Craggrunner 15 ReservoirsAfter the initial climb it was fast running oon big tracks at the

 I had decided to try the longer 15 Res route long before I damaged my ribs and was reluctant to change down to the 10 Res. The cut-offs were long and the ribs were gradually feeling better anyway. When I did the 10 it was 6 years ago and the race was much smaller and started in the pub. I remember the day. well because I left the van lights on and flattened the battery. Chris D helped me jump start it.

No such issues today. An easy quiet drive to Saddleworth and a nice park up at the cricket club with just a walk across the pitch to the club house. The forecast was good with no rain expected. It was chilly but not really cold. Registration and kit check were swift so I was able to have a quick chat with Charles and Claire, Sally and others. 

I found Mark and David already at the bar - although they saved the drinking for later. I didn't know many of the runners but chatted to Tony H on the walk up to the start. I was glad we were walking at least part way up the first steep hill. He and Daz joked that I would be speedy and gaining another trophy; I was much less convinced.

I knew a few sections of this route but for much of it I had no idea at all. My garmin had the route and I hoped this would keep me on course- it did, mostly.  After the initial climb it was fast running on big tracks past the first 3 reservoirs. I knew this section from the 10 and also from mini MMs.  Leaving the big track I passed Charles who was going to sweep the route and then began my way up the rocky clough. I got wet feet on the bogs just before the main road- it was bound to happen at some point.  Stuart and others were marshalling at the road crossing.  From here I had no idea but it was mostly a flag stone path to Black Moss reservoir with just a few muddy and boggy sections.  

My garmin was doing it's job but it was still nice to have a few other runners about to confirm the route as we crossed the next main road near Brun Clough Res and headed off to Castleshaw. Grace and I were taking it in turns to share the lead now but I got a shock on the out and back to the CP in the Outdoor Centre when I realised that 3 other women were only just behind me. Time to try to up the pace. Two more reservoirs at Castleshaw and then another small one soon after.

We had our first nav issues at a small house/farm on the way to Denshaw Res and lost a few minutes. Back on route we met a couple of runners completing the short out and back to Rooden Res. Grace and I were still together plus a couple of fell running guys who seemed to know me. A good path led to the next Res and then across to the main road again. 

Rachel on the invisible trod

The trod next to the fence was awful so we ran up the verge instead. Before long I recognised that we were on the  Stanza route in reverse- some flag stones and some mud all the way to the stream crossing and steep climb up to the main road. It was easier going up then down on the slippery rocks. We left the Stanza route and turned onto some rather sketchy paths all the way round to Marsden Cricket club.

There was bog- not me as the photographer missed me all day

Sally and Steve were in charge of refreshments here and I took the opportunity to refuel- possibly too much as I got stitch afterwards. I left just ahead of Grace but then took a wrong path at Butterley Res and she overtook me. The next section should have been so runnable as it is on a big track up gradually past 3 reservoirs. 

Big track- not me, we beat the photographer again

I was struggling even after the stitch subsided. Grace shot off getting further and further ahead. The only consolation was that I stayed ahead of all the guys that had been around me earlier. It was a relief to reach Wessenden Head and the CP. I didn't need much but grabbed some food and said Hi to Stuart again. Then it was the Pennine Way up and up to Black Hill. I thought back to the LDWA Pennine 100 which had also summited this hill but from further east. I passed Dom plodding his way up and it was good to now have more and more 10 Res runners to pick off.

Ben who I had been running with on and off all day made faster progress than me over Tooleyshaw Moor. The bogs were energy sapping and I skidded a few times. I could still see him up ahead- sometimes further, sometimes closer and this kept me going. Things got marginally better as we began the drop to Crowden . I lost the path in the quarries but was soon back on track and heading to the Outdoor Centre which had also been a CP on the LDWA 100. My stomach (or head) didn't fancy the idea of pasta so I ate some melon and set off with a sandwich. After a short fiddly bit it was onto the Pennine Way again for the climb up to near Laddow Rocks. Again I used Ben and others to keep me going.

Just before the rocks we turned off west to Chew Reservoir but then we diverted from the old route and stayed high on small boggy and muddy paths to reach eventually the trig at Alphin Pike. It seemed to go on and on even though I was catching some people and overtaking some tourists. I had hoped for a good run off the Pike but the trail was very gnarly with so many trip hazards. I did overtake one couple and then on the final descent almost caught another guy who then put on a sprint finish to beat me by seconds. 

Daz was correct- 2nd F and definitely 1stFV, another trophy. I need not have worried about the 3 women who I had thought were catching me but Rachel was not far behind me in third place. 

