This un-advertised and un-promoted trail marathon favourite of the initiated few comes around quickly and always fills months in advance. Originally aimed at and frequented mostly by walkers (traditional LDWA style even though this is not an LDWA event), the 10am start time seems more suited to runners. Some runners do always take part and the fastest (note, not 'winning') time is always around the 4 hour mark, sometimes slightly less depending on conditions. Times this year would have been lengthened slightly because the Derbyshire Dales were more waterlogged than I have ever known in all the years I've been doing this event. There were even flooded lanes to negotiate. Whatever next, at this time of year, I ask you, tsk!, etc. Despite that, the weather just about behaved itself in time for the day and was nigh on perfect - coolish, mostly sunny with only one or two light sprinkles of rain.My time of 5 hours dead was 3 minutes slower than last year's. I'll blame the mud and pretend that I'm not really over the hill yet.
The following two pictures from November 2011 and July 2012 illustrate our topsy-turvy weather these days.
Bradford Dale on Six Dales Circuit, 12 November 2011.
Bradford Dale on White Peak Walk, 14 July 2012.
Our green and pleasant land wouldn't be so green and pleasant without the rain. Just look at all of the pictures to see what I mean. If you don't live here you'll be envious. If you do you'll be thankful.
Many people post their entries immediately after the event for the following year. Rest assured mine's already in.
I sent mine off last week, got a reply, and found out I'm No. 83 (ish), which for an event in July 2013 (nearly 12 months), is incredible.
ReplyDeleteWould have done this one, but was at the Dog Pound choosing my new walking companion.
Hopefully she will at Monyash in 2013.
I look forward to meeting your new companion next July.
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