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  • The Spine Challenger(s)

    Or:- Doing stupidly long challenges along the Pennine Way

    By Chris Tetley, with contributions from Chris Bowen

    Part 1: Summer Spine Challenger South 2022

    It’s Summer 2021 and I have just had a few days dot watching the Summer Spine. I was chatting with Jane A and although she had mentioned doing it before, I said, “Do you know we should just do it”. I suppose the Pandemic had stolen a couple of years from us with events cancelled. So, it’s a case of do it as the clock is ticking and I’m getting older. At some point I will be too old to consider it.

    So here goes let’s apply. You must apply with relevant experience, what have you done to prove you are capable of doing this race. Experience running long things over hills. Completed ultra-marathons all add to the criteria necessary, tick! So, it’s put all this down and wait for a reply. Lo and behold I get the invite to enter and pay. Now that in itself is a consideration. This event is not a fell race where you pay a fiver and run up a hill. At that time the Challenger cost £325, it has gone up a bit since. I have to say that’s where the credit cards prove useful!

    At this point, I found out that Chris B was also thinking the same as me (we are the same age – approx.) So there you have it – myself, Jane A and Chris B all doing the Challenger. Of course, not wanting to be left out or was it just a bad case of FOMO, Julia C and then Julie P both entered the shorter Sprint race.

    I suppose at this time I certainly had a bit of a Oh God, what have I done moment. However, as there was a year to go, I could put it to the back of my mind and sort of say to myself I’ll worry about it later. In the meantime, I had volunteered to assist at a Winter Spine checkpoint which would give me some inside knowledge on what to expect when I got to one. It was very useful, though hard work, long hours, but still enjoyable. You get to help the likes of Eoin Keith, Debbie Martin Consani and Sabrina Vergee etc. on their way northwards putting real faces to the dots.

    So, January Winter race over and it’s now time to actually think about doing this challenge. We get 60 hours to complete the task in the summer. With little experience of the Pennine Way other than locally we decided on trying to fit in some recces on top of our long runs and days out on our feet. We had booked a few other races to take part in as a build-up, Winter tour of Bradwell, Haworth Hobble, Three Shires and my place from 2020 in the Highland Fling race came up. In between it was a case of splitting the Challenger up into doable days out. We didn’t worry too much about the first bit as it was our home territory. So, we started from Wessenden Head and finished in Hebden Bridge. Then from Hebden to Gargrave, Gargrave to Horton in Ribblesdale and finally the last bit from Horton to Hardraw. The local rail services did well out of us, lucky I had a senior rail card!

    It must be said it was not all about running long miles. The kit list is very extensive and they check it thoroughly. In some cases very thoroughly. So, there was a frantic few month ordering new things. I thought I had most of it but when you get into the details you realise the kit needs to be fully right to the specification. Oh, and not forgetting the poo kit. Yes, we had to have one.

    Training done, recces done and kit list fulfilled, the day is getting closer. In fact it’s the Friday before the start. Kit Check Day. So I went over to Edale village hall to present myself with everything in a carrier bag. They ask you to do this as it saves time checking things. Then it’s go to the registration desk to collect my T shirt and race number. Have my mug shot taken which for some reason never appeared on the tracker page. Anyway, that’s it, done now go home and fester till the next morning. The nerves seemed to subside, think I was more worried about the Kit check than the race or so it seemed.

    Race day, up early, have a good breakfast and off to Edale picking Chris up along the way. People are now milling around outside the village hall so go inside and have my tracker fitted and deposit my drop/re-supply bag with the logistics crew. That’s it, have a sit down and wait for the 8am start in the field next to the car park. The media team were milling round and having a chat with a few of the runners. Soon its time and we are all off to the start.

    The first few steps take us through the village to the Nags Head and the official start of the Pennine way and we are on it. Familiar territory at first, up Jacob’s Ladder over Kinder Low and on to Mill Hill where we head out towards the Snake Road. Had a water top up here from the safety team (SST). Chris had her tracker changed as apparently the one she had wasn’t working properly. Then up to Bleaklow Head. Sometime after that I caught some people up. I was staying behind them but finally managed to pass them as they were ambling, I had to now catch up with Chris. I tripped and acquired a nasty graze to my lower leg. Whilst it looked worse than it actually was, I think I was lucky as that could have ended my Spine Race journey within the first few miles. I hoped and got for some first aid at the SST monitoring point at Torside. They did their best to clean it up and sent me on my way up towards Black Hill.

