The last Runfurther race ever!

 When Panopticons got cancelled back in May we needed a new race for the series. It became Punk Panther Wharfedale Skyline. It was the right distance, didn't clash, was far enough ahead for people to get entries..... true it extended the series season a bit but we could cope.  I had met the RO at a different event and he seemed like a nice guy and others who had done a Punk race the previous year agreed. I should have checked more carefully as to me Wharfedale meant real Dales scenery like above Buckden and Kettlewell- my mistake.

I also had not checked the start time and got a sudden shock when I saw it was 7.30am which would mean a very early get up. Instead I drove to our son's in Leeds on a wild and wet night in the storm. It meant I would have 60-90 mins extra in bed on Saturday plus it was nice to see him albeit rather briefly.

The storm was due to ease away with just lighter rain and less gales on Saturday; which all sounded good. I arrived in Otley in light rain, dropped the display boards off and went to park the car. It was damp and felt chilly but not too bad. 

It was very warm in the church hall and I debated what to wear. I had decided on 3/4s not longs unless it was super cold as I knew it would be very wet and I hate wet tights- my legs are waterproof after all. In the end I packed a second cag just in case I was cold or the rain got worse again. The forecast said it might even stop by midday but what do they know.

There was a short briefing and then we all walked up through Otley to the start. The first couple of Km would not involve much running as we climbed onto The Chevin. The start was briefly delayed as Steve crouched in front of the start line and insisted on retying both shoe laces. He then charged off as usual only to have numerous runners squeeze past him on the single track climb. It was a muddy and slippery climb but plenty of runners around so no nav issues yet. Once on the top it was a pleasant run east past the trig (making 101 for me this year) and then dropping down to Bramhope. Somewhere here first woman passed me although I kept her in sight until the airport. The fields were very wet which was strength sapping and any incline was very slippery. From Bramhope we turned south above a railway line and so past huge air ventilation shafts to the outskirts of Cookridge. 

The state of the paths then took a turn for the worse as we ran around the runway perimeter fence. All the path was under 6" of water, some muddy bits and uncertainty about foot placement. A group of men overtook me, although I later caught them and we ran miles together. Here I got a small stone in my shoes and could feel it biting at the underside of my heel. I was reluctant to stop and kept trying to relocate it in my shoe. I now have a very small hard blood blister there- should have stopped. Entering the edge of Yeadon I was suddenly on my own and my watch did not update my position quickly enough to avoid a small error. I back tracked and turned into a park to run round Yeadon Tarn. 

I never knew it was there until today. Then came the first CP and I caught a small loose group of guys. We negotiated the urban area together and into Spring Wood which was lovely even if rather muddy in places. Heading north across the golf course they pulled away again as did a second female runner.

We had been warned that the paths near the golf course were slippery and it was true! A real relief to get on to Willow Lane and the field paths near Hawksworth Hall. Here I met another woman runner and we briefly went astray. I now thought I was in 4th place but later discovered that she was not on the ultra route. Before long I was at the Menston CP and grabbing a few snacks. These boosted my energy and I ran alone but quite well on nice tracks to the edge of Burley Moor. I thought all the guys I had been with were now well ahead but I spotted one lone male ahead and reeled him in, By the time we reached the Cow and Calf above Ilkley there was a group of about 8 of us trying to decide on the safest descent and then the best way through the bracken. Those that I was with now were to accompany me off and on all the way to the end.

It was easy running down through Ben Rhydding and onto the main A65 Ilkley-Otley road. Lanes led us to the CP in Denton. Normally I am not a fan of tarmac but today it was almost a blessing to be off the mud. This CP was the BEST. 

I had a pile of egg mayo sandwiches and stomped my way up and up the lane and back to the moor. The rain had not stopped and heading directly into the wind I was now getting quite chilly but knew that before long we would turn and also drop. I really didn't want to loose the group I was with- 5 guys and second female. We did a reasonable job of keeping each other on track even in the waterlogged woods with the multiple stream crossings and I am sure it helped me keep my pace up more than if I had been alone.

From the last CP at Norwood there was more climbing than I expected although some nice paths too. Then a whole series of lanes led us back towards Otley. Two guys pulled ahead but I could see the others just up ahead. I couldn't quite catch them but knew they would only beat me back by a minute or so. 

