It seems that word has spread around the club that the Alport race is another classic in the same mould of the Crookstone et al, as this year saw a vast increase in numbers. The first crossing above Birchin Clough confused many as the bright evening sun reflected off Alport trig in the distance. The bright reflection, coupled with the inability to see the steeply incised Alport valley gave the impression that Alport Valley had miraculously disappeared and that the trig point itself was only a few hundred metres away. The nagging doubts that someone, no names mentioned, had positioned a new trig on the South side of the valley, were soon dispelled as the runners streamed over Grindlegrain Tor into the chasm below.

The three orienteers, Tim, Alistair and Charlie, had broken away by this stage with little separating them as they started the descent through Alport Castles. Charlie started to feel the pace as did Tim, but fortunately Alistair was in no position to take the lead - he hadn't brought his compass or map! The race was finally decided on the run in through the woods with Tim making an emphatic bid for home with the added bonus of breaking Andy Harmer's inaugural record of 1.00.43 from 1986.

Tim Tett