Lots of great food and cups of tea followed and then an easy stroll across the pitch back to my car. 

Anglezarke Amble

 Not an ultra but I had an entry and the event was full so it seemed rude not to use it. Plus the weather forecast was good, the best day for ages. Having managed PWiaD I was sure I could do this even though I knew I would be slower than usual. The mud and some icy patches had me running even more cautiously and so even slower but it was a grand day to be out.

I over estimated the travel time and parked easily and fairly close to the hall. It meant I had ages to chat with people before the start. I missed Nick as he was just heading out to set off with the walkers. Jenny was able to update me with knee woes, Mark to tell me I should be resting and Lawrence to check the route. I also had a long chat with Chris C who has been injured and I have not seen for ages. Claire and Phil arrived and I was pleased to see he was also contemplating how many layers to wear!

Before 9am we were gathered outside for a very quiet briefing and then off.  I tried to go steady and knew that even if I ran to the top barn I would struggle on the steeper bit into the terraced gardens.  Albert and Jordan had somehow raced ahead without me even seeing them but I could see Tony up ahead until we got to the Italian Lake and then he pulled further ahead and out of sight. The climb up the Pike was tough and my lungs could not get enough oxygen. I was cautious on the descent but it was fine and the big track to Pike Cottage had icy bits but they were all avoidable. Having the CP down there is much better for the marshalls and as we climbed up towards the mast it was wonderful sunshine but chilly. The diversion due to mast works took us off onto icy flag-stones and already there was a walker wrapped in a space blanket having slipped and damaged their wrist.

The main sloping rake down to Bolton Road was much less icy than I had feared and I concentrated on overtaking bobble hat lady.  I knew that Claire would be well ahead and that there was one other younger female. I can't help it..... yes I was being cautious but I did also want to do my best!

At the next stile there was another runner sat nursing their wrist but the path was muddy not icy as I crossed the fields and dropped to the stream. The minor road was much more icy and I jumped the gate to gain the fields as soon as I could even if it is not the legal right of way.  Despite all the icy bits the path through the reed beds and bogs to the A666 was wet, muddy and boggy. I caught more walkers and moved ahead. Somewhere here I slipped on a stile and bashed my knee but no serious damage was done. The path below Turton Heights was better than expected and I was soon running downhill to the CP at the reservoir. I stopped for food and then stomped across the dam and up the lane munching as I went. Running on a reasonably level surface and not up a big hill felt a bit better but I knew it was unlikely to last. The Witton Weavers Way back to Cadshaw and A666 was easy running and I overtook some more walkers/slow runners. I knew the climb up to the back of Darwen Moor was about 3km but was determined to run when I could. I picked off people in front and gradually gained the height. Turning right at the green sign the path was semi frozen but still boggy in places and this continued pretty much to the Tower. 

I could now see runners ahead and this boosted me a bit.  I couldn't quite catch them but was gaining. The sun had now disappeared and it was a bit chilly. Leaving the moor I caught two runners and then worked out it was 2nd F (but she had taken her jacket off confusing me for a minute). We chatted and then as we dropped to Slipper Lowe we caught Nick. No time for more than a brief chat as I wanted to stick with the couple if I could. Stopping at the CP for sausage, tea and pain killers meant I lost contact with them but they were not far ahead. They kept looking back so perhaps they were struggling a bit. I pushed on and even though climbing Great Hill lost me a few minutes I then closed the gap dropping down to Drinkwaters. By White Coppice we were together. It is good that the CP here is now out on the main path and so there is no need to divert into the Cricket Ground.  It's only a few miles back and so no need for more food. I passed Albert who was walking and concentrated on staying with the couple past Bullough and along the tarmac below Anglezarke. It was here that I realised I had more in reserve than the other woman who had a sore knee, and I could now smell the finish. We were together until the last field when I made a big effort to finish a minute or so ahead. 

LDWA would say it is an event not a race but as certificates show a time this seems a vague distinction. Exactly 5hours and 2nd F. It maybe a PW I am not sure but it was a good day out. I joined Claire who was less then 30 mins ahead and also Tony and Josie who had run some bits with him. Soup, cake and several brews saw me recovered. I volunteered to help in the kitchen but was assured there was no need. Ribs are still very sore, it won't let me breathe deeply so I run out of breath on climbs and then get back ache from holding myself rigid but hopefully they will mend soon and this way I will keep some fitness.

First Ultra of the year- PWina D (shorter version)

 Only I could fall twice in a matter of weeks and land on a solid object with the same ribs. It didn't stop the skiing but was uncomfortable. I managed a reasonable night O on Teggs Nose and then an even better Street O in Thornton where picking 60 mins instead of my usual 75 certainly seemed to be a winning choice.

