Golden Fleece Circuit 27.5m 2019

Last year this event was postponed from early March to May because of snow and we ran it in lovely sunny conditions in May. This year we ran it again in mainly sunny conditions in early March after a very warm end to February.

The route and the atmosphere were the same as they always are at this event, this is the fifth time for me at this one and the fourth time for Melanie. It is low key, two routes 16 miles and 27.5 miles, amazing checkpoints and food at the end all for £14. About half the field were runners the rest walkers and we all start together. We all have a check point card which is stamped at the checkpoints.

Apart from one tricky section  through Walkington the route is not marked. The ground was very firm and we could have run it in road shoes this year. Early on there was a slight delay at a narrow bridge and a gate. Our wait at the bridge was made more entertaining by someone attempting to cross via rope swing. He didn't make it and ended up in the stream, uninjured, but with wet feet.

On to North Cave

and Hotham Hall park

and Hotham church which looks a bit like they ran out of money during construction

Through the first checkpoint and off into the fields and woods before arriving at the wonderful North Newbald checkpoint. This is just a selection of what was on offer. The two routes separate after this and the longer route is much quieter.

The climbing starts here, nothing too strenuous, but they are noticeable.

The next checkpoint arrives quickly at Newbald Lodge (again lots of food to chose from). On towards the outskirts of Bishop Burton and Walkington (another checkpoint here) before heading south to Skidby and the last but one checkpoint. We were now into the slight breeze and tiring a bit, so more walking was done. Under the old railway bridge where the water level was much lower than in previous years

On to the final checkpoint and on to the Wolds Way

Down to Brantingham and its lovely church

Before the final steep climb well above South Cave with a view of the Humber estuary.

Down into South Cave, through the village and the Cave Castle Hotel

to the finish in the Village Hall. Here we had some lovely thick soup, cups of tea and too many cakes. A lovely day and much to our surprise, our second fastest time at this event.