Over the weekend, Castleberg Outdoors was involved in one the most famous races on the fell running calendar, the Yorkshire 3 Peaks – besides hosting some of the leading Salomon International athletes, local runners (including our own race team members) did really well and there was also the 2013 Fellsman race – a busy time on the local hills!
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Xavier, Tofol and Mary - warm up run on Friday[/caption]
The shop held a successful pre-race event on the Friday evening with Salomon International runners Tofol Castanyer and Oihana Kortuzar attending which provided a unique opportunity for local runners to meet and chat with the two experienced mountain runners, as well as view the extensive range of Salomon Trail running products available in store.
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Mary, Tofol and Xavier - out for a warm up run prior to the Salomon 3 Peaks Race[/caption]
Shop staff James A, Xavier and Mary accompanied Tofol on a short ‘shake-out’ run and showed him some of the local trails around the town which he enjoyed and described as ‘beautiful’.
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Mary and Tofol - out for a warm up run Friday (above Settle)[/caption]
Many stories of nerves and excitement about the upcoming events (the even tougher 61mile Fellsman was also run over the weekend) were exchanged between the range of experienced and novice runners present.
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James A, Tofol, Mary and Xavier outside the shop[/caption]
Onto race day and although cold, the weather was kind to the 744 runners who lined up to tackle the peaks of Penyghent, Whernside and Ingleborough with little wind and even glimmers of sunshine!
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Carol, Tord, Sharon and Jill - getting prizes (well done Settle Harriers) at the Salomon 3 Peaks Race (photo: John Murphin)[/caption]
As well as the Salomon international athletes, Castleberg Outdoors were well represented by members of the Race Team and local running club Settle Harriers.
Tofol, with the fatigue of a 110km race just 6 days before still in his legs, ran a strong race to finish just inside the top 10 in 9
th position, behind fellow Salomon International, Scottish athlete and winner for the second year in a row Joe Symonds.
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Oihana, Mary and Tofol at Castleberg Outdoors - prior to Salomon 3 Peaks Race[/caption]
In the women’s race Oihana was looking good for the win before a heavy fall on the final descent off Ingleborough saw her slip into second behind winner Jasmin Paris of Carnethy Hill Runners, Oihana’s run was a very gutsy performance considering she then left with her arm in a sling and a suspected break!
Of the Castleberg Outdoors Race Team strong consistent runs from Sharon Mcdonald & Jill Eccleston combined with Settle Harriers Team mate (and Castleberg Outdoors Accountant!) Carol Evans to take a very impressive 2
nd Ladies team behind Carnethy Hill Runners. Carols’ run, finishing in just under 4hours was an excellent result leading her to victory in the V50 category.
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Carmine (Team Castleberg) - proud finisher of the 2013 Fellsman[/caption]
If the Three Peaks, at 23 miles and 5276ft of climbing wasn’t enough, Castleberg Outdoors Team member Carmine De Grandis took on the even longer 61 mile, 11000ft Fellsman and staff member Heather was also on the billing! Carmine described the event as unfinished business having been stopped from finishing last year when the 50th fellsman edition was stopped due to adverse weather. This year he was more determined than ever which was evidenced in his finishing time of 18h26m, a remarkable achievement! However, having had chance to reflect on his performance and the competitor that he is Carmine is already looking to go even quicker next time and thats even before the pain of the run has had chance to subside! It’s so good to see such positive attitudes and great performances from all those involved over the weekend!
