Waun Fach fell race

Race: Waun Fach fell race (11.2k/610m)
Time/Position: 54.54 (4th from 50 [1st V40])
Quite unexpectedly, the descent down Y Grib (the 'Dragon's Back') turned into one of the best mountain running experiences I've ever had in 300+ races: all this from a little race in the Black Mountains with entries taken for £3 in a barn (infinitely preferable to the increasingly commercialised Snowdon race on the same day). I thought I'd been everywhere in the Welsh mountains, north and south, but I'd never been on this final ridge: the descent was superb. The race starts well, too, leaving Pengenffordd by the road and going up the bridleway through Rhiw Trumau to gain the main ridge. I've only been across the Black Mountains once or twice, so was pleased that the forecast torrential rain was passing us by. The ridge gives superb running, fast and relentless, over the steep forepeak of Pen Trumau and up into the mist to gain the second checkpoint on the summit of Waun Fach at 811m. I was feeling tired on the climb, my calves were very stiff after two days solid rock climbing, but as soon as I hit the contouring path from Waun Fach I felt far better and picked up the speed to Pen y Manllwyn. Here the mist peeled away revealing the superb descent ridge plummeting down to the valley over several sub-peaks. Fantastic stuff. Three leaders were out of sight ahead: but I just held on to fourth place up the amusing sting in the tail (a final climb back up to the finish on top of the ancient Craig Dinas hill fort). A small group of North Walians (Huw, Vic, Steve) turned out for this - the third fixture in this year's Welsh Champs, and a thoroughly enjoyable day was had by all. Beer and chips in Church Stretton broke the long journey home.