…58.83 miles with 8570ft elevation gain.
By Shaun Hall
What an event! I was under no illusions on how tough this challenge would be, it started Saturday at 12.00 with a 24hr time limit. I couldn’t get over how hot it was at the start field, made the first third of the challenge super difficult.
Earlier in the year I’d mentioned my entry to my sister Dawn Samantha Hall, and Robert Wakelin. In no time at all we’d a plan – they were going to support me on route at the checkpoints. A MASSIVE shout out to them both, we were like a well oiled team, I couldn’t of asked for better support, thank you both so much. I spent hours planning this all out and I was met with encouraging words and great food and drink.
Elizabeth Hall, Lily & Elsie were a great surprise at Peep o’Day, although the girls absolutely did not appreciate a very sweaty daddy cuddle! Kerry Moo, Doug Barwick and Danni surprised me at Chelmorton where I did have a little cry in my big sisters arms, I wasn’t in a very good place and my legs were killing me, I don’t think I’ve ever truly been in ‘the pain cave’ until this point, I was only just over half way. Then, Kerry and my Pops again surprised me at Brand Top which thankfully I was in much better spirits. Dawn brought her bike with her, rode along side me between checkpoints she was able too, that was nice, albeit funny at times eh Dawn!
I’ve never taken on anything as difficult as this before. I’d planned to complete in 14.5 hours, that went out the window. I am still over the moon that I finished in 16hrs 27 minutes, 43rd out of 254 starters. The aftermath isn’t pretty though, I ache in places I didn’t knew existed. I couldn’t get to sleep afterwards, managed a couple of hours late morning. I also failed to go to work today. Will I do it again………
Also, a huge thank you to The Bullock Smithy Hike organisers and volunteers. Everyone was so friendly, helpful and encouraging at all the checkpoints.