This is not a long race, but it has a very challenging climb up to the Jubilee Tower. Robert Cranham set off up the climb at a steady pace and was in 5th place by the time he got to the Tower. However, one of the runners in front had put so much effort into the climb that he was completely bushed when he got there and he retired from the race. On the return, because of his steady approach to the climb, Robert had a reserve of energy and he stated picking up places, eventually moving into what he thought was 2nd place. He had to sprint hard at the finish to keep young Robert Palmer at bay, finishing 2 seconds in front of him. He was quite pleased with that position and was shocked when the marshal congratulated him on finishing first. One runner, who was leading at the summit went off route and eventually retired from the race. Many runners overlook the fact that navigating is very much a part of fell running and the night before, Robert had spent time studying the race map and a video of the race to make sure that he knew the route and this paid off in the race.
Whereas Robert has won a few minor races, this is his first win in a "proper fell race" and is the culmination of focused training and race preparation and it is nice to see the club name at the top of the results page.
1 Robert Cranham 33:06