Race Date Saturday 11th February 2023

Report from Abbie Pearse.

English Fell Running Championships Round 1. Long Mynd Valleys 18K / 1370m. (AM Category)

The LMVs is a classic fell race route – it is not just the one climb, and it has some great fast grassy descents and it attracts a strong field.  Competitors had to go to 9 Control points over the 18km (11 mile) course.  Here’s the map of the course area  long_mynd_valleys_area_map

“Long Mynd was the first of the national fell race championships this year; which I seem to have found myself invested in. It was whole big fat level up from the local fell races I’ve tried in the Peaks. Turns out the Peak District hills are just beginner level in the fell running world! It was 18.5km with 1370m of elevation and the 7 climbs got steeper as the race went on. Still haven’t quite decided if I love it or hate it but ask me again at the end of the series!! It’s Fairfield Horseshoe in the Lake District next- May 13th – would love to see some more striders there! “  Abbie Pearse

One Strider ran in a field of 307 runners.  The race was won by William Cartwright of Matlock AC in 1:28:55, and first lady home was Phillippa Williams of Dark Peak in 1:40:50.  All first 6 male runners and Philippa beat the respective course records.  There was a large Totley/Dark Peak turnout  For full results see  Long Mynd Valleys 2023 (merciafellrunners.org.uk)