The Coombe Hill Fell Race in Wendover, Bucks is described as a fun, hilly 7km fell run, classified in the BS Category by the Fell Running Association (with a steep climb and descent). A regular club fixture, and this year one of the races in the club summer series, it has the attraction of a £5 race entry fee and a free pint of beer at the Shoulder of Mutton pub afterwards. This years race took place on the 5th June with five Hillingdon AC runners making the trip, the majority of these taking it on for the first time.
A long slow climb through the woods to the car park close to the monument preceded one of the unique features of this race- the very steep downhill. Some light rain beforehand and a thin layer of soil on top of the chalk surface made it very difficult for the runners to stay on their feet. Sadly some came a cropper with our own Charlie Edwards taking a tumble and having to withdraw from the race. Thankfully a trip to A+E afterwards showed no broken bones.
After the descent a short respite before the steep climb, which can only be walked rather than run up, to the monument. At this point James Laing was in the lead, but as he turned for the long, fast descent to the finish he twisted his ankle and his race was run, leaving a long slow hobble back to the finish.
Dave Smith was now leading the chase for Hillingdon AC and this wily old V50 veteran came safely across the line in 36:06 (46th). He was followed in by V60 Mike Illing in an impressive time of 41:18 (73rd). The only lady was the indomitable Zoe Dobbs who finished in 43:31 (86th). Refreshments were taken at the pub afterwards. Full results can be found here Coombe-hill-results-RESULTS-2022-4
