Date: Saturday 20th December 2025
Official miles: 3.2 miles
Elevation: 1,093 ft / 333 m
Weather: cloudy
Start: A field near the Skirrid Inn, Llanvihangel Crucorney
Route type: Up and down!
Conditions: Soft
Website Link: Welsh Fell Runners Association
Describe the route in three words: silly and hilly
Skirrid Fell Race – Race Report
My first fell race! What a blast that was. Caught a lift with my friend Jules, parked at the Skirrid Inn and went into the pub for race registration. I was handed a Lindt chocolate Christmas teddy with my race number. I walked with my friend Hilary to the starting field and we both went off for a warm up. There was a huge representation from my club, Mynydd Du.
Andy Creber the RD gave a very long winded pre race chat (hence the 11:03am start rather than 11am) – this included critical information such as, there is no bus of shame, ideally we should don’t quit, but if we do then try to do it on the way down rather than the way up and line it in. There could be a chance of impalement if we ignore marshal instructions and he told some brilliant stories from previous races. He finished the talk with a 3,2,1 go and we all set off rather suddenly and unexpectedly. We were made to run round four cones before starting the climb up Skirrid where I seem to recall having the giggles because it was all so silly.
I felt super strong on the ascent, (gaining a couple of places) and was sure to take Protein Rebel gel on the way up for some extra power, I touched the trig before heading down. I chose to keep to the marked route rather than find my own way down. I did a spectacular bum slide on the descent (loosing a couple of places) and by the time I got to the bottom of the main hill was sure I was right at the back. I could see a fell ahead of me who had come down on the the direct line and I decided I would have him. I overtook him through the fields on the way to the finish which felt great, and I still felt strong, all those intervals Coach Andy is making me do are clearly paying off.
We all received a beer on the way back to the pub, we were rewarded for our efforts with sausages and chips.
Spot prizes included a toilet brush, a whole dead fish, condoms and sanitary towels. I was disappointed not to win a spot prize (awarded at random). I met someone from a club local to my English club on the way back to the car, will probably see him at a Hampshire League cross country race in future!
A fantastic first fell racing experience, what a lot of fun!
Kit List
Results
Overall 86 / 149
Age cat 2nd
Female 19/50
Time 41m 02s
Strava link: click here
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