Jez
You had better pray you get a nice day again.
If it's a very bad day, it can get nasty.......... it's late April after all.
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Ha, ha, my fingers are crossed Morgan ! We were very lucky last year, it was a beautiful day. I'll take what comes though, like all fell runners I love the challenge ! I can't remember, did you say you were doing it ?
I quote from the PBS race map:
"The Peaks has been described as three separate fell races separated by two cross country races or even a long cross country race with three big hills."
I'm in the Broxap camp. It's not one of my favourites; no chance for a rest anywhere!
Descent off Whernside
Ran round the 3 peaks today (which was nice).
At the bottom of the descent off Whernside (just before you hit the tarmac) I met a frustrated (but very reasonable) farmer who was not happy about the number of runners who do not stick to the main (man made) path, and instead take the quicker, more direct lines, on the softer ground either side.
He mentioned that there has recently been a lot of path restoration work done on that section, and if runners don't stick to the path it could put the future of the race in jeopardy. He said in last years race runners were requested to stick to the path on this section (although I can't see any reference to this on the 3P website).
Please note if you are recceing.
Personally I find it frustrating not to have the freedom to descend on the best lines, but understand the farmers concerns, and will stick to the path if that's what it takes.
I can see were he is coming from if 600 runners come down but according to my map it is right to roam land down to the gate at Bruntscar so odd runners are probaby not doing much wrong but as you say one does not want to put the race in jeopardy and i think there was something in last years instructions and it was fenced off they have done some restoration work but it is still a horribe path to run down
Yea I'm in two minds about this one too. It was my first 3P last year, & on the recces had taken to the soft stuff, easier on the knees doncha know!
However on race day the path was taped most of the way down, so in theory you had to stick to it really. I did see a couple of people dropping off to the left just coming off the top, avoiding the path completely, but I don't really know the line there.
As Geronimo says, it is open access land so in theory you can do what the hell you like, but it does make sense to adhere to the organiser's wishes if they state such things & put tape up.
The caveat I would add to this though, is that if such "requests" are made as part of condition of entry, the said points should be marshalled & ANYONE transgressing should be penalised accordingly. Sounds a bit babylike I know but how fair is it to make me, a shit runner, knacker my knees even more plodding down an 'orrible path, when "others" can take the line they like with impunity?
Level playing field & all that (now a run round one of them sounds easier :D)
First time at the 3 Peaks this year so wondering whats the best type of shoe for the race.
I know some describe it as more of a trail race than fell race so would trail shoes be suitable ? I train a lot in Adidas Kanadia, not sure if they'd be grippy enough though for the descents ? I'm a half descent climber but a slow descender so I need grip on the downhill bits to avoid losing too much time.