Wolfspit

No lift share for this race, so naturally I set off 15 minutes later than planned in a car with no petrol, so another 5 minutes lost means it’s a sprint across the tops to get to Bamford in time.   I tend to avoid the A6 if possible, even if it does mean a few extra miles.  From Crich onwards, above Tansley, on to Beeley Moor and Eastmoor, between Big Moor and Totley moor, past Longshaw and through Hathersage its great views all the way, on what was a fine, sunny morning.

The car park at the Hope garden centre is already full, so it’s a quick drive further up the road to park and then have a warm up run to the start, past the lovely houses that make up Shatton  village.  Son no. 1 was there to meet me and show me to the registration forms. 

There was a queue for registration and I stayed pretty much at the back as it got shorter and shorter with not many turning up after me.   Very well organised registration with chip timing on the wrist and some random kit checks being carried out.  It turns out I’ve arrived in good time after all, and the Bradda dads have got everyone nicely sorted for the start.

There’s clearly some weather coming as the clouds are gathering in the west but the sun is still shining as we set off. There’s a good charge across the field for the start and I’m determined this time not to get too carried away and manage to pace myself across the ford and onto the bottom of the main climb.  I’ve got fellow Harriers Chris and Dave to swap places with up the first field and the gradient picks up. 

As this is farmland there is no clear footpath to follow just good running across the grass, though the running soon gives way to walking and as we approach the top it just occurs to me that I could just whip out the phone for a quick photo without losing much time at all.  I had no idea until then that a fabulous rainbow was hovering over the trail of runners.  Very pleased with the result, but no time to review it there, but a right turn means a great view of the rainbow as we start to make our way round to Abney Moor.

Very windy up the top but what rain there is, isn’t too heavy and it’s a very pleasant anti clockwise circuit of the moor to a good descent before climbing back up to complete the loop.  Really feeling the effort at this point but once the final bit of track is complete it onto the fields again.  Lovely downhill back across the grass, feel like I’m not letting myself go still, but don’t lose any places and then back to the finish.

What a terrific race, really enjoyed it.  Laddo back at the finish is looking quite pleased with himself as well.  I have to hang around for the prizes as he’s only gone and finished 5^th overall and 1^st U23.  Horizontal rain by the time we move away from the marquee and back to the car, appreciate that it waited until after the event.

Would I do it again, yes, hopefully next year.