Right on cue Storm Dennis arrived, intent on causing maximum disruption to The 50th Carnethy 5 Hill Race. Race director, Olly Stephenson, took the brave decision to go ahead, allowing over 500 runners to complete this epic race despite the brutal wind and rain. If anything the harsh conditions added an extra aspect of challenge, adventure and excitement for the runners, if not a few extra seconds to finishing times too.
How the volunteers put up the tents, marshals kept warm, photographers took photos and finishing timers kept smiling in the extreme weather conditions……I have absolute no idea. Thank you to all of them.
Congratulations to the well deserved prize winners.
A hall of happy runners expressed their gratitude to Olly, who is stepping down after thirteen years, as race director. We recognised the huge amount of work, commitment and coordination throughout the years he has put into making this race a continued success. Great to see Olly welcome back six runners who competed in the first C5 race fifty years ago!
We all wish John Ryan, Olly’s successor, an easier time next year.
To finish off a fantastic day many of us headed out to the ceilidh on what we believed were tired race legs, only to discover we were to gain a second wind and continue to dance, twirl and spin until midnight. Results. Report.
Kathy Henly