    A pause for a cuppa at Wessenden Head then it was onwards over the gritstone edges, past reservoir after reservoir until we near the M62 crossing. Here is Nicky’s food bar. Nicky stays open until the last Spine racer has passed …. into the night if need be. Here a Vegan Burger was consumed before heading off again. It was at this point we began to realise Jane may have pulled out. Not that we could confirm though. As the light began to fade Stoodley Pike got nearer and nearer finally passing it we headed down towards Hebden Bridge. Now it’s worth noting for the Challenger, Hebden checkpoint is not actually in Hebden. So up the other side of the very steep valley we go. By now it was fully dark. Finally, arriving at the signed route to Hebden Hey. Following the road and then down some very slippery steep, never ending and uneven steps to the Scout centre. Literally it felt like a hole in the ground. It has now just gone midnight. We were greeted by the Checkpoint staff presented with our drop bags and, of course, fed and watered. Even managed a somewhat tepid shower. My grazed leg was attended to by the medics. From now on I was Mr Blue Leg. Named for the tape used to cover my graze. So, after an hour lying horizontal, can’t call it sleep, it was time to get up and have some breakfast. Finish my kit faffage go through kit check and, as planned, out the door at first light just after 4am. Oh and up those awful never-ending steps yet again!

    The day was fairly overcast as we headed up the Pennine Way. This was fine as we had a long day ahead. We made excellent progress past yet more reservoirs. Suddenly back on more familiar territory as we were on the reverse route of the Haworth Hobble. Now across the edge of Wadsworth Moor to Top Withins. At this point we came across a couple of familiar faces. Tracy V and Steve H who came out to greet us. It’s always nice to see another familiar face along the way. Onwards via Ponden reservoir and up and over Ickornshaw Moor. A typical moor and fairly bleak place but as you get to the end you reach the sight of peoples’ “holiday” huts randomly on the moor. We were approaching Cowling and the knowledge that we would come across the feed station run by Keighley Tri club. So, it was 2 veggie bacon type butties, plenty of tea, even a sit down in the corner of the tent. It was quite windy at this point but then we were high up on the moors. Gary Chapman, who was running the food spot, noticed my strap was twisted so after having my tracker re-taped on I must admit it felt much better afterwards. (Note this food spot has now been discontinued.) After Cowling it was over another moor before the descent to Lothersdale. The Hare and Hounds was shut as it was too early but if you ever recce, they are quite obliging.

    For the next bit we leave the higher Pennine moors behind, flatter terrain beckons ahead as we approach Gargrave. Sadly, a diversion meant we had to trot along some tarmac for a bit, think everybody hated that bit.

    Once in Gargrave, food was needed as it had been some time since the not bacon butties. Dalesman café in front of us. We had sort of teamed up with Yvonne (from Germany) by now we all sat at a table consulted a menu and placed our order with the young lad serving us. Only to be told they had stopped serving hot food at 3pm (10 mins late) Chris sort of erupted and demanded chips! We ended up with some tea bread. After a visit to Gargrave co-op, it was off northwards once again towards Malham. Another diversion and we arrived close to teatime. A long drink in the Buck Inn (Yvonne got Chips) and off again. Up the steps at the side of Malham cove, across the limestone pavement (slowly) and up again towards the Tarn. We then reached checkpoint 1.5.

    leaving CP 1.5

    At a half checkpoint you cannot stop for long, just half an hour. It’s cup of tea and hot water to rehydrate my packet of food. The light by now was fading and we wouldn’t get over Pen-y-Ghent in daylight so decided to have a bivvy down somewhere. The forecast was for a cold night so knowing there was a bird hide nearby we headed there having informed the safety team that is what we were doing. (Via John Bamber). Yvonne decided to press on further. However, a Dutch guy we had also teamed up with joined us in the hide.

