SAM JONES MAKES IT TWO FROM TWO AT ARDWHALLAN

It was Sam Jones who took the victory at Ardwhallan in a race that saw a bumper field of 160 competitors confront either the short or long course in conditions that were ideal for racing in late January.

Jones didn’t have it all his own way, with Orran Smith, fresh from his Spine Race efforts a mere nine days prior, pushing Jones all the way with the latter finishing just 8 seconds ahead, a photo finish in fell running terms.

The race begins with a slog up to the summit of Colden, starting with rising farming fields that should not be underestimated. The thin fog that lined the hill tops had glimmers of sky blue tones just above poking through like the shimmering morning light cracking the bedroom blinds, but its stubbornness stayed true.

First to appear at the top was the eventual winner, Jones, closely followed by Matt Christian. Both would provide self-proclamation that their descending is imperfect, so their lead from the initial climb was most-likely tactical to gap the talented descenders behind. In the women’s race it was Alice Louisa Forster who was leading at the first checkpoint, but it was tight and just behind was Nikki Arthur.

The following descent off Colden into the valley can lead to varying route choices, before the runners head up and across to Greeba, and then returning to the valley via Sileau Ruy.

At this point in the race it was Orran who had the lead, but just like the clag, Jones was refusing to disappear and followed in pursuit out of the valley. Elsewhere in the race, Matt Christian was in third followed by Jack Freeman in fourth, both having a gap to fifth and sixth Harry Weatherill and Oliver Chambers.

As the leaders headed through Creg Gate for the final descent down the fields to the finish line it was neck and neck. Sam Jones was able to push the final moments to take the win from Orran in a time of 1hr 7mins 30secs. The latter of course, must’ve felt his Spine legs, but take nothing away from Jones who takes his second win of the season while overcoming a serial winner in this very race. Making up the top five in the men’s race was Matt Christian, Jack Freeman & Harry Weatherill. Shoutout to Ayrton Withington who made the step up to his first senior race taking a fine twelfth position in a strong field of runners.

In the women’s race, Nikki Arthur took the win from round one winner Alice Forster with Rebecca Harding taking third. First home is the vet-40 class was the returning Rebecca Reynolds who just edged out Western AC’s in form Helen Taylor. Jan Gledhill  had a close race with Maggie Watkins in the vet 50’s before winning by a margin of just 20 seconds. Newcomer Lynda Quayle was first in the vet 60 class whilst Moira Hall was one place behind and first of the vet 70’s

The short race is a fine introduction to the fell scene, especially the Ardwhallan short course that hosts all the trials and tribulations that you’d expect and in recent years these races have been showcasing remarkable youth talent, and this race was no different with Cian Howard taking the win, with Lucas Stennett and Charlie Teare in hot pursuit in second and third. 

Michael Tait said it best post race when he said “The Manx Fell Runners are a family” and there was no better evidence to back that statement up than post race where volunteers and runners alike gathered to chat about the race while scoffing fresh bakes.

(Ruari Poole/Nigel Maddocks)