Last updated 19:29, Thursday, 27 November 2008

CUMBERLAND Fell Runners will gather for the annual general meeting on Saturday, December 6, at the Fox And Hounds pub at Ennerdale, from 2pm.

Prior to the formalities of the AGM the club are to organise a handicap dash to the summit of Crag Fell and back, from the Ennerdale pump house car park.

The first runners will be sent on their way at 12noon. They will then be followed at 30-second intervals by further groups of runners until the fastest performers are finally cut loose! It should make for quite a cavalry charge down off Crag Fell to the valley floor.

The Crag Fell Dash will be run in memory of popular Janet Sutcliffe, who died last year.

Janet was a long-standing member of CFR, who spent her lifetime out on the fells competing, and walking. She was held in very high regard, and her untimely passing was a shock to all who knew her.

Race organiser Bigrigg's Harry Jarrett is a big fan of the handicap-style events.

He said: “At this time of year when all the serious stuff has been put to bed, so to speak, there’s nothing better than these fun races.

“They give the less talented athletes the chance to be in with a big shout of actually winning the event. Over the years, our interval races have thrown up the most unlikely of winners.

“I'd be delighted to see members of other Lakeland clubs turning out on the day, as it adds to the interest."

There will be prizes on offer.

All runners are reminded that they must turn up on the day and be prepared to either run in, or carry, full body-cover – ie waterproof top and bottoms, hat and gloves.