This is a new event run by Gaynor Prior from Pure Outdoors. Having done the BG and Old County Tops this year I realised that doing this event would complete the necessary qualifying points for the Ultra Tour of Mont Blanc next year so I contacted Steve Angus who was in a similar position and we both entered.
Based at Limehouse School Dalston the route follows the River Caldew and the Cald Beck to the first feed stop at Caldbeck village hall. The next leg gets onto the fell at Nether Row and climbs High Pike before dropping to Lingy Hut and Mosedale before passing Skiddaw House to the next feed at Latrigg car park. Skiddaw summit is reached at approximately half way before descending Longside Edge. a series of bridleways are followed through Fellside and back to Nether Row and the last feed back at Caldbeck.
For a brilliant HD video including aerial footage see
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXmeMADPuKY
The organisation of the whole event was first rate from the event centre facilities and feed stations to the marshalling and friendly atmosphere. For me it was my first experience of a trail Ultra Race and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Not being used to running 45 mile races I found myself on the front from the start but maintained a good pace through the first feed stop where Dave Troman was serving drinks. At Nether Row I was in the leading group of three and still first solo after a couple of others went astray. I managed to run strongly over High Pike and arrived at Latrigg in third place. Steve wasn't far behind and caught and passed me descending Longside Edge before I caught him again in the bridleways below. We ran together for a short time before he pulled away from me leaving Fellside and I settled in for fourth spot. The last 11 miles back through the riverside fields and tracks felt very long but I maintained a decent shuffling pace and caught Steve again half a mile from the finish. A truce was agreed and we crossed the line together in joint third place in 8hrs and 28 mins.
The final runner completed the event in over 15 hrs and received a warm welcome from those camping overnight. The prizes were presented by Billy Bland the following day.
Solo
1 Ken Sutor 7:42
2 James Harris 7:45
3= Andrew Slattery/Steve Angus 8:28
Teams
1 Tim Higginbottom & Chris Near 7:53
2 Kevin Smith & Peter Murphy 9:55
3 Keith & Tom Sherrington 10:23
Ladies
1 Tanya Coates 10:41
2 Rachael Atkinson 11:43
3 Alexia Melling 12:09
This is a fantastic event and certainly deserves a much bigger field next year.
The event website is www.pureoutdoorsevents.co.uk
Event photographs by Sportsunday see HERE
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