    Heading to Horton and second breakfast

    Not the most comfortable of nights but at 3am there was a mass exodus, by now another 3 had joined us. Plan was to get over Fountains Fell first. To be fair the sunrise from the top was stunning. Once over Fountains Fell, we paused for what was first breakfast. We passed a couple of people who had been bivving before the ascent of Pen-y-Ghent. The Pennine way up Pen-y-Ghent is quite a scramble as it goes up the very steep side of the hill. It looks daunting but is in reality not as bad as it seems at first. Once at the top, we knew it was an easy down to Horton in Ribblesdale. Before we arrived, it was second breakfast. Pasta snack meal from Gargrave co-op. We were then passed by Anna Troup who went on to win the Ladies’ Full Spine. We caught up with her again at the car park in Horton filling water bottles.

    So, it’s time to start the last section. Up the Cam Road over Dodd Fell before the descent into Hawes. Can I say at this point the higher Cam Road was type 2 fun at least. By the time we got to the top the weather had got very hot and the steady slog (and it is a slog) was not pleasant. I was consuming a lot of my spare water. Almost by now falling asleep on my feet. The Cam Road was a Roman road its straight and gravel underfoot which reflects the heat back at you. It goes up for ever and on and on for ever, at least it seems so. You get to the top then phew, a bumpy section, then over to Ten End before you can see the finish. Yes, the finish there below you. All you must do is get down to it. Feeling much better now we descended into Hawes. After arriving in Hawes, Chris dashed to an ice-cream van, so we were cooling off and rehydrating as we headed out for the last mile and a half to Hardraw and the finish. We were met near the end by a photographer who ran in with us, though I have to say we never saw the photos.

    So, through the finish to everybody cheering us on, stop watch…..! if you saw the video. Medal on, finishers T and certificate. Cup of tea next. A sit down and we were also cheered on by Yvonne who finished an hour or two earlier on and met up with Melissa from Canada who had also finished ahead ahead of us.

    So big hug off Helen of course and Dave and Gwynne were there to greet Chris too. Now those of you who know me will guess that you cannot finish 113 miles next door to the Green Dragon Inn, without calling in for one. In fact, that’s where Yvonne was cheering us on from. So, after collecting my drop bag and after a few attempts to stand up again it was off to the pub. Only the one, as I did feel I needed a bit of a fettle, things like a shower, foot care and sort my blue leg. So, it was try and get in the car to Hawes and to our B&B…… Oh and some sleep.

    I did make the pub in Hawes that evening for a meal. We were staying there another day so pottered around Hawes to cheer on some of the Full Spine competitors. I was glad I was not out the following day as by now the temperature was scorching. It would not have been pleasant.

    At this point we hadn’t considered what might come next but around the Hardraw checkpoint there were rumours of a new summer race. The Challenger North. Hmmm!

    By the way both Julia and Julie completed their Spine Sprint races and yes, Jane had to pull out due to a bad back. The Pennine way will still be there another year.

    Part 2 released next week

    [originally published at https://express.adobe.com/page/ycRjb4x3rCTcg/]

  • Kentmere Horseshoe

    [+ Chris R]

    Results

    Chris Randall2:27:59
    Wayne Grant2:29:39
    Bec Day2:33:21
    John Moore2:36:36
    Shaun Hall3:05:28
  • Buxton Carnival 4

    Written by Chris Bowen.

    Just over two weeks since I finished the Spine Challenger North, I found myself on the start line for the Buxton Carnival 4. “A bit short for you” said someone I know from Pennine.

    Several of us had travelled by train from Whaley, meeting some Glossopdale members on the way -having a chat with them made for a sociable start to the afternoon. The train was delayed in Chapel but after a quick trot to registration to collect numbers, we made our way to the start with time to spare.

    Thunderstorms were forecast but it was just drizzle that was falling as we suddenly set off down from Spring Gardens. This made for a cooler race than it might have been as it was a humid day. The long climb up St John’s Road was not as bad as I remembered and I overtook Christine H and then Moira. Ita was way in front in by this time. Moira quickly passed me again as we turned the corner and we headed downhill back towards the Pavilion gardens. A quick cut across town and we were back up for the second climb up St John’s Road. I wasn’t as quick this time and Moira stayed ahead of me. Very soon we were heading down to the finish in the Market Square.

