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Anyone planning to run 3 Peaks? This would be a cracking race to use in your build up.
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http://heptonstallfellrace.wordpress.com
Anyone planning to run 3 Peaks? This would be a cracking race to use in your build up.
I recced the route yesterday - it took me over 3 hours. It's a great route though but it's tough and it ends with the steepest climb of the day
Studs or trail shoes?
There's a right mix of surfaces and conditions on the route. I used trail shoes (some sort of inov8 Flyroc I think) and was more than happy with them until I ended up sliding down on my arse towards Lumb Falls. Steve, who ran with me, was using studs and was fine on that bit but was skittering around on the wet rocky bits. I'd rather fall over on mud than on rocks myself but you take your pick...
Heptonstall was looking good today!Attachment 4270
Heptonstall - more snowy scenes; looking over from my Leg 4 Reccie today. Fantastic. Can you spot Stoodley Pike? Will Calderdale Way Relay be effected if the view is the same next week?
Attachment 4271
LOCAL DERBY! Heptonstall Fell Race is looking like a Championship / Grand Prix LONG RACE on both Calder Valley and Tod Harriers 2011 calendar - should make it a great turn out - not sure when the 2 clubs last had a "counter" at the same event.
Evening folks
from what I've heard a recce is a must-as with most races round that way-anybody got a detailed route description/memory map
happy running
tt
Reccie is definitely a good idea - its a new race with some tricky sections - plus an unflagged nav option across open moor. 15 miles means field could string out - so following guy in front may not be an option!! A guided reccie is planned for Saturday 5th Feb -all welcome (possible free soup at pub after!). Otherwise detailed route description and printable OS map will be up on website any day - www.heptonstallfellrace.org.
Just clarify for me if you would Trig I understand that some but not all the route will be flagged does this mean that the route as per the website (excellent by the way) needs to be followed exactly or is it a case of making your way from one checkpoint to another in whatever way each runner sees fit. I assume the latter but in terms of reccing its worth knowing what the you as RO are specifying
Hello Clash - watch this space - we have prepared a detailed route description and OS Map - hoping to put this on www.heptonstallfellrace.org.uk today. The documents will be pdfs /word so allow easy download and print.
Just to clarify; Runners must stick to the route, the checkpoints are partly for safety and partly to ensure nobody cuts corners!!!
HOWEVER - just to make it more interesting for those who want some classic tussock and bog trotting we have decided to make the section on Heptonstall Moor an unflagged "route choice" between 2 checkpoints (Hot Stones Hill and Standing Stone Hill).
We realise this may fill some runners with dread so we have kindly provided a possible route (which will not be flagged) on our map and route description.
HINT - those who study the map, should be able to find more direct routes - but the terrain will be tougher - so we recommed your recce this section in detail.
The rest of teh route will be partially flagged
HEPTONSTALL FELL RACE - RO's NEWS FLASH - OS MAP AND DETAILED ROUTE DESCRIPTION NOW ON WEBSITE www.heptonstallfellrace.org.uk
The new map clearly shows route and CPs on an easy to print PDF. There is a detailed written route description to make sure you don't get lost.
Please pay carefull attention to the ROUTE CHOICE SECTION between CP1 (Hot Stones Hill) and CP2 (Standing Stone). NOTE - CP2 IS THE STANDING STONE NOT THE TRIG.
The map and detailed written route description give runners who want an easy life a possible route from CP1 to CP2.
BEWARE - to get a fast time confident fell runners should consider a more direct route, but this will involve nav and some ability pick your way through 2km of rods, bogs, and tussocks to an ancient standing stone (only 5ft high and not on any path).
The organsiers would be delighted to get feedback from anybody who recces route.
We are particularly looking forward to your solutions and experinces in solving the CP1 to CP2 problem!!
Good luck - see you on 20th March! (or 5th of Feb if you want to join us for a guided recce???)
I think the link is http://heptonstallfellrace.org.uk/Quote:
Originally Posted by Trig
Thanks Alf - will edit my post - which club are you in? Trying to get some feedback from various clubs on what they think of route / numbers planning to run - hope to see you on 20th March....
Looking forward to this one, should be a challenge in an area that i don't get to run in much.
One small query though; why the 500m road section at the start? Wouldn't it be easier/safer to start us up on the bridleway rather than having us all charging up the road en-masse!? You could still do reg'n at the pub, it'd only be a 5 min walk up to the start.
Hi Andy
Good point.....however the road is not heavily used at 1030 on a Sunday so from a traffic point/safety point of view is satisfactory. The short stetch of road will tend to spread runners out a bit before the fast descent initially on tarmac, then track and finally footpath. Also the village centre makes a pleasant starting point for the race, and as the race is raising money for the church it was thought appropriate to start in sight of the church.
Charlie
Fair enough, I'll be there.
Can't do the recce on the 5th (helping out with junior training plus I'm doing a Trog recce on the 6th) so will be having a trot round later on, probably the week before knowing my ability to get on with sorting things.
I'll post it on here if it goes ahead, in case anyone else is interested.
Andy let me know if you fancy a recce I'll join you.
Plus you'll have no excuses like "I got lost" or summat similar when I whip you on race day :wink:
See you tuesday night Steve.Quote:
Originally Posted by Stephen Mc
I'll be the one stood at the top of the hill:p
Great idea to share your reccie plans on the Forum - quite a few of us live in the village and at least one of teh runners may welll be around if you'd like a guided tour of the route.
Thanks Trig.
Okay. Thick question, as it's probably on here or the website somewhere, but I'm damned if I can find it.
What time is the recce on the 5th Feb?
