Last weekend saw the start of this year’s English Junior Fell Championships the premiere league for junior fell runners to compete against the best in the country with the added incentive of the opportunity to be selected to represent their country in various International Mountain Running competition. This first race was hosted by Ambleside AC and took part on the steep, technical slopes of Todd Crag, Ambleside. Buxton AC have a reputation of excellence on the Fells – having gained team Silver medals last year – and this year made a strong start having 19 youngsters taking part in every age group from the under 9 to the under 19.
First up in the under 9 category was 7 year old Jimmy Golden. This is Jimmy’s second season on the fells and he finished this race with his trademark sprint for the finish in 29th boy – 48 ran. In the under 11 boys category Henry Hazelhurst had an epic run having lost a shoe in the deep mud – he crossed the finish line 33rd boy – running wearing only one shoe! The under 11 girls team of Rachel Cudahy, Lucy Whelan and Molly Golden all worked hard to come in 16th, 18th and 27th girls – 72 ran in this race. In the under 13 race Rebecca Cudahy was her usual smiley self – coming in 28th girl – 88 ran.
In the under 15 race took in the picturesque Lily Tarn on the top of Todd Crag. Will Longden and Matt Schofield made their debuts on the fells both having great runs. Rising star Will finished in an outstanding 4th position having led the field to the top of the hill – definitely one to watch as he builds his experience on the fells! Matt also impressed on his first experience running in the mountains coming in 20th boy. Team mate Caleb Winfield completed the under 15 team finishing 29th. The girls team also had outstanding runs with Lauren Wilshaw and Lucy Bednall spurring each other on to finish strongly in 5th and 6th position respectively. Amy Whelan completed the team also running well to finish in 20th. 76 ran in this race.
The under 17 route was a tough route on the steep, craggy slopes of Loughrigg. 15 year Sam Soles led the team home in a superb 6th position. He was followed in by Finn Moffatt in 11th, Ed Diamond in 15th and Stu Diamond in 18th. In the girls category Heather Wilshaw finished strongly 15th position – 55 ran.
The final race of the day was the under 19 and Buxton duo Jacob Winfield and Dan Soles did Buxton proud coming in 6th and 10th position. 35 clubs put team out in this championships and over 300 youngsters took part in this the first race in 6 that make up the league. Buxton AC currently sit in 8th position overall – a solid start to the series! Team manager Rachel Dowle who accompanied the juniors to the race said, ”