    After waiting for all Striders to finish and the usual congratulations, we headed back to registration to get our bags. We decided to have a beer before our train back and so were still there for the prize-giving. This was fortuitous as Christine H, Ita, Moira and James Rees had all won their age categories and we collected a table full of prizes! Well done to all!

    PS My quads are still sore. 160 miles of the Pennine Way – not a problem but 4 miles of road is a different matter.

    Results

    Nathan Porter23:35
    Robin Leathley24:00
    James Rees26:20
    Wayne Grant26:59
    Matt Biglin29:12
    Brian Holland30:22
    Paul Hunt33:46
    Ita Kelly33:54
    Moira Hunt35:36
    Chris Bowen35:46
    Christine Hill36:21
    Stuart Keen37:39
    Chris Tetley38:13
    Jane Keen46:02
  • Spine Challenger North

    The Montane Summer Spine Challenger North is a non-stop, 160 mile race along the Pennine Way from Hardraw to Kirk Yetholm. The route crosses some of the most beautiful and difficult terrains in Britain including; the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland National Park, Hadrian’s Wall, and the Cheviots; finishing at the Scottish Borders.

    This year we had three Striders taking part in this challenging race. We had a sit down with each of them and talked about their experiences.

    Chris Tetley

    How is recovery going, how are you feeling? Recovery is going very well, last couple of days been fancying a gentle run so I’m going to give it a go today (thurs) Though it will be some time before any speed happens (not that I had that much anyway). Buxton carnival race is soon so see how i go with that.

    What training did you do in the lead up to the race? Training was fairly simple, There is no need at all for any speed training, this is about endurance, keeping going and putting one foot in front of the other. So, with that in mind it’s all about time on feet and being able to cope with long days out in the hills. There is no real training for sleep deprivation to be honest. you do just have to manage that one.

    How do you think the race went? Think the race went well for us, very pleased and chuffed we both made it to run down that Iconic finish across the green in KY. 

    Lowest point of the race for you? Low point, I suppose it must be going over cross Fell. The sleep monsters were beginning to invade me. I was dozing on my feet going up to and had to be corrected to get back on the path. Over the top and down the other side made it to Gregs hut, A short rest before the long descent on a very rocky track to Garrigill. On this path the hallucinations began large black creature (big cat?) with orange spots. It seems most I spoke to had similar on that path. Once in Garrigill more hallucinations of people in the middle of the road, turns out they were wheelie bins, was getting more used to giving myself a shake and getting rid of them by now. Anyway, had a nice long rest and sleep at Alston checkpoint. 

    High point of the race for you? High point has to be the stunning scenery, Upper Tees valley, Chauldron Snout, High Cup Nick are absolutely the most stunning parts of England. Then you get to the Cheviot Hills which again are stunning, well towards the end as the first part we did overnight. It was worth a look back at the Border ridge as we came off Auchope Cairn before the decent to Hut 2. 

    What’s next? What’s next, Buxton Carnival 4 race, such a long way hope I make it 🙂. Seriously though next year I’m currently looking towards the Fellsman. Waiting until the dust has settled a little before entering, I think. Watch this space.

    Thank you Chris, and a huge congratulations on finishing the race!

    Chris Bowen

    How is recovery going, how are you feeling? It’s a week since we finished the Spine Challenger North 157 miles from Hardraw to Kirk Yetholm and I’m still tired – I need a nap in the afternoon! My feet are still a bit swollen and achy but apart from that I have no injuries.

    What training did you do in the lead up to the race? Training started after Christmas with increasing weekly running mileage to about 35-40 miles. By March Chris & I were doing a long walk/jog upto 30 miles with the full Spine kit (everything but the kitchen sink!) every weekend. We had two three day weekends away receeing the route. Otherwise all training was done from home or using public transport.

    How do you think the race went? The race went pretty much according to plan (I had a spreadsheet) except that we needed the full six hours in the later two check points. The time just disappears with eating, drinking, kit faffing, foot taping and lying down trying to sleep. It was very different to the Challenger South that we did last year. Much more like an expedition and more need to look after yourself. Having said that, I think I enjoyed it more.