Official race time 6hrs 26. 3rd F, 1st FV50 and 60. 1st V60 F or M. New FV60 record and only 8 mins behind 1st F and 1 min behind 2nd F. Better than I expected! Not quite what I expected for Wharfedale but a good event and great RO team.

A good end to the Grand Slam of Runfurther events and a lovely end to the whole Runfurther thing. The Grand Slam involved 550 miles and takes my total of race ultras this year to 18 and so 175 race ultras since I started in 2009. Wonder when I can reach 200? Already very close if I was to include all my birthday 100 milers etc. I am still not sure whether to be relieved, sad or happy that it is all coming to an end. It has been such a big part of my life since my first Runfurther race in 2009 and even more so since we took over the organisation 10 years ago. I had some post race food and cups of tea before lugging the boards back to the car, it was still drizzling. I am going to have very tired legs for the Urban Orienteering in Salford tomorrow!

2025 OMM

 When the OMM changed all the courses our favourite B became the intro/ beginners as the C was axed.  I wanted A but Rowena as a voice of reason and not liking two hard days back to back vetoed this. We stuck with B but I wasn't really happy and a couple of years with very short hours on the hill meant it was time for a change. We are relative newbies at Score and nervous of the extra challenge of deciding not only how to get to CPs but also which ones to go for! Our compromise was Long Score- this would avoid the possible snakes of runners on the over popular Medium Score and allow me my hours on the hill but with a limit of 7hrs and 6hrs each day.

As MMs have died off we see less of each other for such events as when we did at least 4 a year- SLMM, LAMM, RAB and OMM so we were pleased to have found a good compromise plus this year the OMM would be quite local so we got the bonus of Fri night in a real bed and a short drive to and from the event. This meant we missed out on some socialising and atmosphere on the Friday evening but on balance it was good. The forecast was both good and bad. It was likely to be dry, especially on the Saturday. We both feel the cold and wet windy weather does not suit us. It also meant good views and easier nav. The bad was that the rain might arrive by Sunday lunch time, the wind was due to be quite strong/blustery and it would be COLD.

We made good time to Shap and stopped for a quick toilet break before continuing to the event centre near the Abbey.  It was cold and we both added a base layer and kept our cags on as wind-proofs. We had plenty of time to register, get dibber and tracker and then drop off car keys. This still left time for a toilet break and a gentle walk/jog to the start. The website had said 5 mins but at registration we found it was nearer to 20mins.  We made it with time to spare but being cold decided to try to get an early start. Yes, they were allowing people to go when ready. In retrospect we now wish we had lingered and sussed out the area but in fairness I have never before been to an event where we were handed maps and told "the start kite is somewhere up that flagged moorland but I am sorry I don't know know how far!" Most unusual and it meant of course we did not know where we were. Apparently the planner had been telling some confused people but he didn't tell us. We decided our best option was to follow the flags and find the kite. Actually the best route to our chosen first control was to step back 5m and follow the tiny water works road. Instead we flogged up the moor, found the start kite, treked round an OoB wall and then a nasty bracken filled descent to reach said road. Heaven knows how much time we had lost.

We tried to put this behind us and concentrated on the wonderful views and collecting the 6 controls along the ridge above Haweswater and extending SW towards Branstree. It went well and we were pleased with our nav. We were making reasonable time and dropped to our 7th control on to the north of Gatesgarth Pass in a small sheepfold. Then it was decision time- where to go next? 

There was a nice cluster around Blea Tarn. Kidsty Pike was tempting at 80 points but would require some really fast running. We messed up the order of the 3 at the tarn as I was anxious about climbing the headwall but all was easy and we collected the three before heading off to Nam Bield Pass. It's so much easier when you know the area and can visualise where you are heading. It felt like and enormous descent even though the map showed it as only half way to Kentmere res. We then climbed to our next CP in a re-entrant before making our only real error of the day. We were starting to come across more teams from a variety of courses. Rowena was flagging and I was pushing hard. Climbing up towards the fence line I found another re-entrant and dibbed. I did not on this occasion check the code- my mistake!  The one we needed was another couple of hundred metres on but at the same height.

