The English Fell Race Championships comprises six races, with the best four performances to count.  The championships got underway this year with the 9.2km, 635m ascent Stretton Hills race in the Long Mynd in Shropshire.  The Long Mynd is a compact set of grassy hills cut by several deep valleys.  Many of the country’s very best fell runners were present, and put in performances to justify their standing.  After 500m on tarmac, the race headed for the first of two tough climbs, as well as the first of many route choices.  A fast and then very steep descent led to the second, pretty brutal climb.  From the summit the running was fast, and offered numerous route choices – a pre-race reccie would undoubtedly have been helpful.  The race was won by Carl Bell (Keswick AC) in 45:04 and Nichola Jackson (Ribble Valley Harriers) in 51:01.  Just as important are the age category results, with many really impressive performances.  I finished 228th of 339 finishers 64:20, 13th in the MV60 to 64 category and 16th in the MV60 and over category, which I think means some points towards the championship – official confirmation awaited!