Last Saturday was the annual CRO (Cave Rescue Organisation) challenge. there is a choice of two routes, a 12 miler or a marathon. As I am looking to get some long runs in, I signed up for the marathon, and so at 9.30 I was on the start line outside Clapham church.
The route starts off by going through two tunnels and up a long very stony path. However, after a couple of miles we were on the open fell and the running became much more enjoyable. The "we" being myself, Helen (one of my Thursday girls) and Rachel (who I hadn't met before and who is Helen's friend). After 6 miles we reached the summit of Ingleborough (2372ft)
Fortunately, I have got a lot better at descending and it wasn't too bad. The next bit was very enjoyable, going round the edge of Simon's Fell and Park Fell, past Alum Pot to road at Selside. The route then turned north again to meet up with the Pennine way near High Birkwith, before going down the PW to Horton in Ribblesdale. It was on this section that we were met by SWINW who had brought food but forgotten the tea! Never mind, we were going well and soon reached Horton.
The short road section seemed to affect us all and we found the climb up out of Horton quite tough, but were soon rewarded by a great descent through Thieves' Moss to Wharfe.
Now whoever selected the route must have a nasty streak in them, as we now had to descend to Austwick and then we faced a steep climb (at 25 miles) up to Norber. It really was a killer! However, from there it was down hill to the finish and some much needed tea and cake. Thanks to helen and Rachel for their company over what turned out to be 27+ miles and almost 4000ft of climbing.
Next year anyone?
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