ACarter

Last updated at 01:00, Friday, 28 September 2007

LLOYD Taggart, of Sheffield club Dark Peak Fell Runners, has been in sparkling form on the fell racing scene in 2007, winning events all over the country.

Last Saturday he smashed what was generally regarded as one of the strongest course records on the fell calendar.

The old course best of 51 minutes 12 seconds for the race up and down the 3,200 ft Scafell Pike, from Wasdale Head, had stood for eight years to Ben Bardsley, of Borrowdale.

The gruelling event has been on the go for almost 20 years. Bardsley's time, along with just a handful of other races on the calendar, was beginning to get the look of the untouchable about it.

But Taggart climbed and descended England's mightiest peak in just 49 minutes and 50 seconds. He also achieved this new milestone after a longer valley run-out to the start of the fell to contend with, than in all previous years!

Taggart finished over three minutes clear of second placed Danny Hope, also of Dark Peak. Third place went to Ricky Lightfoot, of Ellenboro AC. First lady in 25th spot was Jacky Lee, who runs for the Snowdon club, Wales.

Ellenboro's West Cumbrian neighbours CFR had just six members turning out on the day but all ran well.

Seventeen-year-old Lee Amor ran as a guest accompanying his father, Martin Amor, for the race. However, the strong and rapidly improving junior powered away from dad to take 18th position against a field of 85 senior runners.

Martin returned to Wasdale Head in 23rd position. Steve Brailley enjoyed his first Scafell Pike race finishing 28th overall. Rob James and Dave Atkinson slugged it out all the way down the rugged 2.5 mile descent, with Rob just getting the upper hand to take 33rd. In turn, Dave's 34th place kept Irvine Block at bay, as Irvine settled for 36th.

For the ladies, Lyn Thompson ran very well to pip her Keswick AC clubmate Jane Meeks, as they were placed 46th and 47th respectively.

First published at 16:36, Thursday, 24 January 2008
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk