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Juniors
Raise Cash in Dash |
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Several playing members from our youth section took part in the
Dovedale Dash recently...not for the faint of heart, parent or
coach! |
Junior Elks Annual Migration - A Sherpas Tale
Nothing is more certain at this time of the year than
ghouls rising on Halloween, guys burning on the bonfire and
in-between, for one hour, on the first Sunday in November dashers
appearing in the Derbyshire village of Thorpe for their annual
migration.
This year saw a gaggle of dashers, 35 strong from the Junior Elks
U13s, attempt the 55 year old route that many have fallen foul of in
previous years. Coaches were transformed into Sherpa's, packed with
players mobile phones, whilst U13 players became lean, mean running
machines.
Saturday nights high winds and down pours didnt help the parking for
the event with cars sinking into the mud as soon as they left the
track. This delayed the race for 20 minutes. The Elks are a
resourceful lot though and soon turned the situation to their favor,
keeping warm by using the sunken cars as scrum Machines and driving
them onto the firmer ground.
The aim of the game is simple - along with the other 1,250 dashers;
you start at the top of (Mt.) Thorpe Cloud, run down the ravine
towards the River Dove dropping a good 100m through quagmires until
youre eventually halted by the freezing torrent known as the River
Dove. I am sure you have seen the wilderbeast crossing the Masai
Mara River. The site bordering the Stepping Stones at the bank of
the Dove was comparable although it was devoid of mooing, crocs or
big cats - However, a few choice words were heard when dashers
turned their ankles over the rocks on the River bed. Next you
approach the four mile slog around the undulating local mud
saturated fields following the river around to Ilam and back along
the opposite bank where you mentally prepare yourself for the lung
busting climb back up Thorpe Cloud to the finish line.
Now all this sounds a little harsh putting our young elks through
this, and yes, if youre daft enough to try and run the course in
thirty or so minutes it is tough going for anyone. The Sherpas found
a strong cuppa tea and bacon butty at the start; a swig from the
medical supplies and a pace based on previous, but ageing, dashers M
Green & A Fox gave us enough energy to pick up a pint of
Leatherbritches at the local hostel. (All findings will be passed on
to the next Everest expedition).
So why do this? Why end up at the place you started out from an hour
previously? Next year the U13s are off on tour to Yorkshire and
their aim is to raise sponsorship for the tour through sport
wherever possible. The dash therefore gave us a perfect opportunity.
And so for the Sherpa's Tale; unfortunately this Sherpa was left on
the start line with the other sherpa's by the gallant Elk's so I am
unable to record any accurate details. But listening to the death
deifying exploits and excuses from our young Elks on completing the
challenge makes you realise how modern legends are born.
The first U13 Junior Elk home was Mouse Smith in a time of 35
minutes followed by Jake Keeling second and Russell Crampton third.
The first Elk guest was Georgia Smith. Congratulations to all
players, family members and guests who all completed the course.
The U13 Junior Elks would like to thank everyone who took the time
to sponsor the team.
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Hot Update! |
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Next Event
Friday 7th November
6:30 PM
FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA
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