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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
