Just a short note to post a provisional result for me for the Fellsman -
61miles -ish race and 11000 feet ascent (and descent) around the Yorkshire
Dales last weekend ( 10-11/5/08). I managed it in 22hrs 45mins, nearly 2
hours faster than last year. This year the heat was an absolute killer- not
a breath of wind even on the top of the fells, and we were in t-shirts still
at 3am! The winner was 1hr 20min slower this year than last due to the heat.
The first 3 finishers came in within 30 minutes or so of each other, then
there was a 2 hour gap for the 4th finisher.

It was one of the most brutal races I have done due to the heat - even worse
than the Marathon des Sables in 2003! My feet are trashed with blisters
embedded with black peat - and I have never had a blister since 2003! There
was an amazing drop out rate, the rescue minibuses from the checkpoints were
kept very busy!

I was actually 1hr 30mins slower on the first half due to the heat this
year, compared to last year, but by not having driving rain during the night
stage peat bog, managed not to get lost and gained enough time for a PB
overall, and even managed a run into the finish. Most of the night stage was
a hike/ slog.

Hopefully those HR members who went to Marlborough for the 34mile race in
the same series will want a greater challenge next year, and will join me
for one of the toughest UK races - 2nd weekend in May - The 47th Fellsman!

Paul Cooper