    Lowest point of the race for you? My low point was the horrible stony track descending off Cross Fell. It was dark and it was into the second night and it went on for ever! Hadrian’s wall wasn’t great either – very up and down and it was hot!

    High point of the race for you? The highlight for me was the nature. We saw peregrines and hen harriers. There was the constant call of curlews, lapwing and oyster catchers and the skylark dawn chorus was stunning. The wildflowers, particularly in teesdale were just beautiful.

    What’s next? What’s next? Not the full spine! I have a couple of ideas for next year but I’ve not decided yet. Possibly the Fellsman and I might try a Joss Naylor.

    Thank you Chris, and a huge congratulations on finishing the race!

    Paul Hunt

    How is recovery going, how are you feeling? Feeling okay and ready to get back to some speed training and do some club championship races. I have done a couple of easy runs but nothing fast. Keep stopping at the Bakehouse for a coffee rather than running up Whaley Lane though 😊 Legs are definitely still tired and I’m easting a lot!

    What training did you do in the lead up to the race? Mostly long slow stuff but tried to run 6 days a week even when doing long events at the weekend. In mid January I did the Hebden 23 miles and That’s Lythe 24 miles(LDWA) on consecutive days to assess my base fitness. The following weekend was Pendle Way in a Day, 40 miles, so a good block of distance/ascent was done early on. I also did the South Shropshire Circular, Three Shires LDWA, Howarth Hobble and Lakes 40 to try and get a 25+ mile event in every other weekend. Unfortunately work/family commitment prevented me from doing recces with Chris B/T so I had two long weekends based at the Sill YHA to do recces on the northern sections, plus one night at Kirk Yetholm to recce the last section. Moira joined me one weekend which was nice! The southern sections were recced from home on day trips but doing them on my won meant I pretty much recced the whole route twice as I had to get back to my car each day.

    How do you think the race went? It almost went to plan even though I didn’t have a plan. I tend to let my body dictate my pace and don’t run to a schedule. Unfortunately this meant that I left two checkpoints at nightfall rather than sleeping at night. I met some great people along the way, and the Spine volunteers are amazing/supportive people. The event highlighted some areas where I could have prepared better, regarding kit and training. I actually quite enjoyed it and never really doubted I’d finish, it was just a case of pushing on and ignoring any suffering.

    Lowest point of the race for you? There was a couple of low points. Removing my shoes are Alston to see large blisters on the balls of both feet. I knew they were there but seeing them wasn’t nice! Leaving Alston at 11pm Monday night and spending a misty night on my own trying to navigate the tricky section from there to Greendhead.

    High point of the race for you? Leaving Bellingham on Tuesday evening, with clean clothes, a full belly and taped feet. As I marched through the town with ~40 miles to go I knew it was ‘in the bag’. Sunrise over The Cheviot on the Border Ridge, on the last day. The leader of the full Spine Race caught us on the Border Ridge. He was a lovely guy and I had a good chat with him, he then ran ahead 15 minutes later I came across him fast asleep on the path. Seeing Moira & Lydia [our youngest] at the finish. I expected to see Moira but seeing Lydia too was a lovely surprise and I got a lump in my throat at that point.

    What’s next? Moira and I are doing the Saunders Mountain Marathon in Coniston this weekend. Buxton Carnival Race the following Saturday. In early August, Grace [middle daughter] and I, have places in the 43 mile Devil O the Highlands Footrace. John Moore is entered too so it will be great to see another GVS there.

    Thank you Paul, and a huge congratulations on finishing the race!

  • Hathersage Gala Fell Race

    Hathersage Gala Fell Race

    Robin writes:

    Upon reviewing the entry list, I thought it would be a small party at Hathersage, only to find that there were many striders entering on the day! 11 striders in total made the race, to continue the streak of a really well attended fell championship this year. (great race picking Kieran!)

    Initially I thought it was strange to be given a leg tracker pre-race for timing, but it later became clear it was a great idea!

