Nopesport

Charlie Adams drinking a victorius pint in anticipation of his victory in 15 years time

The Graythwaite Estate also provided great racing for the veterans. As with all previous JK races the veteran classes are the most competitive attracting the most numbers to the respective age classes. This year provided a few surprises particularly in the M40L class . Control no 17 was given a half circle so that surrounding detail wasn’t obscured and the control number was located on the adjacent green. This left many of the pre race favourites for top positions disqualified when they went from 16 straight to 18. This group included England international Tim Tett along with about 10 others. Tim heaped praise on eventual winner Charlie Adams also of SYO ‘ Charlie always raises his game in Lake District terrain’ Charlie was also pleased with his running over the weekend telling Nopesport that he had hoped to peak for this race. Nopesport Trophy winner Dave Robertson of Clyde was in fifth place. However there were no surprises to be had on the M35L class with Steve ‘are you tough enough’ Birkinshaw taking the honours from Steve Nicholson of FVO. M45L saw a win for one of the many Scandinavian runners taking part this weekend. Arnt Edvin Andersen of Halden Ski Club won by just under 10 minutes. Hopefully he will take back fond memories of Graythwaite to Norway. In the M50L class all round legend and stalwart of the far North of Scotland Eddie Harwood of MOR took the gold. ‘The Lake District is always fantastic however I was a bit slow after a skiing injury last week’ M55L title went to Andy Hemstead of HOC. Andy has just moved into the class so as the young boy on the scene he beat David May by 12 minutes. ‘My relocation skills were put into good use on day 2 but I had enough of a cushion from day 1 and I am still running at M50 speed’ More Scottish glory came from Dick Amour of INVOC in the M65L class. In the Ladies classes local Stella Lewlsy BL came first in the W35L. Kjersti Ronning ensured yet more glory for the Scandinavians winning the W40L class. Beryl Offley another local running for LOC triumphed in the W50L. In the W55L class it was the battle of the mums as Gill Manning made it a family double with daughter Cerys winning the W18L class. Gill Manning beating Hilary Palmer whose daughter Helen was 4th in W21E. In the W60L former Great Britain international Carol McNeil triumphed over Ulla Lindhe of IK STERN. The last time orienteering was held at Graythwaite at the British Elites in 1999 Carol raced against the W21’s and came 11th. She didn’t accept the challenge this year but had a good winning margin of ten minutes over the two days. Overall once again a great JK event over quality terrain and hopefully the veteran competition will be just as good in one year’s time.