Also, splits are on the Sport Ident website, here.
Thanks again for organising Wheeze, I really appreciated the efforts of you, the marshals and other helpers.
A future classic, once a few more people catch on!
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Also, splits are on the Sport Ident website, here.
Thanks again for organising Wheeze, I really appreciated the efforts of you, the marshals and other helpers.
A future classic, once a few more people catch on!
Nice race Stevie, and I like the link to the splits.Quote:
Originally Posted by Stevie
It shows that although 8th overall, I can claim the fastest split on the descent from LHK to Gospel pass, pipping you by 2 seconds.Maybe I'm just a trail runner. ;)
I was itching for a sub 5:30 at that point, and was slightly rested from having taken the middle third section of the race at training pace.
Looks like you did a storming final descent from Hay Bluff. I was starting to cramp across the common and stiles so was slowing a bit at that point - though luckily I had a wee dram of salty water left to see me down without a struggle.
Cheers.
Well done OB1, you had a strong run-in from Hay Bluff to the finish too, 4th fastest.
I was interested to see the split from LHK to Capel-y-Ffin to find out whether my "secret" route paid off. Based on my split compared to James who was flying at that point, and to the people I was with LHK, I think it worked.
Oh, yes, I can see your westerly 'secret route' on your tracker trace, how simply cunning yet sophisticated is that!Quote:
Originally Posted by Stevie
I must remember that for next year. I got smothered (literally) in bracken for 100m, at the end of the 'central' route.
Wheeze
It was a pleasure to help out in this the inaugral SBB and to meet you & the gang, finally ! Think I've got the start / finish leg to the foot of Hay bluff nailed after being out on Sunday morning, if the race was held yesterday....;)
The mix of old/new technology seemed to work well. This could go on to be the forum's race of the summer - same weekend in August next year ?
Many, many thanks to everyone involved and especially Wheeze – what a brilliant event!
Really does deserve the ‘classic’ status mentioned.
Had never been to the Black Mountains before, which was part of the appeal – but the location (Hay-on-Wye), venue (the primary school) and course itself (out and back with a long loop, up and down and along those ridges) were all even better than expected.
Great range of Welsh terrain – steep hills, deep valleys, paths and open ground, heath and bog, heather, gorse, bilberry, bracken and tussocks.
Good navigation challenges too – but so lucky to see those views!
Partner was almost disappointed by my better-than-expected time – called back from the bookshops by text messages from friends watching the web!
A real pleasure to meet so many distinguished forumites, with a hint of pioneering spirit mixed into the traditional atmosphere...
Thanks again!
Simon Neville
Thanks all of you for the positive messages you have sent in about this race. It makes the last 9 months of brainstorming totally worthwhile.
For those of you have enjoyed this race and who have NOT done the Black Mountains race in September, I can heartily recommend it. Similar in character, somewhat shorter but with a much harder ascent of Pen Y Gadair!
Thanks - I just looked up the race here: http://www.mynydd-du.org.uk/black-mountains-race
I can see now why the RO (Buffing Billy) was the runner with all the local knowledge at SBB on Saturday, enabling him to go from 15th place on his first dib at Hay Bluff to 8th on his return dib.
By the way Wheeze, I just sent you an email with attachment.
PS - I see the B.Mts. race even has a decent start time (noon) - I will be able to have a lie-in. ;)
Puffing Billy is a well known 'grinder'...he does not start fast but he just keeps going!
Some pics of the race are coming in.
Here is Mark Nelson looking better than when he finished!!
Attachment 7772