Day 4: Russell Bentley narrows lead at the front of the race
Day four of the Montane Dragon’s Back Race® saw Russell Bentley squeeze the lead held all week by first placed Simon Roberts. Meanwhile in the female race, Katie Mills ran another fastest time to pull further ahead of Elaine Bisson.
Russell Bentley ran the fastest time today. ©No Limits Photography
Russell ran a fast-paced 69km course from Ceredigion and through the beautiful Elan Valley. The route, with 2300m of ascent, played to his strengths with plenty of runnable trods and long stretches of tarmac roads.
Amazingly, having set a new solo Paddy Buckley Round record just two weeks ago, he ran to the finish line near Towy Bridge Inn, Rhandirmwyn, Llandovery, in 07:09:59.
Simon finished second fastest runner today in 07:17:00 and still holds a 1:18 lead over Russell. The Welsh athlete said: “I had a slow start and and I was feeling lazy. Russell had started a few minutes ahead of me and I knew he would run well.
“I didn’t want to drop much time today but he has a background in road running.
“When I ran past a friend in the race, they said Russell was miles ahead of me and that gave me a kick to get going a bit quicker.
“He had 30 minutes on me at the Support Point but I got that down to nine minutes by the finish. So, I am pleased with that.”
Simon revealed he is looking forward to the rest of the race. He said: “I am keen to get back in the mountains, which I prefer. Tomorrow will hopefully be a good day for me.”
In third place today was Matt O’Keefe in 07:59:52.
Simon, left, and Russell, right, started within minutes of each other today. ©No Limits Photography
Simon said he felt tired at the start of today’s course. ©No Limits Photography
Simon looking focused on the road. @ No Limits Photography
After four days of running, the top three places are held by Simon on 32:16:08, Russell on 33:34:49 and then Matt, who is almost another 2.5 hours behind him.
Matt said: “I had a good day today.”
Katie Mills at a hill summit checkpoint. ©No Limits Photography
Elaine Bisson held on to second place. ©No Limits Photography
Katie Mills holds on to strong first place
Only nine females remain competitive in the race. Katie Mills ran another fastest female time – and came home sixth fastest runner overall today. She completed the course in 09:14:36.
Katie also now sits in eight position in the leaderboard overall. The English runner, who lives in British Columbia, extended her lead to almost four hours over second placed Elaine Bisson, from England, who ran 10:29:17 today.
Cat Slater was third fastest female today in 11:18:41.
Katie said: “Today brings the total mileage in one week to the most I have ever run. It was a great day and more runnable than other days.
“It was also cooler and that helped a lot. Everyone in my tent was doing well, so that was really good to see.
“There was some tussocky stuff that was slow going today and my feet were a bit sore after yesterday’s running, so I tried to take it easy. I didn’t mind the road though.”
Katie Mills about to set off earlier today. ©No Limits Photography
Watch the day four film here:
Day 4: Top 3 males
Russell Bentley 07:09:59
Simon Roberts 07:17:00
Matt O'Keefe 07:59:52
Day 4: Top 3 females
Katie Mills 09:14:36
Elaine Bisson 10:29:17
Cat Slater 11:18:41
Overall: Top 3 males
Simon Roberts 32:16:08
Russell Bentley 33:34:49
Matt O'Keeefe 36:00:02
Overall: Top 3 females
Katie Mills 41:45:32 6th overall
Elaine Bisson 45:34:01
Cat Slater 47:51:38.