From Petra Bijsterveld…
A Short Circuit is a largely off-road 35 mile loop from Otley with approximately 4500 ft of elevation, organised by the local and lovely ultra-event folk at Punk Panther. Starting with a steep climb straight up the Chevin the route goes to Bramhope, touches the top of Cookridge before taking you round the perimeter fence of the airport and to Yeadon Tarn and the first checkpoint. From Yeadon you run to Esholt before climbing steeply through Hollins Hall and Bradford golf courses, arriving at Tranmere Park and tackling the Odda before descending into Menston for the next checkpoint. Onwards via Burley Woodhead and the moor to the Cow and Calf, descending to Ben Rhydding and along the road to Denton, with another welcome checkpoint before climbing again all the way to Ellercar Pike, followed by a downhill section to Timble. Turning south and homeward but with still 10 miles to go you run through fields along the Washburn, another climb onto Lower Norwood Rd which leads to the last checkpoint, before climbing again and following the high route above Lindley Wood Reservoir, eventually coming to Farnley and the final 2 mile descent into Otley.
Five Harriers (Jane McCarthy, Dave Reynier, Colin Williams, new member James Dobbing and myself) lined up at the 8 am start line of this small event with 60 runners (there was a 20 mile option too which 17 people took part in). An overcast start to the morning soon turned into a sunny day with the most stunning light from a low sun on the trees in all their various autumn colours, which only became more spectacular as the sun became lower in the sky when I was on my last few miles looking out over Lindley Wood. We live in such a beautiful area! As the field was small we were spread out quite quickly and I largely ran on my own, but linking up with a few others from time to time, which for me was just the right balance. I had managed to recce the entire route recently (in 2 halves) and I was pleased to reap the rewards now, it definitely makes it a lot easier if you don’t have to worry about navigation. 35 miles is more distance than I have ever run but I largely felt ‘good’ (as much as you can feel good in an ultra) and had no major issues, though I definitely would not have liked to go any further! I had calculated it would take me at least 8 hours and I was right, for a brief while it looked as if I might sneak in just under but that hope came and went. As I descended into Otley along Farnley Lane I tried to maintain a decent pace, I felt as if I was, but looking back at Strava it was pitifully slow. Having had a grand day out already the experience was improved even further by finding out at the finish line that I was 1st FV50! OK, there were only 4 of us in the category, but still, I was very pleased and to be honest I almost started to cry when I was given a massive plaque, I felt quite overcome with emotion and with gratitude for health and a willing pair of legs.
Jane McCarthy had a fantastic run and came 4th overall and 1st F in an absolutely awesome time. She was fast enough to be caught on camera by Dave Woodhead who was on the moor for the Burley Moor Run. By the time I came along that was long over of course. I had to laugh when a father said to his children ‘this might still be runner from this morning’s race’ as I plodded past. I called out ‘different race, I might be slow but not that slow!’ Lovely to see the Turners with Enzo at Burley Woodhead and also Chantal Busby at Timble.
(1 5:12:10 George Ravenhall and Patrik Verme (joint 1st place))
4 5:48:46 Jane McCarthy 1st F
13 6:28:48 James Dobbing
14 6:34:42 Dave Reynier
16 6:42:05 Colin Williams
43 8:07:59 Petra Bijsterveld 1st FV50
60 ran