This year’s Darrens Dash hill race was organised as a new partnership between Longtown School PTFA, Longtown Pre-School and Wye Valley Runners. A new course and new event base were established but everything hinged on the weather….

The weather forecast certainly wasn't promising - 50 mph winds, extensive hill fog down to 300m and persistent heavy rain! A quick emergency route choice had to be devised and 30 brave runners took up the challenge of the ‘Darrens Deluge’. A newcomer to the Darrens Dash - Duncan Birtwistle of Harrogate Harriers - won the race in fine style in 36:00 minutes whilst Hereford-based Alan Mayo-Evans put in a gritty performance to take 2nd place in 38.10 and Male Vet 50 Adrian Woods came in 3rd in 39:00 minutes. The first lady home was Emma McWilliams from Mynydd Du in 40:50, followed by club-mate Female Vet 40 Angela Jones in 42:20 and Female Vet 50 Alice Bedwell of MDC in 44:20.

The childrens fun run also attracted 18 entrants who battled it out on the slippery course. A bouncy castle, raffle, BBQ, produce stall and fantastic teas and cakes compensated for the dampness. Many thanks to all runners who took part and a particular big thank you to Longtown Mountain Rescue Team who provided marshalls 'on the hill' in tough conditions and to the farmers / landowners who let us use their land. Race drinks and trophies were sponsored by Black Mountain Mineral Water company.

Thanks to the generosity of many local sponsors, more than £500 was raised for Longtown School PTFA and Pre-School.