 By Rob HowardThe marshals sounded a wake up call on their hooter at the camp for the C/Short/Medium Score at 6.30am, but with a gale blowing and the rain hammering down not many people were asleep. Those who were woke up to the good news they’d be running the bad weather courses today.
“Yesterday’s courses were long,” said Steve Willis, the Race Controller, “and the forecast is still bad. So we put them on short courses and took an additional checkpoint off the short course on the A Class as well.” Looking around at the open moorland where the tents are pitched he added, “It’s exposed here, but I’ve been here 10 times since February and this is the worst I’ve seen it.”
As it got light and the rain eased for a short while the campsite camp to life. Many tents were pitched on long grass among some gorse bushes, which gave the best cover. Chris Hughes and Phil Dewhurst were tucked away in one corner brewing up. “We thought this was the best spot and it’s been fine,” said Hughes, “a good bed on the grass and very sheltered. We did terribly yesterday but it’s our first KIMM and it’s what we expected - hard, but well organised.”
Hughes asked about the defending champion Mark Seddon who was at the other camp and was disappointed to hear he was injured. “We train together in Horwich running club and he puts a huge amount of effort into his preparation, so it’s a real shame he’s injured. This is his tent we’re using.”
Further up the hill John Hunt and Phil Kershaw were getting out of a tiny Coleman tent, which was flapping in the wind. “It’s fine,” Hunt said, “well OK for one night at least. This is Phil’s first KIMM so he’s done well in this weather. You just have to be mentally prepared for it.” | 
