2011 FRA Report
Excellent weather this year, which no doubt contributed to another record turnout, with 217 enjoying the challenging and varied course.
For the first time in years, the course stayed the same for a second time in a row. But last year’s course records stood, with winner Stuart Bond’s time of 43:11 just a few seconds behind his own winning time in 2010, and Helen Elmore’s 53:52 a couple of minutes off last year’s female winner. Despite Dark Peak’s field being thinned by a number of Paddy Buckley and Bob Graham attempts over the weekend, they managed to wrest the title of winning male team from close competitors Staffordshire Morelands, while Pennine were clear winners of the team prize of a round at the Queen Anne for winning female team.
Thanks to all involved, especially sponsors Accelerate, Foundry Activities and The Old Barn, and to the Hucklow villagers for acting as marshals and supplying the refreshments (with flapjacks and bananas managing to meet demand this year). Thanks also to Derbyshire Cave Rescue Organisation for providing reassuring emergency response provision, onsite first aid and the odd car repair, as well as much of the applause for competitors as they stumbled over the finish line. Finally, a big thank you to the local landowners for granting us access to their properties, making the race possible.
Click for Nic Barber's report of 2011's race on the Accelerate Gritstone Series website