This is one of my favourite events of the year. My training for this had been poor, mainly because of a back injury which lasted much longer than usual. So the plan was run when I can and then walk the rest.
The event starts from the Recreation Ground in Wolsingham. Parking was easy in the Recreation Ground and Race HQ was a five minute walk.
I met with some running friends at the event which was lovely š
The walkers started 30min before the runners and I pondered starting with the walkers but in the end I opted for starting with the runners.
The event starts with a stepped climb up to near what is known as the elephant trees and then onto the moors. There are lots of lovely views on the way up and on the moors.
and the first stream crossing. They had marked this section much better than the last time I did this event.
Then up another climb into Hamsterley Forest
A lovely descent to the the first checkpoint where there was lots of food and drink
A drag up on forest road and paths until we were out of the forest and on to narrow paths across the moors.
This was where I made what I think was probably an avoidable error. I ran on a rocky path and nearly fell. At that point I should have backed off and slowed down, but I didn't I fell. I was conscious that I had hit my face but every thing seemed to be intact (I counted eight damaged areas later), so I got up slowly and walked. Up the next hill and there was a lovely runnable downhill to the Tees and I was able to run that.
There was some lovely meadows to cross on the way to Middleton and it's famous checkpoint
I got to the checkpoint and I was asked if I had had a fall. This surprised me as although I could see my knee was bruised. I didn't think anything else was visible. The checkpoint marshall said he would patch me up and before he did I took a selfie to see what he could see.
I was cleaned up and had some food and drink from a lovely selection
At this point my knee was hurting when I ran so I walked the final fourteen miles or so.
The route continued to rise and fall through some lovely countryside and across streams. And there was another checkpoint with sweets š
Finally I reached Bollihope where was more food š
Five miles to go following the river which sounded lovely. Past old mining areas
And finally back to Wolsingham. By this point my right arm was not working correctly, it couldn't take much weight and I was nervous about driving. I decided to wait a while and see how I felt after the meal they provide you with at the end of the event. For a vegan they offered chili curry and rice or soup. For a twenty pound entry fee that is crazy !
I did feel better after eating and I managed to get home safely where I went straight to bed and slept well. I feel much better this morning. I think I will have the scars for a few days and I may not be asked for a photo in the last three days of University graduations, but I do have a story to tell š
