Ultra number 4 in my first year of Ultra adventures and this time it was a 33mile route round Bradwell in the Hope Valley. Debs and I were running this one together and it was as expected a stunning route.
We set off together doing well with the navigation following the worded description and the map. The first few miles were on a long stony track and it was baking hot! There was a fantastic descent into Cave Dale which I really enjoyed and then we continued the ascent up Hollins Cross. Cliff bar were supporting the event and each checkpoint provided bars and drinks along with smiling Marshall's. We chatted along to lots of people as we climbed towards Ringing Roger (what a name!) A few people took a wrong turn here and had to back track and we only just saw the checkpoint as we had come off the path a little.
The running here was good run, stony, lots of heather and you had to keep an eye on your feet. There was a stunning descent followed by another long climb up towards Back Tor. I was munching on my cheese and crackers as usual and filling up on 9bars and was feeling good.
We set off together doing well with the navigation following the worded description and the map. The first few miles were on a long stony track and it was baking hot! There was a fantastic descent into Cave Dale which I really enjoyed and then we continued the ascent up Hollins Cross. Cliff bar were supporting the event and each checkpoint provided bars and drinks along with smiling Marshall's. We chatted along to lots of people as we climbed towards Ringing Roger (what a name!) A few people took a wrong turn here and had to back track and we only just saw the checkpoint as we had come off the path a little.
The running here was good run, stony, lots of heather and you had to keep an eye on your feet. There was a stunning descent followed by another long climb up towards Back Tor. I was munching on my cheese and crackers as usual and filling up on 9bars and was feeling good.
I couldn't believe how much I was sweating though and Debbie's tights were soaking right down to her knees!
We then continued onto a long section of disused railway - with this section being flat I found this quite hard work and the heavens decided to open at this point too - The poor Marshall's were getting soaked but still greeted us with smiles and cheers.
What followed was then the hardest section - The escalator - the hardest climb ever out of Bamford Clough.
We then continued onto what has to be my favourite part of the route the section across Stanage Edge - the views were spectacular and I thoroughly enjoyed running this section. There was a choice of three descents off Stanage and we got a little lost at the bottom and lost about 10minutes trying to find the next checkpoint which was a precariously balanced tree above a river! Route finding on the next section became a little tricky as Debs is no help with a map! Also at this point Debbie seemed to struggle a bit so we plied her with energy gels and fuel and hoped she would pick up.
We had to slow down the pace now which was a little frustrating but I had agreed to run with her so I would not leave her - plus if I did I would never see her again as she would get lost and I didn't want that. We finished together in a time of 7hrs and 4 minutes. Next year I will be looking for a 6hrs 30 finish and I know I can do it.
I finished as 4th Lady on Ultra Number 4. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will be hopefully doing that one again next year.
