The route is the same as the Hardmoors 30 which is run on New Year's Day. I have done that event three times and the Prncess Challenge once. They two different events because of the time of year they are held.
The section from Whitby to Ravenscar (about 11m) is very tough in winter. It is very muddy, it is cold and often the wind is very strong. It was so strong in January this year, they diverted the route away from the cliffs.
On the Princess Challenge, that section is so different. It is still tough, there are lots of undulations which you don't need after 20m, but at least the ground is firm. There was a bit of a breeze today, but that helped cool us down on a reasonably hot day.
I had some calf problems at about 10m after pushing a little too hard, so I had to take the next 21m a bit easier than I hoped. I still managed to come in under 7hrs which I have never done on the Hardmoors 30. Melanie went on ahead after Whitby and did an excellent time 6hr 20min.
My calf problems were mainly in my left one. It didn't actually seize up but it was painful on both sides for the rest of thr run. Later on I had a twinge in my right calf but unlike last Sunday it didn't seize either. MelanieLH has suggested drinking much more water regularly and foam rolling. I do both only very occasionally.
There were quite a few of our clubmates doing this event and two of them were doing their first ultra. They did great and they seemed to love the event and the atmosphere. They were particularly impressed with the round of applause that every runner received as the entered the finish in the village hall.
The event is for an excellent charity, the Scarborough and Ryedale Mountain Rescue Team and hopefully lots of money was raised
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