Good call! Was waiting for some consensus - but will make an executive decision - its 9am start - outside White Lion Pub, Heptonstall in Weavers Square.
(If I get a bunch of elites who fancy their chances of a 2 - 2hr 30' I may plan a 10am fast group)
Would be good to get some idea of numbers as Landlord at White Lion is up for serving free soup and rolls at 12-12.30.
ALSO - for those who fancy a short loop there is an opportunity to bail at around 9 miles
Cheers Trig. I shall be there, but won't be stopping after as I am working lates.
Hey Steve,
The PDF map on the website seems a bit reticent, does it need sorting at your end or am I being computerthick?!
C
Ah yes Mr C - there's nothing wrong with your IT skills - the pdf does nt seem to open on some computers. Simple solution though; just right click in the link and and save the pdf file to "My Documents" in any folder. You can then open the file without any problem. Let me know if the probelm persists and I can send you a copy. Happy recce-ing!
Just back from Heptonstall Moor.....PeteB and I attempted to find a good line from Hotstones to the StandingStone. I went leftish towards the wall and then right up the ditch and then left toward the StandingStone. Pete went more or less straight over the moor towards the Stone........hard to tell which is the best route! Might have another look on Friday.
Might nip up myself - time your future attempts and let me know how you do!
SATURDAY RECCE WAS SOUP-ERB - THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO TURNED UP TO MAKE IT SUCH A GREAT DAY.
The pub in Heptonstall is keen to host any other club / bunch of runners who may like to plan a recce of www.heptonstallfellrace.org.uk (or any other run) . Free soup and roaring fire completes an excellent day out on the trods.
Local runners may also be on hand to guide (depending on dates)
Pop up a post if interested.........
ANDY - still up for a recce? We had such a good one this weekend I'm looking foward to the next. Any of your buddies or club mates up for making the core? Once timings agreed the session can be opened up to all comers? The free soup / beer at end will get us up the horrific last climb. TrigQuote:
Originally Posted by AndyA
Anybody know if there is any water on route either decent streams or stations?
Good point Tom - I am going to suggest that we put plastic cups/water out at the hamlet at WALSHAW - the route passes through twice at about 9 miles and again at about 12 miles - which is when hydration may be a problem. I'll throw this open to the group (some people think fell running should be entirely self sufficient). Any views???????
More FREE SOUP - Recce Route then back to White Lion
Where; White Lion Heptonstall
When; SUNDAY,6th MARCH 08.45 for 09.00 start.
Parking - careful restricted area is marked by signs not yellow lines - best to park at top of village after the school - or at Bowling Club (follow P signs)
YOU CAN LEAVE BAG WITH WARM GEAR AND TOWEL IN STORE ROOM AT THE PUB (no need to go back to car)
There will be free soup and a roaring fire at the pub at the end (all runners due back before 12.30).
Whats the route? Faster group will aim to do full 15 mile loop, a steady group will do first 8-10 miles with various bail out options through Hardcastle Craggs.
Check out how to get to the pub and full route on www.heptonstallfellrace.org .uk (pdfs).
CAREFUL WHERE YOU PARK (see other strand on races)
ITS STILL ON! Seems like a good number of responses from Tod/CVFR/Clem/Pudesy - SEE YOU THERE?????
Where; White Lion Heptonstall
When; SUNDAY,6th MARCH 08.45 for 09.00 start.
Parking - careful restricted area is marked by signs not yellow lines - best to park at top of village after the school - or at Bowling Club (follow P signs)
YOU CAN LEAVE BAG WITH WARM GEAR AND TOWEL IN STORE ROOM AT THE PUB (no need to go back to car)
There will be free soup and a roaring fire at the pub at the end (all runners due back before 12.00).
Whats the route? Faster group will aim to do full 15 mile loop, a steady group will do first 8-10 miles with various bail out options through Hardcastle Craggs.
Check out how to get to the piub and full route on www.heptonstallfellrace.org .uk (pdfs).
CAREFUL WHERE YOU PARK (see other strand on races)
See you there??
Widdop Road looks like it's closed for the next few weeks. Does anyone know if it will be open on the 20th or is it a detour via long causeway if coming from Colne?
Yorks Water are laying pipes - Its definitelly closed in Mon-Friday - with massive diversions. However I took a run up last night and they seemed to have packed up for the weekend. Runners and Marshalls need access on Sunday 20th - plus we all use the road to get over to the dark side now and then. Anyone know if the plan is for the work to stop for noraml access each weekend?
The road closure lodged with Calderdale council just says 24h, daily until 10th April (although can be extended up to 18 mth if needed!!)
It also requires that access for emergency services is maintained. I guess that means that whenever they aren't working on the site they need to reinstate the highway, at least to a minimum standard.
I'm coming from south side of Burnley so I'm taking the Long Causeway just to be on safe side; it doesn't make a right lot of difference. I'd be annoyed to get all the way to Slack and have to turn around!!
Seems road is open through this weekend.
We will get in touch with contractors to share plans for 20th.
In meantime might be worth going via long causeway just in case!
Will keep everyone updated via website and forums. Will also send notice to clubs in Lancs.
Safe journey see you all in sunny Heptonstall
Saw this advertised in a cafe window in Hebden Bridge at the weekend. Might well be up for it seeing as I can't make the Stan Bradshaw round (for Trig's reference, I'm loosely associated with Clem - I've been chasing a renewal of membership for yonks now!).
Will be hard pushed to get a recce in though...will have to review my options.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Trig
When we came over to Hebden Bridge for a mooch on Sunday there was a sign up before going down into Briercliffe that the Widdop Road was closed. The Long Causeway option is only a minor inconvenience.Quote:
Originally Posted by AndyA