www.puddingrace.org.uk

As we marked out the courses on Saturday evening it seemed almost inevitable that this year’s races would be washed out. We got soaked!! The paths in the woods were so slippery that we thought that we may have to cancel the race so as to avoid any serious injuries. Thankfully the weather abated wonderfully overnight and the bright weather on race day meant that we enjoyed record attendances for both races.

On the red course we had a very worthy winner in Ray Lilley who, although he did not beat the course record he did run the fastest race ever by a veteran at 40 mins. and 52 secs. Well done Ray. Although we couldn’t see the tussle that was taking place between him and second placed Gareth Turner it must have been quite a battle, although Gareth eventually finished about ½ a minute behind Ray. Gareth was however the first to the "top of the hill" and as he is still only 18 years old we really do hope that he will come back and have another go next year. Well done also to Craig Jeffrey in 3^rd spot and Justin Cooke who was the first local man home in a very creditable 49.31.

In the ladies race Jane Sutton took a clean sweep of 1^st Lady, 1^st Vet Lady and 1^st Vet Lady in a time of 51.27 – we have certainly never had that result before. Jane Griffiths was second and Jenny Ewels (who was really only visiting friends in the area) third. The Team prize was won by the Dark Peak runners, although there were several other teams not far behind them this year!

On the blue course we saw a marvellous run from young Kyle Fowler from Buxton who beat everyone else as a junior, in a record time (for juniors) of 19 mins 55 secs. Mathew Ward was second junior boy and Carl Riley third. In the junior girls race this was won by Hayley Cameron (23.21) with Fiona Gilbert second and Mollie Brennan third. Very well done to them all – there was plenty of parental support at the finish line to cheer them all in.

In the intermediate section the boys race was won by Charlie Scouler (20.08) with Daniel Billinge 2^nd and Tom Grant 3^rd. The "inter" girls produced the third record of the day when Amy Wadsworth bettered her time of last year to win with a new record time of 20.41. Well done Amy. Another Amy, this time Amy Whelan was 2^nd with Emma Kearsey third. Lesley Brennan won the Ladies fun run race whilst David Stead won the inaugural Men’s fun-run race, and hence holds that record!

I am writing this report for the last time as organiser. After 7 years of GBPR I feel as though I would like to let someone else take on the job. Since it began in 1998 the fell race has consistently attracted runners from afar. Again this year I am amazed at how far runners will travel to take part in it. There are many names that I recognise from one year to the next, as well as those who just run it the once. I hope that you agree that it is a wonderful and varied run. The Blue course has also consistently attracted a lot of local runners. Increasingly more mums and dads are doing the run in family groups and I noticed this year particularly that competition within families is certainly pretty intense. The main aim is of course that as many people as possible enjoy the run – whichever course they do. Joe, John and I as event organisers try to make sure that everything runs as smoothly as possible but if there is any aspect of either race at all that you think we need to look at then please let us know by using the "contact us" link on our new website.

I do not have room here to thank everyone who has helped to make this year’s race the success that it has once again been. You know who you are – MANY THANKS INDEED – we could not stage the race without everyone’s individual contributions.

David Gray

On behalf of the Race Organisers