No records set today (but one equalled) in what was a very high quality race in very testing conditions. 478 finshed, with the last finisher, James Rowley completing his 46th race! That very impressive feat equals Jimmy Jardine’s record.
At the front, Alexander Chepelin (Edin Uni H&H) was well clear of second placed Jonathan Crickmore (HBT) at the end to take a great win and he also led his team to victory. Not sure that students, celebratory drinks and a very large claymore really go together – but congratulations to them. The University last won the team in 2006. First Over 40 was five times race winner, Rob Jebb (Helm Hill) in 8th place. The women’s race was probably the closest ever and the podium an all Lake District affair as Sarah MacCormack (Ambleside) just sprinted past Sharon Taylor (Helm Hill) in the last few yards to win by a second! Third was the 2017 winner, Hannah Russell (Helm Hill). Sharon had the consolation of leading Helm Hill to the team prize and they took home an even bigger claymore than the men did! First Over 40 was 14 times race winner and still the record holder (from 17 years ago!), Angela Mudge – in 4th place this time.
James Thin (HBT), Roderick Pugh (Kilmarnock) and Andrew Spenceley (Carnethy) were all awarded their Quaichs for completing 21 Carnethy 5 races – still a fair way to go to catch James Rowley and Jimmy Jardine!
And actually there was a record set in this year’s race after all. Sheila Strain (HBT) became the race’s first ever F70 winner !
Andy Spenceley
Every year is characterised by some facet of February Scottish weather. Today was the year of wind. Otherwise a perfectly nice day, a ferocious wind chilled, impeded or aided the runners. And it did the same to us as we tried to erect the tents this morning. The big marquee was a non starter, and only by some 15 people hanging on grimly were the two smaller tents erected.
This is primarily a view from the back, as Joanne & I swept the route. Joel has shared an album from South Black and the final descent.
An album on Facebook from Michael Philp here.
One victim on the very steep descent to the Howe with an ankle (or lower leg?) break [update – torn ligament]. Well done to the runners who gave up their race to aid the casualty, and although by then over the cutoff time, were allowed to continue their race. Thank you.
Results here
Digby
In challenging high winds the 49th Carnethy 5 was a wonderful reflection of the strong team work and spirit of CHRC. Meticulous planning from Olly Stephenson, aided by coordination from Gordon Cameron, Alun Morton Lloyd and John Ryan, resulted in over a hundred volunteers out in gale force conditions today to ensure that this prestigious race lived up to its infamous reputation. From marking out the course, setting up tents, car parking assistants, course marshals, sweepers, time recorders, runners who forfeited their own races to help a casualty on the hill, canteen helpers and prize giving team – to name but a few – the event was a huge success. Congratulations to all the prize winners and to everyone who worked and ran hard today. Thank you to sponsors Pete Bland and Run4it.
Kathy Henly