Some of Calder Valley’s keen juniors, known as the ‘racing snakes,’ have been taking part in the Kendal Winter League Series, which takes place across the Lakes and Dales.
On Sunday 5 March in the Howgills, three of the snakes took on the Cautley fell race near the famous Cautley Spout waterfall. In the under 13s race, it was a fast start followed by a steep, unrelenting climb to the 300 metre mark before about turning and running as fast as their legs could take them on the very steep descent back to the finish.
William Hall was first back for Calder Valley and only 13 seconds from taking the win from Ambleside’s James Bowden. William was closely followed by his team mate James Duffy who took 3rd and Patrick Casey placed in a great 13th.
After such a strong race, William Hall took to the fells again the following Sunday (12th March) in the Helm Hill race and went one better to take victory. The fast race takes place on ‘The Helm’, a great little hill near Oxenholme, Kendal, very popular with fell runners. After a great start William widened the gap on his opposition when it got to the steep climb and was out on his own for the descent, hence building a 24 second gap between him and the 2nd placed junior.
In the Longsledale race on Sunday 19th March William Hall again took another impressive win putting his fearless descending skills to good use in the wet and very slippy conditions in the rain. Patrick Casey put in another great run to place 12th. They are looking good for the start of the FRA championships.