Runners - 14 - see results.

Marshalls - Midge and John Castick, Frank and Margaret Williams, Joe Flynn, Chris Thickett, Steve Cheslet, Heather Brooke.

Non runners - Zoe Talks, Martin Heaton, Alex Heaton, Cathy Gordon, Paul Gledhill and some others.

Food and hospitality - Sabina Cosulich.

Course planning - Craig Marsden.

Course testing and race controller - me.

There was a lower turnout than last year despite assurances from me that the course would be shorter and with less climb. This was in fact absolutely true. Having said that, I have to concede that the going was certainly tougher at times, resulting in the expected ear bashing received from some participants who like their mountaineering to be conducted on well defined paths with regular signposts telling them where they are and where to go.

Checkpoints this year were carefully selected to minimise subsequent debate about whether or not they were in the right place and to try and ensure that finding them was in within the navigational abilities of participants. Checkpoint 1 was made for Midge who wasted no time in donning her wetsuit and setting up the checkpoint in the middle of Mermaid's Pool. Somewhat to my surprise no one failed to complete the course as a result of missing a checkpoint, though Al did try quite hard. Checkpoint locations were also selected in order to try and provide distinct choices of route on at least some of the legs.

From the start to no. 1 presented a choice of going north or south of the Kinder reservoir. Both routes have rough going on them but the southern route is slightly longer and involves some wasted ascent and the northern option would be quicker for most. In fact only Sheena and Dave Bish took the southerly route. 1 to 2 was tackled by pretty much the same route by everyone with the exception of Al who headed straight off to checkpoint 3 and made it most of the way before realizing there was actually a checkpoint no 2, adding around 7km to the distance he covered. 2 to 3 was intended to present a dilemma; whether to run around the rim of the plateau and descend to The Knott, or to take the shorter option of descending to the reservoir and climbing back up to The Knott, the saving in distance countered by additional climb. In the event only Steve Bowker and Bob Kelly took the low level route, the rest were swayed by the more attractive option of staying high in the pleasant conditions. The low level route is in fact considerably quicker, with the time for this leg reduced by at least 20% over the high level route. Those that took the high level route were frustrated by thick, deep heather on what would otherwise have been a very rapid descent over Leygatehead Moor. By contrast the descent to the reservoir is on good ground and very fast. The final 2 legs didn't really offer much by way of route choice but a few tried deviations to avoid further sections of trackless heather and one or two got a little confused crossing the fields to the finish.

All participants, non participants, marshals etc enjoyed superb hospitality courtesy of Sabina with loads of good food and an endless supply of tea.

Winners as follows:

• First male - Duncan Lee.
• First Female - Michelle Harvie.
• Handicap - Bob Kelly.
• Concordia - as far as I can tell no one met the criteria as all club members participating have previously participated.

Results:

A big thank you from me to all the marshals and to Sabina and Craig for ensuring a good time was had by all (I think?).

Courser planners - Roger Mapleson & Craig Marsden.

Hospitality - Sabina Cosulich.

This year's fell race will once again be staged in the Peak with post race food and warmth being provided by Sabina at her home in Rowarth. I have to concede that last year's event was a little long, for some at least, so a shorter course is planned for this time round. The turnout last year was excellent with 24 starters. However, I hope that the shorter course will reduce the attrition rate for 2009.

If you took part last year you have some idea what to expect. If you haven't done it before you need to know that you will be given a map at the start with locations of checkpoints. You then need to navigate from checkpoint to checkpoint in order and then to the finish. You will need a compass and you must be able to navigate. The course will cover high ground and the weather could be poor so take appropriate kit. Any doubts or queries contact Roger Mapleson or Craig Marsden.

Although it is a race, it is not absolutely necessary to run it and the course can be completed at a walk within daylight hours provided you don't get lost.

• The start is from Bowden Bridge car park (SK 048 869) near Hayfield.
• The finish is at Sabina's home, in Rowarth.

Lifts will be provided from the finish back to the start to collect vehicles but you could arrange to meet up with fellow competitors at Sabina's at the start of the day and sort your own lifts to the start before and after the race.

• The earliest start time is 10.30am
• The latest start time is 11.30am

Just turn up, register and you can start. A map will be provided. If you have a GPS, leave it home. If you have an altimeter you are welcome to use it. You must have a compass and a watch. You should know what else you need to wear or carry. Any doubts ring Roger or Craig.

Checkpoint details given on the day will include a closing time for each checkpoint. There will be no marshals there after this time. Contact phone numbers will be provided on the day.

If you retire or do not arrive at the finish for any reason YOU MUST MAKE SURE THAT THE ORGANISERS KNOW YOU ARE SAFE.

There are classes for the fastest male, fastest female, fastest first time competitor and fastest on handicap. Non-members are very welcome to participate, so please bring along friends and family to swell the entries.

The course is approximately 17km, with a mere 760m of ascent - shorter and less climb than last year. Participants will navigate from checkpoint to checkpoint in order and then to the finish.

Post race food will be provided at the finish at Sabina's for participants, marshals and anyone else with a reasonable claim - £1 to cover costs.

Everyone is welcome and for those not doing the fell race, there are plenty of other options for walking and mountain biking. For those of you interested in mountain biking, there are plenty of options to start and finish your ride at Rowarth.

If you are coming along, please let Roger know, so we have some idea of numbers for catering and let me know if you are entering the fell race or not so I have some idea of numbers for the race.

Finally - any questions, problems, queries, etc., please contact Roger.