The Ard Whallan short course race, introduced back in 2020 is arguably the most challenging of the short courses. It features two big climbs totalling over 320m which is very nearly half of the long course despite being over 8km shorter. Despite a lack of recent rain the ground was very boggy and along with the high heather toward the summit of the Creg, it provides a real test, particularly for the junior runners.

Interestingly, in the four times this race has been run, there have been four different winners of this race. Last years winner, Samuel Perry, was absent this time as he was competing at the North of England Cross Country Championships. The 30 strong field was still packed with quality, particularly from the junior contingent. Charlie Teare, Cian Howard and Lucas Stennett all had solid chances of a win which made for some great racing.

It was Cian Howard who ultimately came out on top though. He gradually pulled away from Lucas and Charlie over the 5km route, ultimately winning by a good margin of 47 seconds from Lucas Stennett. Cian, well know for his performances on two wheels, has had an unfortunate couple of years with illness and injury so to come and win this race on very little mileage shows great ability and determination. Lucas hasn’t had a great few weeks with illness and injury either recently so it was still a great effort from the Northern AC runner. Charlie Teare, third, continues to improve and is getting closer and closer to the front of the field. Harry Stennnett rounded off the top 4 with a trademark solid run.

Dominic Dunwell deserves special credit for completing his race in 5th despite clearly suffering with a back issue in the latter stages of the race. One place back was clubmate and the improving George Salter who has become a regular competitor on the fells over the last year or two. Madison McMullan, another regular face at these races and the Lancashire County fell runner notched up another win, this time from Manx Harrier, Abi Clayton. In between these was newcomer Daniel Minay who had a stand out run in what I believe was only his second fell race.

Further down the field there were good runs for May-Saa Smith, no doubt inspired by her fathers efforts in the Spine Race, and Drew Alstead - the latter having been virtually ever present at these races for a couple of years. Good to see a comeback from Kirsty Arnold too after a lengthy lay off.

The post race spread of cakes was particularly impressive and the use of the Ard Whallan facilities for registration and catering is always appreciated, particularly if the weather is particularly inclement. It is always great to see everyone mucking in with teas, coffees, cleaning and tidying up - there were just a few cakes left at the end which will find good homes!

It was good to reminisce with some runners and parents after the race about a training run around the Christmas period in 2021 where the top three from Saturday’s race were all present, along with some experienced senior runners, including multiple local champion and former English Champion, Lloyd Taggart. Conditions were quite mild as we set off from Ballaugh Glen with the plan being to take in the summit of Slieau Freoghane before returning via Slieau Dhoo in a shortened version of the Slooby Dhoo race. On the approach to Slieau Freoghane summit though we were met with horizontal hail to create very wet, windy and freezing conditions and the route was sensibly diverted back down to the relative calm of the Hidden Valley and Glen Dhoo. The lads may not have quite enjoyed that day but it would certainly would have gave them some invaluable experience and make them appreciate how conditions on the tops can be drastically worse than at sea level, and understand the importance of safety gear and why it is required. Undeterred, they have all returned for further runs to learn a bit of fell-craft and all continue to regularly compete (and excel) on the fells to this day.

RESULTS

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Ard Whallan Short Course - Report

Manx Fell Runners