2026 a strange start

 Without Runfurther I feel both liberated but also a bit unfocused. Usually by now I have a whole series of races lined up whereas this year I planto continue my denial od getting old to mix it up a bit with ultras, orienteering and just some long challenges. This has meant some clashes so no Bowland Ultra for me this year which is a shame. I have entered The Fellsman and am excited to be doing it with one of my brothers. Before that I have the Anglezarke Amble, Pendle Way in a Day and Craggrunners 15 Reservoirs. I have entered Hardmoors 200 just before my 65th birthday. I last did that race in 2017! I have a free entry to Lakeland100 and I am sure I will find more to enter.

I started the year with some orienteering- SROCs New Year Cracker. It was chill but not really cold and the ground was soft but not too muddy. It is a mass start and then an odds and evens score event. Once it had been suggested some of us could get all the controls then that was my aim. Clearly others had that target too and once you were with another runner it was hard not to stick together. I was lucky and ended up with Ciel. I did try to overtake and lead to do more nav but every time we reached rougher ground she pulled ahead again. We pushed each other and did well.

The weather then turned but was bright and sunny. After a day on Pendle I decided I wanted to have a go at the Dunsop Dash. Montane/Voom etc have 2 challenges and although the longer Dunsop Dawdle interested me more I knew that with 25km in my legs from the previous day and a cold that I cannot shift then the shorter version was the sensible one. Plus it meant Bob would not have to wait hours for me to finish.

We arrived in Dunsop Bridge early and the roads were fine even when I mistakenly took the higher lanes. It was chilly but fairly still down in the village. I decided to carry micro-spikes and loads of extra gear just in case. I knew the way most of the time as I headed up the track and then road past the water works. It should have been so runnable but my legs felt very heavy and I was struggling to breathe. Not a great start. 

There were a few icy patches but nothing that was unavoidable. Soon after the water works I turned over the river and onto a nicer path It started well but I was anxious about the last bit just before Whitendale Farm. I knew this would either be boggy or icy. It was a bit icy but although it slowed me down it was all visible and I got through without a slip.

From Whitendale there is an initially steep climb up onto the moor which tested my lungs a bit even though I was walking. The moor top was a mix of frozen turf, boggy bits and some surface ice. As a consequence I felt I was being cautious and slower than I would have liked. The drop to Brennand farm was good and the tracks clear of ice, especially compared to last years Bowland race. From behind the farm it was up and up and up on the Ouster Rake path. This was dry, ice free and nicely frozen. The paths down to the Trough road were a joy. I checked my watch and decided that I might be able to meet my goal.

The road was clear with just a few small patches of ice- certainly no need for the spikes I was carrying. After a kilometre or so on the road I turned onto the permissive path at Langden Intake. Again the ground was frozen but not icy. From Hareden I started on what is my usual descent from Totridge. There were some large icy patches just above the farm where it is usually boggy but then the higher field was dry. The paths around Mellor Knoll were dry but from here I was much less certain of the way. I made one small error not knowing which side of a fence and wall I needed to be. Not many folk walk some of these paths and the way was not clear. After a short section of marsh grass I was soon on the better path and into the woods at Whitemore. I was surprised to hit tarmac as I had thought from a glance at the map that I would be on a farm track. All good though as I would be faster. Sadly I got carried away and did not hear my watch beep in warning. Heading downhill on tarmac I missed a turn and had to retrace my steps back uphill. It was only 800m-1km it total but annoying. A new fence looked like it might block my way but as I got closer I could see a large open gateway and was soon down on the lane which I then followed for about 1km to Burholme Bridge. I was now checking my watch carefully for directions and also my time. Louise had gained the fastest female so far with 2hrs 51 and I wanted to beat this. My detour had not helped my plan.

Fast running after crossing the Dunsop led me to Burholme farm. The field path after this was easy to see thanks to many walkers wearing a path. The ground was firm but less frozen. The footbridge just east of Langden road bridge was closed and this gave me a quandary. Should I cross it or stay by the river and find a new route. The new route actually looked more direct. In the end I decided the footbridge looked fine to me. I had to climb to gain access but the way off the other end was easy and many footprints suggested many others had done the same. A short section of track led me behind the farm at Root and onto the road in the village. A very short section downhill and I was back at Puddle Ducks and my car. 

Total time 2hrs 45 which considering my cold and the extra km I was happy with. I am not sure whether the freeze helped or hindered. It was nice not having bogs but I did have to slow down on some icy patches.

Not a bad start to the year with a new female fastest time- until some younger faster runners discover the challenge. EDIT- Nickey Russell has just posted her time- 4 mins faster than me. I will have to go back! Plus the bonus of clean dry shoes and time for a hot chocolate in the cafe before Bob appeared.

Tour de Helvellyn - Nav4

 The best way to spend the last Saturday before Christmas and fast becoming something of a tradition. I missed a few when we went skiing for Xmas but have done the course 8 times before, including one shortened route where we turned back at Stu's bridge. It has a special place in my heart as it is where I celebrated my 62@52in52 all those years ago in 2013.

I now see it as a great end to the season and a wonderful catch up with many friends. You never quite know what to expect underfoot or from the weather but that just adds to the fun. This year I found such varied forecasts that I gave up looking and slightly chastened by how cold I got in the Dales a fortnight ago I assumed and packed for the worst.

I drove up on Friday evening on a surprisingly quiet M6 and was there in plenty of time to offer to man the registration table for the evening. Joe had kindly offered me floor pace and is this was only available for volunteers it seemed the right thing to do. It wasn't crazy busy and so allowed me to cook and eat my tea as well as socialise with Colin, Stu, Paul, Rob and Joe. I actually had a pretty poor night's sleep as the voices from the Christmas social catch up kept me awake and then my mat deflated. I was aware of yet more rain in the night and in no time at all it was time to get up. 