Instead of checking the code we plotted what to do with the time we had in hand. It was too early to head for mid camp and there were two  controls on stream junctions in the next valley over. It was a bit tussocky but we had time. Ironically on our return to the fence line we then passed close to our 'missing' re-entrant before dropping to a kite below a huge crag. If only we had realised.

Not my photo but what a view

The last section of the day with 3 more controls was easy running. I felt strong and took Rowena's sack in addition to mine in the hope we could RUN. Heading down into Longsleddale we had over 15 mins at it was clear we would be back in time. In fact we were 10 mins inside the 7 hour limit.  At download our splits did indeed show the wrong re-entrant but now was not the time to stress.

At 4pm we found a spot for the tent wedge between others but not too far from the toilets and water. It was flat and would do. Despite the tent being twisted and inside out; cheers Rowena, we were soon sat inside and adding layers for warmth and stripping off wet dirty socks. Once water was collected it was the usual brew and treat of millionaires shortcake. The evening passed in a mix of food, drink, lie downs, toilet trips etc. 

We did wander out to check results and found there was unusually a chasing start for females on our course so we were off at 7.10 not 8.30am. Not all teams discovered this. We were sure we would be awake by then anyway and maybe the earlier start would allow us to beat the forecast rain. It was cold and the stars were amazing. I dislike the cold and so did not wander the field and socialise as much as I would have liked.

We slept as well as we ever do on an OMM and better than in some years when we feared the wind and rain might collapse the tent. As predicted we were awake and starting to move before the piper started playing. 

Porridge and a brew set us up for the day. Fearing the worst of the forecast and it being a chilly morning I kept my long tights on and an extra long sleeve base layer. I was a bit warm at times but nothing too dreadful.

It would have been nice to visit the other side of the valley but a quick glance at the map showed the best points and less boggy ground was to reverse yesterdays route at least in part. 

Heading up to the first control felt hard work but my legs and cold toes soon got used to what was expected of them. The ground had a touch of frost as we picked off the first 3 controls in the Shipman Knotts area. The CPs were coming fairly fast which kept the motivation going. 

We with others had some confusion about where we could legally cross near Wren Gill quarries  but were soon sorted and on our way. Then a lovely grassy track allowed some great running. Rowena's knee was causing pain so I took her sack.  We knew we had a fence to cross on Selside Brow but then saw the big gate lower down in the valley. It wasn't where our crossing point was marked? It seems the map only showed  an extra one higher up the hillside? Annoying as we had climbed, dropped and then had to climb again whilst also losing our compass bearing. Hey ho. The next leg caused even more confusion as we could see a broken but significant wall and it wasn't on our map. No idea why so we flogged on, relocated on a nice crag and spotted where we needed to head.

The climb to the next col went faster than expected and we started to work our way back NE above Haweswater. We had opted to avoid the bogs of Swindale. three more controls collected. There was even some real running as we were with Mary and her partner. I now had both sacks and kept them until the finish line. We dropped too low going to the next but luckily were able to use a distant wall and woodland across the valley to quickly relocate. It might have been a different story in claggy weather but perhaps we would have been more careful then. The steepest run of the weekend dropped us down a bracken covered hillside to the tarmac road. Above Truss Gap it was clear we had time in hand and we opted to collect 2 more controls on the moor above Tailbert before heading back past the day1 start and one more control by the Abbey. There was mud but the rain had not arrived. We ran in case the steep pull up from the abbey took its toll but ended up with almost 20 mins to spare.

A great weekend and our partnership survived in tact despite some differences of opinion and different strengths out on the course. Long Score worked out well as our compromise course and we would consider it again. Lessons were learned.... We might not have had a podium this year but it seemed more satisfying than our recent years on B which had fewer hours on the hills. 

We were 4thF, 4thV and 1stFV. Our timing was good with just 10 mins and 20 mins to spare and not really any extra controls that we could have collected (except perhaps on day 1 without the time lost at the start kite and then at Blea Tarn). 

We were blessed with the weather and caught up with many friends. Bonus was a fairly short drive home.

