Midweek on the moors

Photo By Allen Williams (Thanks Al)

Several friends including Ray (My Team Ibuprophen partner) have done this midweek race in previous years and all of them had said how enjoyable it was. This year Ray and I were both working the morning shift so off we headed to the Dark Peak, for my first Burbage Skyline.

The race is a fast and furious 5 and 3/4 miles. When I say fast and furious, in my case it is more like, not quite as slow and mildly annoyed. The route is over typical Dark Peak terrain, with moorland paths and gritstone outcrops and is a joy to run.

It was good to catch up with Martin Griffiths of Toenails n' Quads . Martin had a great race Knocking nearly 8 minutes off last years time and is looking good for his Bob Graham attempt this year. Good luck Mate!

Unfortunately I didn't get to see Simon, another friend and fell running blogger. Simon wasnt racing  but was there taking pictures and supporting his clubmates. You can catch up with what he has been up to and what he has planned @ Adventures of a Fellmonkey

The race went well. After a short climb we all went heather bashing. The leaders were directed slightly off course and the rest of us followed. Many thanks to those at the front for trampling down  the heather and making it easier for us shufflers.

More (moor) ups and downs then a lovely run along the gritstone edge. We weren't the only ones enjoying it, there were several groups of climbers playing on the rock.

The final run in was a gentle downhil, on a well made gravel path. For the more able runners this meant a fast finnish. For me it was a less punishing end to a great race.

Many thanks to Ray for driving and Dark Peak Fell Runners for putting on a great event.


Update:

This link from the DPFR shows a  Google map of the course.

Results;

354 starters

1st place Stuart Bond 37min 37sec.

211th place  me  55 min 50sec (oh dear, must try harder)

Full  results here