From Jane McCarthy…
Swaledale Marathon feels like a special race – where everyone involved cares about the runner experience more than the results. A race where people return year after year. The start line announcements included welcoming 3 runners over 80, and one who had run it every year (it was the 45th edition). The woman stood next to me said she had only run it 20 times! It is a sell out within hours of opening – I had set my alarm for 7am on January 10th to ensure a place (around 550 available), having missed out the past few years. The route is tough (23.5 miles, over 4,000ft climbing) and beautiful, with views over the glorious Swaledale valley, passing through wild meadows, visiting well-preserved, historic lead mines and Surrender Bridge (of Wuthering Heights fame). Support at villages and bridge crossings was cheerful and enthusiastic, as were the marshals along the route. It is a fell run and challenge walk event, with a ten-hour cut off.
For those who have completed Rombald’s Stride, you will understand the post race vibe at Swaledale. Homemade food (chilli, or pie and peas), fruit salad and custard pudding, plenty of hot tea served by an army of volunteers, lots of chatter and shared stories (mainly of cramp this year!). The Village Hall finish has lovely grassy banking outside, perfect for the growing number of finishers and their supporters to sit in the sunshine and applaud those still coming in. Prize giving also interrupted to ensure everyone was heartily welcomed back.
I have done this race once before, in 2014, almost 20 minutes quicker than this time, but there was a strong headwind to contend with for the first ten miles, which I would like to think accounted for at least 5 minutes this year. The rest probably down to age! However, I managed to cross the line as first female, having overtaken the leading lady with five km remaining, she had started to suffer cramp on the final run in back to Reeth. All finishers get a lovely Swaledale marathon stoneware mug.