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Sunday, February 03, 2013

Mickleden Straddle Sunday 3rd Feb 23K/741m

What a difference a day makes! A lovely trot out with the gang yesterday giving the new Orocs a thorough testing over all sorts of terrain, well satisfied with the 4hrs+ straight from the box.

Switched back to the trusty Mudclaws for todays run.

Course Map http://denbydaletravellers.org.uk/ESW/Files/map_of_course.pdf

Just to help you locate, the top red road is the Woodhead Pass, the Start/Finish area was on the road heading towards Stocksbridge & Sheffield. The top road carries on towards the M1 (jcn37)

This was unfamiliar running territory, but I wasn't unfamiliar with the drive there as 20 odd years ago I regularly travelled this route between my first ever job (working at the Sheffield Dental Hospital) and my home in Manchester. That was until I realised the Snake Pass route was quicker (and more exciting). I oftened wondered what was behind the trees of Langsett Wood, now I know!

A biting head wind on the way out, on some typical Peak District paths, some rocky, some peaty but a good mix. CP1 seemed to take a long time to get to, but once there we were rewarded with a nice smooth trail (out of the wind) heading towards the tip of the reservoir, looked a lovely spot for a picnic. The climb out from CP2 to CP3 and onwards to CP4 was on a good trod, a bit muddy/boggy in parts but nothing more than ankle deep if you were careful. Back to the finish on the outward path, where there were supplies of soup, butties and cake waiting (all included in the race fee).

Winner managed 1:39, I was about 3:08. Top marks to Denby Dale, even with the out'n'back section there was enough varied terrain and views to keep your interest. A special big thanks to all the Marshalls for standing out in some challenging weather, the Jelly Babies at CP4 were most welcome. Definitely on my list of ones to do again, only 1 hour travelling time from Bolton and mostly runnable if you were trying hard. Some nice miles in the bank!