Jubilee Plunge

Race: Jubilee Plunge downhill fell race (2.2m, -1361ft)
Time/Position: 12:33 (13th from 75 [3rd V40])
Possibly unique, in that it starts at the top of Moel Famau and finishes well over a thousand feet below in Llangynhafal, this race was a lot of fun: the perfect festive event. Jez and I made it a bit longer by parking in Cilcain, running up to the ridge and along OD to the summit, then enduring the cold wind and squally showers until race originator Martin set us all off. A very strong field shot off towards the north before plummeting down towards the Vale of Clwyd to join the very steep final grassy descent of the Llangynhafal Loop race. I never descend particularly quickly, and today was no exception, but I thoroughly enjoyed the race despite this serious impediment! The field packed very tightly, with just a few seconds separating each runner, and although I gained on those ahead when the race flattens out on the fields near the village, I still didn't gain much. After a couple of excellent pints of Facers at the always convivial Golden Lion, we ran back on to the ridge in the gathering gloom of a December dusk, stumbling back to Cilcain in the dark without headtorches.