Hardmoors Rosedale marathon 2018

I was running this one with Elly, Kath and Sara. John on his first marathon was also going to run with us, but he ran on ahead quite early on. It was good to see so many people I know through Hardmoors, several of them were marshalls which must have been a tough job in the heat.

The forecast was for the temperature to be warmer than yesterday and that is the way it turned out. It was very hot when we were out on the moors where there was no shade. However, the wind was a little stronger which was nice when we weren't sheltered from it. It did cloud over for about half an hour very late on which was a relief. But it did come out again on the final climb.

The route was the same as in 2017 which had been very different (and much harder) than earlier routes for this event.

It was the usual running start - by the time we got out of the Village Hall in Hutton-le-Hole, the race had already started. We knew there was no rush as there a always a queue at the first gate. Then along field edges

and on to the first climb you can see in the distance above

Last year the field above had been potatoes, but this was much easier.

On to a short road section where the Sports Sunday photographer was waiting

and then off into the remote part of the North York Moors, Otterhill Common, which Melanie and I covered in much cooler conditions at Easter. In the middle of nowhere, with no access that I could see, was this sign:

Across the moor to the following two buildings

and on over a stream, which didn't have much water in it,

 towards Roppa Wood which when we went round it, has some lovely views

There were a couple of descents into quiet dales with the inevitable climbs out. As we went down into Bransdale we passed the deserted Stork House

We climbed out of Bransdale and inevitable went back down again on a road section before another long climb in the direction of Farndate. Near the top we came to something that looked like a duck as we approached. It was a duck.

and as we got to it we could see the party checkpoint come into view. This is not an official checkpoint but the party checkpoint is usually there at Hardmoors events. They had water pistols and were happy to soak you if it helped 😀

Finally we came down into Farndale. I was still feeling pretty good. I was drinking much more than yesterday which I think helped. There was also plenty of walking happening. We ran the tourist route between High Mill and Low Mill which was very quiet as it is not daffodil season. Then another climb which resulted in lovely views of Farndale

This path upwards was a bit overgrown

About four miles to go from the top and a nice descent down into woods before a final road climb before the run down to Hutton-le-Hole.

This is a lovely event, great views but some tough climbs. The heat made a tough event even tougher, but overall I am glad I did yesterday and today.