The Grand Slam is still on

 Race 11 in the Runfurther series was the UTYD, Ultra Tour of the Yorkshire Dales, was once the Yorkshire Trod. I have done the longer 100km three times before but never the shorter 51km. It would be quite nice not having to trudge up Buckden Pike and not having to leave the lovely event HQ and go out on the second loop. Or would it? I was almost jealous of those going over Simon's Seat and Barden Moor until I remembered that we had family visiting and arriving for an evening meal on Saturday.

The forecast looked quite favourable with no rain, just a bit grey and not really very chilly as little wind. We drove across on Friday evening and put up a couple of flags/banners and the display boards. There was even time to chat with Mel the RO. Our planned camping spot for the van was occupied but we soon found an alternative- just hadn't factored in the sound of falling leaves and stalks onto the back of the van roof all night. Hey ho.

We were up early, fed etc and Bob dropped me off at the bottom of Grassington village before 7am. He had plans for a walk to gain a couple more trig points and 2000' hills. If it all worked out he might even see me as he was dropping back down to Litton and I was doing my last big climb. I divided my time between toilet visits and chatting to friends. I had not realised when I met Evan that I knew his dad, I had not seen Tony H for ages but I did mess up not chatting to Charlotte and Steve more about our AGM. There were few Runfurther runners and not that many runners in total on the 50km or the 100km. I have no idea why? The event centre is good. Parking is fairly easy. The route is superb and race is no more expensive than most others. The CP food is good with one excellent stop for us on the 50km as we go round. 

Before 8am there was a short briefing and we were herded outside. I started further back up the lane than I planned and was so busy talking that I suddenly realised we were off! My plan was to try but not to race hard, just make sure the Grand Slam was still on and that I did not get injured before the OMM next weekend. In my shock I did charge down through the village but then eased up on the climb up from the river. Easy running led past the school and along lanes towards the moors. It was amazingly dry underfoot and any streams were easy to cross- quite a contrast to 2023 when we were redirected twice to avoid submerged stepping stones and bridges.  I was soon too warm and had to take my cag off. Once on the moor I was overtaken by a young female but interestingly she never really pulled  away and I kept closing the gap, letting it open, closing it etc. Hmm- perhaps I might race just a bit?

I chatted to Mark as we headed north to The Weets where I claimed my 99th Trig this year. Again he kept pushing the pace and even overtaking but then never really moved ahead. This was repeated by about 4 younger men as we turned west along Mastilles Lane to the Malham car park and our first CP. The team there were keen to let me know that 1st F was only just ahead- yes I know but I am still not sure I am really racing today. I needed nothing and when I announced that I had not even drunk any water I was accused of being a camel. The big track around the tarn soon gave way to rougher paths up and over the beautiful moors that would then lead us back east. The cows I worried about above Middle House Farm were not there and although there were some a bit later they did not seem interested today.  Two of the young men got ahead here as I was more cautious on the paths with bits of limestone showing through. My shoes were great but I did not want a trip and fall. Dropping towards Arncliffe I could still see them so I had not been too slow. 

Actually a different bit of river path but you can see the beauty

It's a small diversion through the village to the CP in the village Hall but at least I now know where it is unlike one runner I met who had missed it. I arrived as Victoria and Nicola were leaving but was determined to make sure I ate as this was our only real CP. I scoffed pizza, cake and banana in the hall and as I wandered back into the village.  The path up Littondale was wonderfully dry this year and I could see Nic just ahead.  There were marshals at the stepping stones warning they might be greasy but all was fine. 

Photo pinched from 2022

At the pub in Littondale I caught Victoria, who was doing the 100km, and Nic. We were busy chatting as we climbed steadily up onto Firth Fell and then suddenly there was Bob on his way down. A quick kiss and chat and I was off. From here I somehow just pulled ahead- perhaps they were both busy chatting. I gained on the lad ahead and used this to pull me up the ridge and down the other side. There were a few boggy patches on the descent but mostly it was easy and fast running. I was now 1stF  and felt I should try to keep that. 

