From Rachel Carter…

Not a race but worth a mention here as it’s such a great event to support. The CRO Challenge is the main annual event fundraiser for the Cave Rescue Team based in Clapham. Their title is perhaps a little deceptive as around 90% of the incidents they support are ‘mountain’ incidents. There’s a choice of a 12-mile or 26+ mile loop from Clapham, and you can sign up to walk or run. Having taken on the 12-mile challenge with two friends for the last two years, we decided to take on the 26-mile loop this year. We planned it as a day out – generally walking the uphills (including Ingleborough and half way up Penyghent) and running the flat and downhill where we could. We would stop and enjoy the scenery, eat our sandwiches and try and get around before the six-hour cut-off at Horton. Well we finished in just over 6 1/2 hours (the fastest runners were 4hr 35 min) so were delighted especially given the hot weather. This low-key but superbly organised the event is made by the CRO volunteers who marshal the checkpoints, provide encouragement (occasionally flapjack) and supply homemade cake, tea, juice and well-needed crisps at the end. It’s on 16th May in next year – see their website for more details if you fancy it! The CRO Ingleborough Challenge – The Cave Rescue Organisation