This is a hard and challenging race run over a testing route, albeit with beautiful scenery, if the weather is favourable.
Each year that we have completed this race, we have managed to improve our time and this year was no exception, finishing it for the first time under 4 hours. You would think that this would lead to an improved position, but this was not to be the case. This year, there were some very competitive teams out and Barlick finished 12th out of 70 teams in a time of 3:59:06.
Gary Shaw and Marc Hartley ran the first leg, handing over to Chris Smale and Tom Corrigan in 16th place. They took just a few seconds longer for this first leg than last year, but this leg is slightly longer than previously as it now starts on the field.
Tom set off on the second leg, with a scorching pace up the hill, with Chris trailing in his wake. Chris eventually caught him up and passed him, but on the descent to the Kirstone Inn, Tom once more took the lead and they handed over in 16th position.
Shaun Chew & Luke Maude then took over the baton with Luke immediately showing his intent by leaving Shaun trailing behind up the very steep ascent and getting amongst the two teams in front of them. Once on the top, Shaun caught up his team mate, although at one stage, they ended up running on opposite sides of the beck. They handed over to the last leg runners of Jimmy Craig and Nick Treitl in 13th place.
The last pair gained another place, but couldn't quite catch Rossendale and Carnethy.
A great performance from everyone and it is a tribute to the quality of the teams out on the day that this performance was only good enough to secure 12th place.
There was tough competition at the front of the field with Borrowdale winning the race for the 19th time finishing just ahead of Keswick and Dark Peak.