The only downside to Dales running- ankle biting gates

I knew the way and broke the final run down Upper Wharfedale into 3 chunks of Buckden to Starbotton,  then on to Kettlewell and then finally Grassington which would be by far the longest chunk.  There were more walkers about now but it wasn't crowded. I started overtaking men on the trail but had no time to look behind me to see if Nic was chasing me. Starbotton came quite quickly and after the bridge here the path became more busy but on all the narrower sections the walkers were very kind and steeped aside for me. I had expected water at Buckden but must have missed it or misunderstood. My Mountain Fuel was a bit too strong and I really wanted to dilute it  but also needed to drink now. I did consider a quick diversion to the public toilets or campo site in Kettlewell but told myself I could wait until Scargill House where we would have water. 

I had been running with two guys doing the Dales Dazzler, a new race for Punk Panther races, which for some reason was on the same day. A bit odd but it worked in my favour. The guys briefly disappeared into the car park in Kettlewell but by the bridleway near Scargill House woods we were back together. I now had water and it was good to chat. These grass paths are real favourites of mine and make for very easy and pleasant running. One guy pulled away a little but using both of them for pace really helped me on this final leg. Heading across the last fields we met a herd of very large and very intimidating cows. They were stretch out in a line and moving at pace steadily towards us. I think they were just curious because a few shouts and arm waves saw them disperse and I didn't even need to leave the path. Once past the dairy ice cream farm I knew it was a short and fairly level run back to the Town Hall.  A quick glance behind me reassured me there were no other runners in sight and a check of my watch showed I would just slip inside my predicted 6 hours.

I crossed the line in better state than in previous years and was chuffed with 1stF and 5th overall. Time was 5hrs51 and I was only 44 mins behind Adam who won in 5hrs 7.   I had collected my commemorative Buff at registration but now claimed a can of local beer and lots of food- real Yorkshire puds with chilli, homemade soup, cake and custard - all served to my table plus two big mugs of tea. 

I was recovered and happy when Bob arrived to collect me and help take down the Runfurther stuff. Mel being busy had almost forgotten about the prizes so I was able to make Nic's day by giving her the UD race vest and then some Injinji socks to a young man doing his first ultra.

It's a great race and I might go back next year for the 100km again, simply because I like the route so much. We left early but all Runfurther runners finished so well done to Stuart, Charlotte and Steve.

13 Valleys Ultra

 A newish race and certainly new for me. Not a Runfurther race either! When I entered I had not really factored in my Runfurther Grand Slam wishes. It ended up meaning 3 big races in September and a stressful orienteering race on the other weekend that month. I tried to tell myself that all I had to do at Bullock Smithy was get round.. yeh, OK.  Told myself the same for High Peak 40. No need to stress, no need for Runfurther points just safely get round and enjoy.  Once these were done and dusted I just had to hope that I was not too tired. Oh, and nearly forgot that I became involved in a Turf Team event which runs from Sept 6th to Oct 5th! Lots of hours on bike.

Thanks for driving and taking care of me

The forecast kept changing and I gave up worrying and just expected that I would get wet and some point- hopefully not until later on and hopefully not too wet. At least it was localish and mostly on ground that I know pretty well. We drove up with plenty of time to spare and I went to register and leave my drop bag. At least once it was gone I could stop faffing. Registration was efficient and I was soon back at the van. 

After a quick stop at Booths we headed up to Castle Rigg to while away some time. I got changed and took a very short walk. Then sat around I stressed about how chilly I felt. I lazed on the bed but did not sleep.

By 5.15 I was back at the theatre by the lake and ready to start. I bumped into both Stuart and Joe and amused them by stating how chilly I felt. I sat in the cafe and chatted to runners before deciding I had to move outside. 

I got a nice photo and then spotted Paul N, Mark C and others to talk to.  Now we were in the funnel I was less nervous - we were all claiming we would be slow!

Despite being determined to set off slowly I got pulled along by the crowd and the fact that compared to the steep start at L100 it was easy running. I should have been worried that I was keeping up with Paul and that Mark was somewhere behind me. We were cheered through town and Portinscale before heading onto the terrace path that contours below Cat Bells. This was a joy to run on despite one boggy section. A big track led towards the Honister road and it was starting to get dark. I had put my torch in a side pocket so that it was easy to access. Good planning I thought.... except at some point in the previous 48 hrs it must have been on. As I plonked it on my head and pressed the button nothing happened. I took the battery out and tried again. No. I took the battery out and flipped it. Still no. I tried not to cry. I dug in my sack and found the tiny torch I planned to use for such eventualities. I located the spare battery and popped it in. Thank God. I had light. I trotted on towards the road and up to Honister. The CP was in a tent in the mines car park and there were plenty of supporters cheering us on. I felt good as I took food and a drink, until they said I was first woman. Oh dear; too fast too soon?

