European Mountain Running Championships Trial Race, Keswick

This year the European Mountain Running Championships are to be held in Bulgaria and last Sunday was the trial race for the GB team. Held on a 3 lap course on Latrigg, Keswick, the race features a long, steep climb up the front of Latrigg and fast, grassy descents on each lap, before finishing with a headlong charge down the main Latrigg path back to Fitz Park. Its a punishing course, requiring quick transitions between lactic-inducing uphill slogs and fast-paced running, all with aching muscles and tired legs.

As in last year’s trial races, there was little to choose between the leading group and as I looked up at the top of the final climb I realised there couldn’t be more than 20 seconds between the first 5. By then, Simon Bailey had overhauled long-time leader James MacMullan and would open up a winning lead on the descent to the finish. Gareth Raven had climbed the last hill strongly and overtook me near the top on his way to 2^nd. Meanwhile, in 4^th, I had competition from behind. Orlando Edwards was running strongly and coped with the steep part of the descent much better than me, closing to within feet. Once we got onto the main hardpacked footpath, I knew I had to throw caution to the wind, hurling myself downhill to try and hold off Orlando, all the while thinking, “There’s only 4 places in the GB team.....”. Its amazing what a bit of fear can do for you! Along the final flat road and path section, I spurred my jelly legs into what could possibly pass for a sprint and finished with a 10s advantage.

With the first 2 finishers guaranteed selection, I was left waiting for the selector’s decision and it was a relief when I got the call confirming I’m in the GB team. After a disappointing winter, its very satisfying to make another British team, especially as I feel I’m not quite as fit as I could be and that there is more to come. The Europeans will be another tough, fast race and we will all need to be at our best to handle the Alpine specialists.

I raced in my new X-Talon 190s and they proved to be ideal for this course, being very flexible and responsive on uneven ground whilst also providing plenty of grip. Light as a feather too!