From Dave Robson…
I have decided to continue last year’s plan to every month run a race that I haven’t done before. So far this year has included – JAN Hoofstones, FEB Windy Hill, MAR Haworth Hobble.
For April, I picked a trip to the North York Moors for the ‘Blakey Blitz Fell Race’. At 10 miles and around 800 metres ascent, it gets an AM classification from the FRA and is a counter for 3 Peaks qualification.
On the day registration (only £7 or £5 for FRA members), was in the fantastic Lion Inn, a cosy 16th century pub located on the highest point of the North York Moors.
The pre race weather was doing nothing to tempt us outside. Extreme wind and sudden downpours of rain coupled with a start time of 11.00, was making a pint and a bag of crisps look increasingly tempting.
Fortunately the rain stopped just in time and we walked down to the start, a few hundred yards from the pub. It was good to see fellow Ilkley Harrier, Sacha Jones, with a friend who had travelled over looking for 3 Peaks qualifying points.
The race itself is mostly an out and back open moor run, with a loop at the mid point. Three climbs make up the 800m, but as you start with a quick downhill section, you know you have to finish with the uphill return. The scenery was spectacular and you could see for miles in all directions for large parts of the race. As expected with recent weather, the course was pretty boggy in parts but had some decent trail sections and a couple of lively descents.
The wind that had been behind us on the way out, made it tough on the return leg with open moor sections directly into a strong head wind (not much chance to enjoy the views at this point).
I was pleased to get up the final climb to finish in 14th place and 2nd V50.
Overall an excellent race, which I would recommend.