I left following torch lights up the stone step path and then along the old tramway. From Dubs quarry to Warnscale bottom was awful. A really technical path that in the dark was for me really tricky and slow.  At least it was not as bad as when Rowena and I jogged down it on the fateful Borrowdale OMM! I was overtaken by faster men but was not the slowest. It was a relief to reach the wider flatter path to Gatesgarth Farm but then my stomach started cramping. What the heck? I am almost never sick. It got worse and I made an emergency toilet stop behind a wall. I think it was there that Elaine and Rachel passed me. Climbing up to Scarth Gap felt hard work and my stomach kept complaining. I made another stop. Fortunately this section of the route was just the reverse of L100 and so the nav was very easy.  I made reasonable time down to Black Sail Hut but then struggled on the climb to the pass. The descent to Wasdale took longer than I expected and I arrived desperate for the toilet. I was anxious about eating but knew I had to try if I was to have enough energy to keep going. 

The path from the Inn to the road was waterlogged and the road to Brackenclose had big puddles. All the paths after this and especially around Burnmoor Tarn we waterlogged and muddy. There was no hope of keeping our feet dry. Amy and another female runner ran past together and seemed to have so much energy. I was on my own and really suffering with my stomach. I reached Boot and headed along the road to the CP at Dalegarth station. I had planned on some rice and a tiny amount of curry but what was on offer was pot noodle style and I didn't think it was wise. I had cheese, a cup of tea, mini donuts and as it was sweltering hot inside set off up the lane again.

At some point here I ended up in a loose group of runners including Elizabeth and Amy. The climb up out of the valley; again L100 in reverse ,was muddy and the section around Harter Fell never seems to dry out. We deviated from L100 onto a big forest road that was easy running and then lanes to turn back towards Walna Scar road. The lanes seemed to go on a bit but at least there were no trip hazards. Once on the old track it was just head down and keep going. I kept Elizabeth in sight and although she got ahead at one point I caught her again near the car park and we ran down through Coniston and on to the lakeside and the next CP in the Boat House. I knew I needed to eat more and so had hot chocolate and rice pudding. Paul arrived but was feeling sick and worried he would have to pull out. I left with Elizabeth but soon needed another emergency toilet stop and so ended up alone for a couple of km.

so grateful for these little flags on the last section

Leaving the Lakeside and climbing up towards Grisedale Forest the GPX trace didn't seem quite right. I stopped and tried it on my phone. Just as I had decided it must just be slightly off and that there was only really one path David arrived. He agreed and we climbed together. From this point we actually ran pretty much all of the race together with just a short separation near Grasmere. He was running his first 100 and was very good company. Mostly the conversation flowed although later there was also some companiable silence too. We chatted all things running, ultras etc and the time passed more quickly. My stomach was still grumbling but at least I didn't need to stop. Eventually the question was asked.. How old are you? Turns out he is younger than both my sons and I am the same age as his mum. We reached Hawkshead and it's pretty cobbled street and then it was up and up over Claiffe Heights. They look small compared to most Lake District hills but seemed steep today. A short run along the side of Windermere brought us to Wray Castle. David's family had arrived to cheer him on and I dashed off to the loo. I ate porridge and soup and more  but was still anxious about how it would settle.

We set off together for Skelwith Fold and then easier running along to Elterwater and Chapel Stile. The Cumbria Way was nice and flat so I was a bit cross that I was not running as well as I had hoped. Still we were making progress and no longer needed the torches. I was even getting warm. The next CP as at the New Dungeon Ghyll. Friends welcomed me and I felt guilty at not really wanting much food. My stomach was feeling slightly more settled and I did not want to tempt fate. David's family were staying at a club hut in the valley and so had walked out to meet him and I set off a little ahead.

