Saturday 12 September 2009

Kielder Challenge 26m 2009


Bridges to be crossed.I was out of bed very early for this one as it was mainly a walking event and they wanted everybody to finish in daylight.
Got to the start next to Kielder Water at about 7.30. There were probably about 50 walkers and 9 or 10 runners. The start was anytime between 8 and 9, but most people there at that time started at 8 by getting their tally card clipped. There were four checkpoints, where there was water.
On the drive over the valley had been covered in mist (see first photo in link below), but by the start of the race a lot of it had burned off, but there was still some mist around. The surface of the reservoir was completely flat and the whole area looked absolutely stunning. I had been worried about midgies and there were some at the start but after that there was no sign
The course was the new Lakeside Way, which is a trail that goes all the way round Kielder Water. On the north side of Kielder, there is no road close to the reservoir and I didn't see anybody on the trail who wasn't in the event. The trail was in perfect condition, very smooth. It was very up and down, hardly any flat bits, but no very big ups. There were lots of bridges over the streams tumbling down into the reservoir, including a stunning one (see photos). The route followed the edge of the reservoir most of the way, which meant following lots of inlets and promentories. At about 19m I was very conscious that I was following an inlet in the opposite direction to the dam which was near to the finish !
I think this run will be a much bigger event next year (4th September 2010), I recommend it - stunning scenery and we were lucky with the weather, sunny but not too warm and very little wind
Clare was resting a sore knee and she was riding round on a bike with me. Only once did she say 'Mush' and 'Its a small hill' as I struggled up it.
I ended up the 5th runner home in 4hr 51min 58sec, but this run is meant to be a personal challenge, so there are no official times and no results.
Photos: https://picasaweb.google.com/105792896882008304219/KielderChallenge2009