Having quickly packed all my gear away there was time for a leisurely porridge breakfast and a cup of tea. Last year I set off slightly too early and was put on the naughty step for arriving at Side Farm before 9.30am. I vowed to set off after 7.30 this year. The time passed with chats with Brian Melia and then Mark Sammon. It was warm in the hall but when I ventured out it felt chilly so I kept on my long tights and my bigger cag. By 7.30 I was itching to be off and so joined the short line to get kit checked and pick up my tracker (great that these are not half the size and weight plus even better they can reside in a pocket not be strapped and annoy my collar bone). 

It was still dark but you could feel the daylight coming as we climbed up out of the village and onto the moor. There was no real need for a torch although I was extra careful on the boggy trods heading to the cockpit. From here there was enough light to see the trip hazards and I was able to run most of the path to Howtown. It looked like being a nice day and there was little cloud with good views opening up. 

I ran a km or so with a young guy and when he said he was staying on the 'high' path to Martindale it seemed like a good opportunity to see which way was quickest. Power walking up the zig zags and having the easy running on tarmac confirmed my way was faster and  I did not see him again for ages.

At Martindale I checked my watch anxious not to arrive in Patterdale too early. It would be close but should be OK. Having a staggered start makes it a strange race and every year the entry varies enough for me to never know quite what to expect. Starting fairly early meant I caught a few slow early starters but had no fast runners catching me for many miles yet. The road up Boredale was flooded as it often is but the path to the col no worse than usual. I stopped to take photos and soak in the views. I used to dread the steps down to Side Farm but my VJs have really improved my confidence on wet rock.  Heading to the farm I could see CP staff. They assured me that my timing was perfect and that they were just open. I needed nothing yet and so was the first runner to leave and head to Glenridding.

The view along the Lake was beautiful. Another faster runner appeared and I worked on keeping him in sight as we climbed up to the YHA and the mines. Memories of arriving here after a tough night on the Lakes 13 Valleys made me smile. A few faster men now appeared and we were soon at Stu's bridge.  Conditions today were much tamer than last year and I was starting to regret my extra layers. The forecast had promised strong and cold winds which there were on the way to Sticks Pass. It felt a real effort here but the others were only just ahead so I plodded on. The start of the descent was very wet and slippery underfoot and it was a relief to get to the steep section. 

The path heading south to our CP in Swirls Car Park is not my favourite. I struggle to get into a rhythm and am constantly fearing a trip on the numerous rocks or a slip in the mud. I lost time here and was overtaken by some more fast men. I grabbed food and the CP and left eating as I went towards the forest tracks. They guy I had been with at Howtown appeared now and first Female shot past, closely followed by another two female runners. I admired their ability to power up the track  but concentrating on power walking did allow me to reel in two guys. I crossed Raise Beck without mishap- again thanking the super grip on my new shoes. Wearing a pair straight out of the box might not have been wise but the studs on my older pair were quite worn down now and would be tricky on steep wet sections. 

The food obviously did the trick because I powered past two guys and was soon saying hello to photographer Father Christmas aka John Bamber. 

Courtesy of John B

Then it was on up to and around Grisedale Tarn. The grip on my new shoes gave me the option of the rocky track down the valley but I prefer the grassy valley trods and that's the way I opted to go. I had about 3 or 4  slides/skates on water-logged ground but stayed upright and a fall here would at least be a soft landing.  I emerged at the bridge and stopped to check the main path- no sign of the others so my way obviously allowed me to move faster. I had even caught two runners that passed me on the forest track.

Being alone and not racing hard meant I had enough energy left to run pretty much every step back to Side Farm.  It is mostly flat or downhill and on good tracks or tarmac but I know there have been years when I have had to stop and walk a bit.  Arriving at the CP there were about 8 marshalls! I refilled my water and grabbed yet more food before heading back up to Boredale Hause. The only other runner I could see was several hundred metres ahead. Passing the time with mental maths I soon reached the top and was wondering if I could get back inside 8 hours.

Two young men caught me as we descended as did 4th F. She quickly shot off but I was able to use the guys to motivate me to run back to the church. I refilled my water again and set off in pursuit but they were faster once they reached the bridleway. Luckily there were some other slower runners ahead - either they had bailed and turned round part way on the course or were now just struggling to maintain their pace. I picked off two and then concentrated on trying to reach the next as we crossed the moor. It really helped keep me running even though I now realised that I would not get in under 8 hrs. Rory had gifted Bob some magic caffeine bullet sweets. I had one near the cockpit and it seemed to work. I caught the guy and then left him as I ran non stop all the way to the finish. I was tired but much less trashed than in some years.

Happy to sit with cups of tea, soup, bread and cake I didn't even feel the need to dash off and change. Colin and Rob were good company and I watched to scrolling results board slowly change as mor runners finished. 8hrs 10 for me was not a PB and I didn't break the 8hrs  but it was my 3rd best time and was almost 50 minutes faster than last year. I was 10th F , 4th FV40 and 1st FV 50 or 60. The winner Kris Jones had a superb run in 4hrs 57 and 1st F was 6hrs 52

After an hour or so I was ready to change my socks and shoes, say my good byes and begin my journey home. It went well until almost Lancaster when a car crashed just ahead of me and shut the motorway. We sat for over an hour but I had a video call with Bob and tried to chill checking on the dots of running friends. By now I was thirsty but also needed a wee. I was still home by 7pm. Another good day out and it took my tally of race ultras to 177 and almost 10,000km (not including 100 miler birthday runs etc).

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.