The next climb would be a beast all the way to the top of Rossett Gill and then on to Angle Tarn.  In the daylight I was able to spot other runners and members of the public up ahead and I just concentrated on closing gaps and not letting any gaps get bigger. David caught me up and then around Styhead Tarn overtook for a while but we were together again as we headed to Seathwaite. It was a lovely day and we were ticking of the miles. By now there were also 7V runners on the route and so more company. At Rosthwaite my stomach finallt seemd to be improving and I risked soup and more food.

We set off together up Stonethwaite and towards Lining Crag and Greenup Edge. Another tough climb although it passed more quickly than we had predicted. At the top we were welcomed by Melanie one of the Nav4 hill safety marshalls. The drop into Easedale was fine- some muddy bits, some wet rocks, some huge puddles but we were soon at Lancrigg. Here I met Matt N who had run out to meet runners. David pushed on and as Matt and I were talking we missed the footpath turn and had to back track. I was then alone heading into Grasmere. I picked up the nice path just the other side of the hedge on Easedale Road but this then meant I stayed on paths on a little detour into the village. Unsure exactly where the CP was I checked my phone map and lost another minute or so. I arrived at the CP just after David. Simon F was injured and so volunteering here and Paul who had pulled out turned up too. I managed soup, banana and cheese. It was a joy to stop and faff with my drop bag. My socks were almost dry- the VJ Ultras are not only good on almost all surfaces but they also seem to dry out fast too. My foot tape had shifted slightly but was still attached so I left it alone. I discovered that I had lost a glove at Wray and so put my waterproof over mitts in my sack and swapped my torch battery ready for the second night. 

David at the start

We left together again and having eaten more we struggled to run initially. A mix of stomp the ups and run the flat and downs led us past Grasmere and Rydal Water and then the lane from Pelter Bridge to Ambleside. I don't think I have ever walked it before and the lane seemed to take forever to reach Rothay park and the little hump back bridge. The route then followed a bizarre way along the main road almost to the Watershead jetties before climbing up into Skelghyll woods. We made decent time along the lane and were soon at the Troutbeck CP, actually before the main village. More friends, more food and more water.

We jogged down to Church Bridge and were happy to be overtaking 7V runners.  As we headed up Garburn Pass and turned behind Limefitt Park the rain started, and then stopped. And then started again. We left our cags on and jogged up the valley. We knew the further north we got up this valley the steeper the climb would be. AS we passed beside Troutbeck Tongue the weather got significantly worse. In retrospect it is here that I should have stopped and put on another layer and perhaps my over trousers. But I didn't and within minutes it became difficult or impossible to do so. Taking off my cag to add a layer would have meant a drenching. Sitting to put on over trousers was not appealing. We marched upwards into the thick mist. Apparently I struck the pace here with David  full of admiration. In reality I just wanted to get up and then down out of the weather. 

We couldn't actually see Thornthwaite Beacon but I knew it was there. We checked carefully for the correct path to High Street. The paths were now like rivers, you could see perhaps 5m and it blowing fiercely. I have walked and run on those paths so many times but it was really disorientating. We couldn't see the marker flags that had been put out for the last part of the race and kept losing the path. Descending to The Knott David skidded on mud, did a wonderful pirouette but then went splat. He landed on and broke a pole. The descent to the Filter House was tricky and there seemed to be headtorches scattered all over the hillside. The CP was glowing in a weird red light thanks to the sponsor Altra.  It was a very very welcome sight. We had both acknowledged that we very very very cold and David did a great job keeping us on the GPX route. Once inside we added layers- I now had everything on except my spare gloves. The shell over-mitts were doing a good job. I was worried that I was shaking so much that a medic might try to stop me but I must have seemed fairly lucid as I admitted I was cold, said I was adding all my layers and drank two cups of hot tea.

Taken hours before we got there in the dark and rain

In a way it was a case of bolting stable doors because as we dropped lower to Hartsop we were much more sheltered and of course the rain started to ease too. It had come at just the very worst time for us. It still took half an hour or so to get warm even with jogging. Patterdale and Glenridding were easy and then it was a steeper pull up to the CP in Bury House above the YHA. We stuffed ourselves with pizza here and prepared for the big climb to Sticks Pass. It was wet underfoot but the rain was no longer an issue and the wind was less fierce. We started chatting again and realised how silent and focused we had been on the last tops. We both admitted we had thought it might mean a dnf, not so much because we were fed up but more for safety. Now though we were both determined to finish and felt that it was game on. 

