It is eleven years since we first came down to South Cave (to the west of Hull) to do this event. I have been back six further times, so as you can gather, I enjoy it. It now sells out within a few hours of opening so there many other people who feel the same way.
Melanie didn't run this event but she dropped me off and picked me up at the end so that was very helpful as parking is not always easy.
The tally card was the same as always, but this year not all checkpoints were asking for my number and the final self clip had and orienteering flag but no clipper !
The start was in the courtyard of the church in South Cave and they took the runners further forward which was a good idea.
The route was back to the old one where we had to run further through the village. Last year's route had a bottleneck too early which caused big queues. The gate at Everthorpe was open so no queues there either. Then on to North Cave
Past the gatehouse at Hotham Park
After this my waterproof came off, I was too warm. It had been raining when I arrived at the start and the forecast was showers all day. We then ran through Hotham to the first checkpoint which just had water.
Then onto the fields, it was all very flat in this early section
Then after a muddy section in the woods we came to the North Newbald checkpoint which is always well stocked. Last year when I had asked about vegan food none of the checkpoints had any. This year they did and I had a slice of the loveliest home made flapjack I have ever had !
The short and the long route split at this checkpoint and on the long route it was much quieter. We also had more typical Wolds countryside and hills.
The breeze from the east was starting to pick up at this point and we were heading east so it was a little harder. Also I could not hear the birds which is one of the things I like about this event at this time of year.
I reached the Newbald Lodge checkpoint and had a sticky brownie this time ! Then onwards around fields still heading east. The rain started and I faffed around trying to get my waterproof on again - this took way too long.
After fourteen miles we turned south and it felt like the wind direction had changed to the south a little. The field paths were becoming muddier. I was beginning to regret going for Hoka Speedgoats and wished I had chosen shoes with a bit more grip.
At the Walkington checkpoint I went for a vegan bakewell tart ! To have so much choice was amazing !
On to the remains of Risby village
and after this the mud really got challenging. I was like Bambi on ice
I made it to Skidby. At this checkpoint I went back to the lovely homemade flapjack. Here the route turns west and back to South Cave. There is a long tarmac section which I usually dread, but it felt much easier with the wind behind us.
At the last checkpoint I had nothing to eat, I felt I had had enough food already ! A muddy drag to above Brantingham where there is a lovely view of the Humber estuary.
Looking down on Brantingham
I was feeling pretty good at this point and running well. However, I seemed to be slower than in previous years. After Brantingham church are a couple of more serious hills.
Then a steep descent into South Cave and on this path through the fields
Finally at the finish and vegan stew ! The entry fee was only twenty pounds which is amazing !
The usual 'goodies' at the end.