    206 of us huddled onto a small taped off bit of grass for the pre-race briefing, nothing to note from the RD apart from the route would not be diverted by cows like a race a couple weeks ago. After shuffling onto the road it was a very congested start. It was made clear that we should all keep to the left on the road and bless weren’t people obedient of that. I did however use that to skip past on the right as once again, I’d let myself start too far back in the pack. 

    The race curves up a trail after a few hundred metres and your heart rate is elevated almost immediately with no reprieve for the first mile and a half with so much climb, before you reach the top of Over Owler Tor, what a name! There isn’t much room for overtaking on this race, whereas most would be happy with this, I was racked with guilt for holding people up on the climbs. Tired legs from the fast mile from the race before took their toll faster than I’d hoped and I graciously moved to the side when heavy breathing behind me became to burdensome for me to bear. 

    Once at the top after the narrow trails opened up at last, it was very reminiscent of the top of most of the edges around there, Stanage, Curbar, Frogatt, lots of rocks to dance around. A welcome shower of wind and rain helped cool me down at this point as I thanked the marshals who’d drawn the short straw on the tops. I should say all the marshals were brilliant, lots of clapping/encouragement, really a fantastic job. 

    After coming off the top of Higger Tor, I knew that if I’d kept Rob Nock at bay, that the 60 points would be mine, as I glanced round I hoped that perhaps he wouldn’t be in sight and I could run down to the finish a bit easier….sadly not he was only 5-6 seconds behind! Bollocks. Pushing to end are we Rob? Damn it. 

    With a wonderful descent of grass, road, trail, I pushed it as much as I could, passed a few and sprinted with whatever I had left around the school field to the finish. 33rd in the end, but the time was more-or-less what I was aiming for so I was happy and I secured the 60 points with Rob coming in 45 seconds or so later. I knew it was going to be close! 

    A great race, one which was hard fought but I’ll definitely go back for again, as it seems, fell racing just sucks you in like this. I’ve never done fell races in short sequences like this year, but man are they addictive. It’s 3 weeks till Brassington and I’m gutted I have to wait till then! 

    Last point to note was that with the leg tracker, the Hathersage team had put together a live results screen scrolling through all the positions as soon as you came in, wow, what a great idea and one I may have to look into for the future!

    Results

    Robin Leathley36:43
    Rob Nock37:28
    Col Allott39:12
    Thomas Penn39:37
    Wayne Grant40:03
    Chris Randall42:11
    James McGill43:18
    Bec Day45:20
    Brian Holland45:58
    Julia Carter53:29
    Pete Fotheringham61:20
    [Ed: Bec is officially Summer Fell champion! And Robin has all but secured the men’s champs. Check out the tables here.]
    • Distance: 7.3 km / 4.5 mi
    • Ascent:  325 m / 1066 ft
  • Hope Wakes Fell Race (continued)

    Hope Wakes Fell Race (continued)

    by Rob Nock

    9 Striders took part in the Hope Fell Race on Wednesday evening. Heavy rain from earlier in the day mostly retreated to leave a mild but moody June evening. 

    Race HQ at Hope Sports Club was busy with the 185 participants.  The race began with a crowded lap around the school field, elbows out, before heading out through the village. 

    A flat(ish) first mile, was followed by a steep climb up the first of two hills Wooler Knoll.  The initial crowds were now stretched out. There followed a fast technical descent into woods before the second climb of the course up Win Hill.  Here the heather taunted legs and pulled at our shoe laces as we staggered on.  

    The pay off though was a fantastic sweeping mile descent through slick fields before a final push home.

    The Striders were well represented across the age categories with a highlight being 2nd in the W40 for Bec Day.

    Pete F’s report from Strava
    > Dead last, dead hard, dead good!

    Finally, here’s a post from 2019, including a report on that year’s edition of this race.

  • Hope Wakes Fell Race

    Nine Striders raced in Hope, with Rob first over the line for GVS and 38th of 185 runners overall. In the third change of leader in as many races, reigning Summer Fell Champ Wayne takes the front in the latest tables. Bec has all but sealed the ladies title after 6 of 9 races.

