrence McCourt and Steve Gott. Just like in Otley 10 the week before, I knew very soon that I didn’t have enough in the tank to maintain that position and began to slip back in the field as the climb progressed. Nearing the summit I heard a familiar creak-creak of Jeff Green’s ankle braces which grew louder and louder and on reaching the beacon he’d almost caught me. I turned left and followed other runners down the normal descent but was surprised to see Jeff return the way that we had come. I debated in my mind whether that was an informed decision, silly decision or an act of chivalry to avoid that he (some 15 years my senior) would overtake his new friend! It was later clarified over a beer that it was an absolutely well informed decision and nothing else!
Whilst still warm from the heat of the day, it did cool slightly and there was at least a little breeze as we started the descent during which 2 or 3 runners including our Steve Gott took a “wrong” right turn which unfortunately put them back a couple of places in the field. The snicket was not pleasant and most runners emerged stung and scratched but it was certainly the quickest way to the finish.
Lawrence McCourt won overall 33:58 for Harriers with Steve Gott taking V40, Jeff Green (again) took V50 and once again I was happy to be a part of our winning team.