AS with many of Jon's races you are never undersold! Actually closer to 47 miles. Although I had not done this race before I had run the 200 and the Hardwolds 80 and so was expecting to recognise a fair chunk of the race, especially the middle section.
Van issues meant we went by car and unusually for us a night in a hotel. We called in on our son in Leeds for lunch and spent the afternoon being tourists in Beverley which we had never been to before. Lots of history and a pleasant place to wander round. Our room was too hot even with an open window but I slept reasonably well. We had offered to help at registration so it was an early start. Empty roads saw us arrive at Beverley rugby club by 6.15am.First job was turning trackers on and then issuing them and strapping them to runners packs. I do not know many of the runners that far east but it was nice to catch up with Jon, Shirley, Andy, Sarah and others. Rory arrived and was pleased to have got a late entry and so give him the opportunity of 1000 points and a Medium race in our series.
As we gathered outside there was a stiff breeze but the dark clouds were changing. It was already warm and going to get warmer. The field was smaller than some Hardmoors races but still a respectable 150 or so. Several of us found ourselves far to close to the front as we stood on the start line and then once we were on the Wilberforce Way cycle path it was fast and flat. This lured me into going faster than I promised myself. The first 8-9 miles were speedy and there was no excuse to slow down or walk. I tried to tell myself that getting 1/5th of the race done was good but I knew it was too fast really.
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| Rory on the Wilberforce Way |
By the time we hit the second CP Rory and the lead men were out of sight but a small group of us were clustered together and I think some of them were already regretting the early pace. Once off the old rail line I perked up a bit and really enjoyed the short section off road through to Londesborough which I remembered from previous races.
The road section to Nunburnthorpe was fairly short at about 3km and this is where Zoe passed me. The next section looks like fields on the map but actually the edge of field paths are big tracks-= more running and then the road down into Millington and the next CP. Claire caught me here and although I was more efficient in the CP I knew it wouldn't be long before she caught me again.
From here the route was more interesting. A steep climb out of the village took us back to the Wolds Way and then into the lovely grassy dales. A mixture of lovely grassy paths and less lovely tracks and quiet lanes followed. Busy eating a sandwich I missed one grassy ramp before Fridaythorpe and had to hack down a steep slope then a beautiful grassy dale led us up and towards the village and the CP. I filled up my water yet again. It was not superhot but it was very very humid. So much so that my pack or shorts were rubbing my back. Moving towards the next CP in Thixendale I started catching and overtaking some other runners. I also refilled my water yet again and grabbed some pizza. Leaving the CP I caught others including Steve. With food in my belly and hills to stomp up I was feeling better and was soon chasing Tim. I stayed with him all the way to Wharram Percy and it was good to chat. He was suffering with cramp and fell behind. Leaving Wharram le Street I realised that I was drinking so much that I would run out of water long before the next CP. Luckily a supporter at the next road crossing had spare water, and it had even been in the fridge. Life saver, thank you. Another life saver was a MF jelly. I knew I needed to eat more but was struggling to get solid food down in any quantity.
The climb up to Settrington Beacon was steep enough to allow me to walk some of it. There were many supporters there and it was a lift to be cheered on. I am sure that some loved the next 4-5km of downhill on tarmac but I was not a fan. At least leaving the village and joining the Centenary Way meant I knew there was not far left. A tricky bit on a narrow woodland path slowed me down but I was soon on the edge of Norton. I had worried about navigating from here but had lots of phone battery left, the course on my watch and there were some yellow tapes to guide us. I managed to cross the level crossing without the barriers coming down, unlike Rory who had been forced to wait. It was uphill past the church but then more level to the sports centre on the northern edge of Malton.
Bob had put the flags up for Runfurther and he plus Jon and Shirley were there to welcome me back.
A tough day for me but I was pleased to be 3rd F, 8th overall, 1st V60 M/F and in a new V60 record.
I was soon refuelling on cups of tea and cheese toasties before a well needed shower. Rory had raced round and gained his 1000 Runfurther points. He and Evan are now joint leaders in Runfurther.
