This was are inaugural running of the Salt Cellar Fell race which was a significantly different (and more difficult) route than the Cutthroat Fell Race which we organised last year. A modest field of 66 runners congregated at the start on the field at the base of the dam wall below upper Derwent reservoir. After some forecasts of rain we were lucky with the weather this year. There were some tricky condition through the bracken and some very boggy ground due to the recent rain but neither seemed to dampen the spirits of the finishers. The race was won Jonny Wilson of Fatboys and Sally Fawcett of Smiley Paces. First Strider home was Dave Palmer who would usually prefer more tarmac to be included in the race (sorry Dave!).
A big thanks to all the volunteers on the night who had to endure the midge onslaught which made some wish they were running. A veggie wrap was enjoyed by everyone after the race.
The inaugural
Cutthroat Fell Race was won by Dave Taylor of Dark Peak and Kate Hastings of Totley AC. After the earlier forecast of heavy rain, the evening turned out to be quite the opposite: warm and sunny with the course dry and dusty underfoot. A bigger than expected field of 122 runners enjoyed a challenging but excellent run over Derwent Edge. The race was followed by a chip butty for all finishers in the Ladybower Inns. The club would really like to thank everyone who came out to help out at the race. It was great to see so many members of the club pulling together to put on what turned out to be a successful event.