With a slightly adjusted course to avoid, as far as possible, collisions between flying descenders and toiling ascenders, the event remained at 4.1 miles with about 1000 ft of ascent. We were blessed with decent weather, chilly and breezy, but Caribbean compared with what greeted those fearless competitors in the following day's Tour of Torpandau.To avoid this fixture clash next year, we will look at reverting to the previous Saturday.

A field of 74, slightly down on last year, were sent on their way by the enthusiastic farmer whose land they crossed before heading up the lane for half a mile on the way to hitting the stony path leading on to the open fell and the run to the trig point. Some of this progress may be viewed in the great video on Youtube made by Paul Dodd.

A supremely relaxed-looking Mark Palmer [Mynydd Du], perhaps having a mind to the following day's exertions, held a twenty yard lead over the flying Ben Moon [MDC] as they turned back into the field to finish and the positions remained the same at the line. Mark's time of 28.07 will be considered a new record given the course change. In third,Grant Lewis [MMRT] was half a minute behind Ben. In the women's event, the 2013 joint British and English Fell Champion, Helen Fines [now Holmfirth Harriers] was a clear winner in 31.48 and twelfth overall, erasing Katie Beecher's mark of last year. 2nd woman was Amy Jones [Bristol TACA] with Lucy Baker [MDC] 3rd. First female under 23 was Laura Gordon [Mynydd Du], V40, Beverley Tucker [Brecon], V50 Tracy Miles [Worcester] and V60 Joyce Dodd [Chepstow]. In the men's race, Ben Arkell [NGOC] was first U23, and the vets winners, Andrew Stephens [Monross] V40, Julian Boon [FOD] V45, Ian Travis [unattached] V50, Phil

Hands [Leicester Coritanians] V55, Mike Murphy [Les Croupiers] V60, Tom Davies [Croft Ambrey] V65 and Robert West [MDC] V70. The women's team race was won by Mynydd Du [Daniela Gormley, Louise Ann Massy and Rona Davies] while Wye Valley Runners [Jim Masters, Jerry Jehan and Mike Fawcett] carried off the men's team prize.

We were offered great hospitality at the Old Pandy Inn and I must give special thanks to Alan McCardle of the St Margarets Cider Co for donating the prize presentation bottles of Hatterall Hammer cider whose labels featured a design by Mike Wrenn depicting Joss Naylor in full flight. Further thanks must go to our fine gang of officials and marshalls, the ever intrepid Kay and Martin Lucas [in the clouds], Mike Blenkinsop, Clive Rowberry, Hazel Wall, Carol Anson, Geoff Kay, Bev Bishop, Sheryll Evans, Russ James, Max Suff, Mark Adams and sweep runner, Kev Barnes.

Steve Herington [Hereford Couriers]