Daylight when I arrived this year

I had an entry for PWinaD which is 45 miles but knew this would be a big ask and I was also meant to be at a 50th birthday party in Preston that evening. I made the sensible decision to drop to the 30 miles- yes OK, some have said the sensible decision would have been not to run. At least I hadn't entered LAW75 like last year. The forecast was awful and the 'shorter' version has a long section of tarmac where it cuts across the northern loop.  It was very strange to have a relatively late get up and drive to the race in daylight. Starting at 10am felt very odd indeed. I parked easily and was soon registered and repacking my sack. There were friends to chat with and I still had stacks of time. Shoe choice was tricky- so much tarmac but also some very very muddy and slippery sections.

Before 10 we were gathered outside with Jamie and the forecast was clearly incorrect as it was dry and even the sun was trying to shine. The easy start on good track to Whitehough soon changed to a steep climb and then some very muddy woods. Running seemed OK except when it got steep and I couldn't catch enough breath. I lost some places in the woods and on the climb but then gained some dropping down the muddy slopes to Roughlee. A few scary moments when a skid could mean a fall but escaped both times just jarring my ribs a bit. The stepping stones were clear of the water today and again I gained some time on the muddy boggy fields to Barrowford. First lady was now out of sight  but 2nd was not far ahead and I tried to make sure it stayed that way.

CP1 Laneshawbridge

A quick self clip at the Heritage Centre and a very short section of path before the long long road. It seemed to go on forever. I was annoyed that I couldn't run properly and not knowing the area there was more uphill than I had anticipated. Still, I stuck with the other female almost to Laneshaw Bridge and the weather was still pretty kind; just some drizzle. As I left the road the first runner on the 54 passed me. He was motoring. The river side path was very slippery and I slowed to make sure I stayed upright.  I could not see any other runners now but as we had rejoined the 'normal' route I knew where I was going. Through the pretty hamlet of Wycoller with it's ancient stone bridges and special barn and then up and up towards the track running W-E below Boulsworth Hill.

Into the wind here my hands got cold and a few showers made me do my cag up but it was nothing like the very wet year that saw us soaked and freezing. A couple of male runners joined me but they did not pull far ahead.  They made better progress along the road past the activity centre but heading to Catlow we were together again. The next bits are a maze of fiddly paths and one guy was pleased to be with me as I knew the way to the CP in the chapel at Southfield.  I grabbed malt loaf and cake and set off jogging down the big track to Walverden Reservoir.

The fields up to Nelson Road were as boggy as usual and I wandered when the next 54 runners would catch us. I didn't have to wander for long. As I left the path and turned to cross the golf course Kat appeared and then after a brief hello sped off. I was still leading the way for 'first time man' and he stuck with me down into Brierfield and over the canal. I was pleased to have the diversion here and avoid the broken, sunken duck boards but several people still went that way- perhaps using old GPX traces?  I was less happy with the long slow slog up Greenhead Lane but could see Kat up ahead and also 2nd F on my course. They both made better time than me to Higham  and by the time I reached the CP Kat had gone. 

Usually in this CP I am trashed so it was quite nice to arrive in a decent state and feeling able to eat. 

I grabbed a sausage, a donut and a shot of run before heading out to chase 2nd F. 

I closed the gap especially in the mud of Bull Hole and then actually caught her when she mistook a path and ended up the wrong side of a fence. This clearly broke her as I stayed in front from here onwards. The end was now in sight. The climb out of Newchurch was slippery and the track by the side of Fell Wood very muddy. It was a relief to enter the woods and then to be on better ground in the Ogden Valley. As we climbed higher onto Pendle we hit thick mist and suddenly I was on my own. I knew that if I reached the trig point alone I would stay ahead to the finish.

I was surprised to see the photographer at the trig- it was damp and the only place all day where the wind was strong. 

I dropped to the little path around the rim but did not escape the wind until I reached the big stone staircase. I never use this on the descent as the fell runners trod just off to the left always seems safer. It gained me further advantage as when I reached Pendle House and looked back there was nobody in sight. Easy paths and then a jog through the village saw me finish in 6hrs 2 mins. 

I guess I could have aimed for under 6 hrs but I was content to be round in one piece and with ribs that were not cursing me. 

2nd F and 1st F over 45, 25 mins behind the winning female.

I had chat with Jamie and Rox, tea and dahl from Sadie and friends and a catch up chat with Kat. Then it was time to grab my beer and head home ready to shower and go to the party. The forecast rain arrived as I was driving back along the M55 en route to the party.  Hopefully not too many were still out running.

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!