Race Report
Dear Competitors,
Here we go again!
After the superb weather of 1995 and the speed at which all the entrants cleared the course, we expected something different this year. Fortunately, it was not too bad and despite some wind and rain in the morning no one got too wet and cold.
Some did, however, get lost (more than once) and we clapped the final winners down the yard at 10.10pm.
The day started slightly different in that the BBC cameras filmed the walkers start at 8.00am. Despite trying to get the media interested in the event for years we have hitherto failed. This year, however, they approached us to ask if they could film. No not because they have finally listened to your comments that it is the best event o fits kind anywhere but because one of the entrants will be standing as a Labour candidate for the High Peak at the next General Election. Tom Levitt, who usualy supports wife Theresa, a veteran of the Otter 40 decided that it was time he attempted the event with her. Coincidentally the BBC were doing a profile of Tom and other Labour candidates to supplement their coverage of the party conference. Sitting Conservative MP, Charles Hendry, got the event underway with a wave of the Union Flag.
The resulting few minutes of film was shown on Breakfast news.
Back to more mundane matters, no new records were set but congratulations to Richard Kearn who repeated his 1993 success leading in the field in 5:24:47 and to Maria Picken, the first lady home in equal 38th place in a time of 6:57:47. Richard is one those foolish people who keep coming back for more year and year (we must be doing something right), whereas Maria was a very late entry (the day before) and this was her first visit.
Equal congratulations to all who finished the course and commiserations to those who had to retired before the end. Sorry to the few that got lost in the latter stages and did a few extra miles particularly our four legged friend who looked really tired at the end.
A few complaints were made during the day that sings were missing or pointing in the wrong direction. Checks showed this not to be the case but please remember that part of the Challenge is to get round the course using maps or whatever and the signs are only there to assist.
Although we love to see dogs accompanying competitors on the course, complaints from some of our staff mean we must ban animals from the canteen at future events.
Anyway, thanks to everyone for taking party, even greater thanks to all the willing souls who marshal, feed, transport and pander genera;y to the athletes’ whims and most of all, on your behalf, a major thank you to Sue Henshall who labours long and hard throughout the year to make sure the Otter 40 stays at the forefront of long distance events.
See you all again on September 20th 1997.
Ken Atkin
Event Organiser
Results Files
High Peak 40 – 1996 – Results and Checkpoint Timings