    Fuller report to follow from Rob Nock …

    [+Neilio]

    Results

    Rob Nock54:07
    Wayne Grant58:53
    Neil Colquhoun62:14
    Connor Lomax 63:15
    Bec Day64:42
    Brian Holland65:09
    Roy Whittle69:48
    Andrew Dobson73:04
    Peter Fotheringham91:38

    Route details

    • Distance: 9.5km / 5.9mi
    • Ascent: 451m / 1480ft
  • DCRO Dash

    The Dash is a fast, tough race over the hills south-west of Castleton. It’s a major fundraiser for the Derbyshire Cave Rescue Organisation.

    Bec Day was our on site reporter for this race.

    Only 5 of us this evening. For those that don’t know this race has a very British start and a brutal finish. Once the initial climb is done it’s totally runnable. It was perfect conditions for the 45 minutes waiting for the start, unfortunately once the race had started the rain stopped and the sun came out and it was far too bloody hot! The boys had points to contend for and had a good race. It was a good evening for all involved.

    Bec Day won the V40 category. It was a sprint for the line between Chris, Connor and Matt, with only twenty seconds separating them.

    Bec and Thomas Penn now lead the way in the latest tables, after 5 of 9 races in the Summer Fell Champs.

    Results

    Thomas Penn 49:55
    Chris Randall52:15
    Connor Lomax52.35
    Matt Biglin52.37
    Bec Day57.13

    Route details

    • Distance: 8.5km / 5.3mi
    • Ascent: 370m / 1200ft
  • Eyam Away Run: 13th June 2023

    Run Leader: Luke Cafferty
    Report: Roy Whittle

    We assembled on a very hot and dry evening in Eyam at the start line of the Eyam Half Marathon (for those that know) and the majority of us had car shared in some form or another however, Sam won extra sustainable transport kudos points by cycling the 17 miles there & back!

    17 of us set off downhill towards Middleton Dale along the narrow and well shaded trail, we were warned of some very steep drops ahead and to take our time, this trail scenery was fantastic, a sheer 100ft sheer rock face to one side and steep drops on the other, along with some great views across the valley. We gathered in an open clearing to check numbers- nobody missing yet! Luke popped out of a hole in the ground that turned out to be a well-known cave entrance, it turns out the dale is full of them so it’s a popular caving spot.

    Next followed a long, calf achingly steep but suitably tree-shaded climb back across flat (in comparison) open fields towards the village centre and past some of the grade II listed plague graves (Lydgate graves) before heading up Water lane, up through the steep woods, past random bible quotes wedged into gateposts and on towards Sir William Hill trig point where we took a moment to appreciate the fantastic 360 degree view.

    All that was left was a speedy descent down through the fields, following the trod then a sweaty, gravelly climb up Sir William hill road (more of a gravel track than a metalled road) before a beautiful descent down past Mompesson’s well (another Plague monument) and more shaded woodland tracks ending at the Miners Arms pub for much needed rehydration!

    Route Details

  • Tideswell Inter Inns 5k

    Written by the unofficial strider, Wilf D’Cruz aged 9:

    15 Goyt Valley Striders turned up to a well attended (109 people raced) 5km race starting at the Star Inn. Starting speedily at 19:00, the race commenced flat though Tideswell and up the big hill and then down into Litton. It was well supported there and curved back up the hill and then down again into Tideswell. I expect some fast sprint finishes from GVS.

    Well done to Nathan coming 6th overall as well as the winner Charles Bell. Ita came first v60 woman and Rob coming first v40 man and I came 2nd u11 boy with my new PB: 22:57. Most of us had a most deserved drink after at the finish pub, the Horse and Jockey. Everyone did very well, I must say.

    [ed] One team photo missed John, and one missed Bec. Sorry, John.

    Results

    Nathan Porter18:10
    Rob Nock19:05
    John Moore21:03
    Matt Biglin21:54
    Wilf D’Cruz22:57
    Kieran Smallbone22:58
    Brian Holland23:18
    Andrew Dobson24:06
    Rebecca Day25:20
    Ita Kelly25:36
    Aidan Grant26:02
    Jamie Mifflin26:15
    Shaun Hall27:00
    Christine Hill27:14
    Sarah Millington41:45

    Route Details