Is That All?

Using the Excel formula =ATAN(CF/3/1760/LM*2)*180PI() where CF is height climbed in feet, and LM is the race length in miles (just repeat all the other stuff) we find that the average gradient for the Pike Race is a mere 4.77 degrees.

On the same basis, and in response to a query from JtE, we find that the average gradient from the Sty Head stretcher box to the the summit of Great Gable is only 17.7 degrees.

"Can this be so?" I hear you ask yourselves. Perhaps JtE, being that sort of guy, would confirm using his sliderule. Just remember, John, that when you're using race distances, you need to halve the published distance, as, on average, only half the race is up ~ although it doesn't always seem like that.