Hardmoors Osmotherley marathon 2017

I ran this one with Sara and Elly, whilst Melanie was running the half marathon route which started an hour after the marathon. As usual, the marathon wasn't quite marathon distance, it was over 29m, but you expect that at Hardmoors events.

Elly was running her first ever marathon and this was a brave selection for a first marathon, there can't be many harder than this one, the hills are relentless. She did great, she made it look very easy.

The event started at the top of the hill in Osmotherley and we had some lovely views to the west

and from the TV mast at the top of the hill we had views to the east

and then  a downhill across Scarth Moor

At this point it was fairly warm, though I had started in a waterproof to keep the wind off. 

It soon came off when we went into the woods 

We had a small route diversion away from the Cleveland Way because of erosion before descending to the bottom of Scugdale

Then the long trudge up Carlton Bank. This is where I first became aware of how cold and windy it was. So the waterproof came back on with gloves and hat as well

Through Lordstones where there were no jaffa cakes ! This wasn't a serious problem, I was carrying food. On to the first two sisters, passing Flip in the middle with his welcome offer of chocolates !

After the second sister

we went round the side of the third one and down to the road at Clay Bank where there was a checkpoint. At this checkpoint they had banana chia charge bars, just great ! Then we turned round and went back up the way we had come and up the third sister.

and the descent off that one through the Wainstones

Another climb back to the ridge leading to the second sister where we turned south to Chop Gate and into a very muddy path

The Chop Gate checkpoint had watermelon and we were offered tea or coffee :-) This was getting better and better. We needed if for the climb out of Chop Gate, it was as steep and long as usual. It does help knowing how long it goes on for. A few undulations across the moors on a good track and then (finally) a descent to Lordstones

where they had dandelion and burdock on offer ! Then the climb back up Carlton Bank. It was very windy at the top we were being blown all over the place. It eased as we descended

Into Scugdale checkpoint where they were offering chocolate milk - my day was now complete ! Shortly after the sun came out for the first time.

Once on the Scalby Road we left the Cleveland Way and headed towards the start of the Lyke Wake Walk, turning off just before there to make this crossing.

I would like to say it was all downhill during these last three miles, but of course it wasn't. We rejoined the Cleveland Way south of Osmotherley and followed the path back to the village. A long day, but very enjoyable.

The marshalls did a great job , some of them were out in very exposed places for long periods. Here were two marshalls on the top a wind blown Carlton Bank (thanks to Paula Wilson for this photo)

Meanwhile, Melanie had a good run on the half marathon course: