Dick’s Dashing Double (by Stottie)

18/07/2009 by Dick.

Just three club members stood at the line up for the Pen y Fan Fell Race this year.  The turnout was quite good though, some runners coming from as far away as Cambridge, making a weekend of the two events (Fan y Big tomorrow).  Although billed as a ‘short’ fell race – only 3.5 miles and 1930 feet climb - the mountain certainly looked bigger and further viewed from the start.   Old timers gave advice about the grassy and slippery descent down into the bog, commenting that the route was ‘up to you’-  worrying if you hadn’t done it before.  Substantial ravines nestled menacingly at the bottom, filled with streams engorged by the storm a couple of days earlier.

Dick, in his new superman style, sped off, Andy in front and Gill padded behind, trying to hang on to Dick’s shirt tails.  The ascent up to Corn Du was littered with walkers who obediently moved to one side as we huffed and puffed up to the top.  The views would have been fantastic, had we cared enough to look….but we were too busy trying to make the summit of Pen y Fan.

The descent  wasn’t quite as treacherous as people made out but a few runners found their legs gave way under the strain and it was possible to pick a few of them off.  Nice run into the finish – all over in about 50 mins!  Andy trotted in first, followed by Dick, then Gill.

At prize giving Dick won M60, Gill W50 and then, much to Dick’s amazement, a second team prize was given – Andy, Dick and another MDC  runner.  Prizes were from the local Brecon Brewery.  Dick commented in the car that he only sipped beer and might not finish the FOUR  bottles he had. So if you’re feeling thirsty – you know where he lives.  They also won £10  Cotswold clothing vouchers.  

The event, hosted by Mynydd Du was well organised, inexpensive to enter and prizes sponsored by the brewery and Cotswold Camping. Nearly every runner was able to nab a bottle of beer.  Local Mary’s bakery provided free rolls and delicious flapjack.  We felt we had  got our money’s worth.  If anybody is up for it, there is a £400 reward for any man who can break the current record of 30 mins, yet only  £100 for the female record of 38 mins.  Huh!

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