Race report: The "Round Ripon" Ultra 35 - Saturday, October 3, 2015
This year for the first time Round Ripon formed the 4th and final round of the SCOTT Ultra Series and, with the three times winner and course record holder Robin Carter absent from the start list, the race looked wide open. It was a cool and foggy morning in Studley Roger as a record number of competitors gathered for the 6th running of the Round Ripon Ultra 35.
From the start Alex Fawcett of Ripon Runners was a man on a mission, taking the lead from the gun and stretching it throughout the race. Alex was well ahead of course record pace though all four check points but couldn’t quite hold on during the final sector, finishing in 4h:29m:06s. A massive improvement on Alex’s own time from last year and just 3m:24s outside Robin’s record. Finishing off the top three were Ed Catmur in 2nd with 4h:48m:00s and Paul Peacock 3rd with a time of 4h:53m:58s.
The lady’s race could not have been more different to the men’s. Were Alex romped off to a huge solo lead Claire Baker and Anneke Imeson, also of Ripon Runners, were happy to run with each other’s company the whole way round. Anneke just nabbed first place on the line in 5h:46m:28s with Claire barely one second behind her. Carmen Marchant from Rothwell Harriers took 3rd spot on the lady’s podium with a time of 6h:21m:23s. Rounding off a great day for Ripon Runners they also, once again, retained the Round Ripon Ultra Team Trophy.
Go Beyond events are never just about those racing at the front end. It is important to us that every runner on the course does their best and has a great time. Despite the slightly dreary weather there were plenty of smiles and lots of banter seen at the check points. Ultra-runners really are friendly and jovial bunch.
Particular praise was voiced for the enthusiastic marshals and, of course, for the famous Go Beyond fruit cake on offer at all check points supplemented with gels and electrolyte drink courtesy of GU Energy.
Our thanks go out to Ridgeway Fitness and Health who worked tirelessly at the finish working their own particular brand of magic on tired and aching legs and Adrian Howes Photography for capturing your achievements. Of course special thanks go to our sponsors and retail partners SCOTT Sports and Swaledale Outdoors for helping to make sure the event can take place.
Men's results
|
1 |
Alex Fawcett |
04:29:06 |
|
2 |
Edward Catmur |
04:48:00 |
|
3 |
Paul Peacock |
04:53:58 |
Women's results
|
1 |
Anneke Imeson |
05:46:28 |
|
2 |
Claire Baker |
05:46:29 |
|
3 |
Carmen Marchant |
06:21:23 |
Click here for full results