Another Nav4 hill safety tent was at the pass but I did not see who it was. The descent is steep and slippery at the best of times. After the heavy rain it was treacherous and I really felt for David trying to cope with just one pole. 

One pole

Having made it safely to Legburthwaite there was some verge running before the path around High Rigg and then over Low Rigg. Everywhere now seemed incredibly muddy and it was almost a relief to meet the lanes and to run on tarmac for a few km. David's family appeared briefly in the car and then we found my van parked just where we turned off into the woods for Threlkeld. Bob was awake and now knew he had a bit of time before driving to the finish line. I felt I was moving slowly now and the lanes up to the Blencathra Centre seemed so much longer and steeper than I remembered. I tried to encourage David to push on but he was having none of it and insisted that our pace was good and that we stuck together. We ate a bit at the CP and I had more soup but really now we just wanted to get the job done. I tend to go a bit quiet once I am super tired and although I remember a conversation about hallucinations I feel I could perhaps have been more encouraging here. Again this section was L100 in reverse which helped lots. David was a bit dispirited looking across the valley at the head torch lights on the Cumbria Way but he pushed the pace and we negotiated the short rocky stretch and were rounding Lonscale Fell sooner than I expected. I knew I was tired but did not feel sleepy , just aware that my brain was not really working well.

We agreed that we would try to run/jog where we could ie. the downs and maybe the flats. I said I could not run any ups and it would not be an efficient use of energy. We ran on the good track down round Latrigg and down the track to Brundholme Lane. We actually overtook people. A mixture of jog and walk took us into Keswick , through the town and into the underpass. The final bit seemed really cruel. As we passed the event centre gantry the volunteers waved and we di a lap of the Heads out towards Booths and then eventually back to Crow park. Looking at a map now it doesn't seem a big deal but on the night it felt a long way round and mean. We pledged to run up the path over the knoll of Crow Park and all the way to the finish gantry and we did. we crossed the line together. Success. 

We were presented with medals and then I received an incredibly heavy trophy and an flash pair of sunglasses. Bob appeared and escorted me inside for a cup of tea. The only food on offer was CP food and I did not need more of that so it was back to the van, a short drive, a quick wash and bed.

David completed his first 100+, a tough one. When I entered it said 180km, then later 183. We ran 187km and had 7216m of climb. I was delighted to be 3rd female in our time of 35hrs36mins. 

My watch died- hence David's Strava

Only 10 women finished. We were 19th and 20th overall. We had both been keen to finish inside 36hrs. A tough race and two full nights with no sleep. Bad guts for 18 hours had made it even tougher.   The finish rate was just 41% if any further proof of toughness was needed.

Lessons. Be more prepared to put on , take off layers. Add all the waterproofs as soon as you think you might have to. Carry imodium even if your constitution is usually sound. Recharge your watch at the bigger CPs or find a way to get the battery to last longer. Take the battery out of the torch when packing and only add it back just before the start.

Comparisons with L100 were inevitable. I like both and they are different.  is tougher- longer, at least one much bigger climb and some more technical descents like to Gatesgarth. For this race there was not the same event centre where the vast majority were based and camping. I guess for those with accommodation in the town this was no big deal. There was limited campervan parking and at an additional premium price! This sort of changed the atmosphere. There was not the same crazy briefing either but we can't all be showmen like Marc and Uncle Terry. Not having a decent meal at the finish was poor I felt although there was apparently a brunch of free coffee and cake from 10am the next day. There was no finale prize giving. Instead you were given medals at the finish and then drifted away without the big fan fare that you get as you enter the tent at the end of L100. No T shirts unless you bought one but that is fine as I have too many already. A road book was provided but no map, but then how many of us actually use a hard copy map when racing now? No age categories in the results at all- is this because it is a newish race only in it's third year and the numbers are still lower than L100? Even if they do not give awards I know many runners would like to see how they did compared to others in their age group. Would I go back? Maybe.