Race report courtesy of organisers and Paul Carman.
The Trot which attracted approximately 250 competitors to the start line in sunny Threshfield to tackle the scenic
but challenging 25mile course.
From Threshfield, the route headed across Threshfield Moor, Winterburn Reservoir, Rylstone Moor, Barden Tower and Trollers Gill before returning via Burnsall and along the banks of the River Wharfe. People who completed the race climbed around 3,064 feet – whilst others tackled the shorter 12-mile course available for walkers.
With dry conditions underfoot, the sun shining and temperature mild, it was a day for course records to be broken and the fastest male and female of the day did just that. Seasoned veteran runner, Richard Pattison, of P&B, led the field, taking 3 minutes off the 2011 course record (set by Matt John of Otley AC).
Pattison took an early lead and enjoyed not only the ideal conditions, but the lack of threat from last year’s winner of the event, Andrew Dobby of Harrogate Harriers. Despite winning the event in several previous years, Dobby finished 10 minutes behind Pattison. Next home, and having an excellent run in the men’s race was Wharfedale’s Paul Carman clocking a time of 3hr 12m. The other Wharfedalers were………..
Paul Crabtree 3.55
Steve Milner 4.22
Jean Powell 4.38
Caren Crabtree 4.46
There was one other Wharfedaler yet to be identified.
In the women’s race it was the Calder Valley fell runner, Jo Waites, who breezed around the course to finish 3rd overall, taking several minutes off the women’s course record which was held by Karen Best of Otley AC – 3hr 34m. This year Karen had to settle for 2nd place but had an excellent run shaving 8 minutes off her previous 2011 course record. Third woman home was Carol Morgan in a time of 3hr 43m.
Back out on the course competitors were soaking up the sun, scenery and fresh air in the Dales whilst passing steadily through the eight checkpoints dotted along the course. Six of the eight checkpoints were manned by the mighty, friendly marshals who did a fantastic job ensuring everyone was fed and watered and the event ran as smoothly as possible.
Competitors returned in a steady stream to HQ looking to re-energise after their epic, energy-sapping efforts. My wife, Charlotte Dunne, was on hand in the kitchen, feeding the masses with pie, peas and rice pudding after rolling into the welcome finish line.
A few people mis-read their route description and wandered a little off course before the Raynet team swept them back on track. Despite this, the day was a huge and enjoyable success; this was undoubtedly due to the marshals who gave up their day and worked their socks off to ensure all went to plan. Competitor feedback has commented on how positive, friendly and helpful all the volunteers were, so well done to everyone!
Photos from the day can be viewed and purchased from
http://www.sportsunday.co.uk/trollers-trot-2013
Full results are here…….http://runalong.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/2013-Results-Trollers-Trot.pdf