Here is another view
http://mountainousambitions.blogspot...balds-run.html
Here is another view
http://mountainousambitions.blogspot...balds-run.html
Well done for posting this Ian - a big caution to all runners to be very careful.
Do think the author’s not running so he can distribute claim forms to potential customers?
From this blog:
For any seasoned LDWA walker these hazards are matters that they take in their stride, indeed some might say that the adverse conditions make the event all the more worthwhile. I would not descent from that view, but my concern is for the runners.
Interesting that a barrister specialising in personal injury doesn't know the difference between descent and dissent...does this signify a predisposition to muddle potential risk with potential litigation?
Clearly, icy conditions afford greater chances of sustaining injury. Irony being the fickle creature it is, I'll probably come a cropper myself tomorrow....
One thing's for certain though; I wouldn't consider blaming the organisers. I worry that postings like this one begin to undermine the confidence of the wonderful people who make such races possible. I appreciate Rombald's Moor can be risky if visibility is very poor, but the forecast is fine for tomorrow; everyone participating knows it'll be slippery underfoot in places, and the author is somewhat alarmist in comparing the moor's dangers with those posed by Bowfell or Jack's Rake in wintry weather.
Go carefully and I hope everyone enjoys a great day out.
"Get yourself together, Jones" - Ray Davies
I agree with you Tussockface
Most of the Rombalds route is within 50 metres of civilisation!!
Can't wait to slip and slide everywhere
Spot on Tussockface. It was winter wonderland up there, and a fantastic event - well done John Sparshatt (the "cavalier") and your helpers.
I would just like to echo the comments of the people above and agree with Tussockface.
It is clearly an issue of personal responsibility. Nobody is putting a gun to our heads and telling us we have to go out and run. It is down to the individual to weigh up any risks involved and come to their own decision without seeking somebody else to blame. If organisers feel they are running the risk of being found liable by the author of the blog and others then they will simply stop putting events on. Perhaps the barrister who wrote the blog feels the organisers should have gritted the whole course beforehand.
A good day anyway with lovely clear weather making for fantastic views. That was my fourth consecutive year of doing Rombalds and no doubt I will be back again next year.
The conditions today were definitely the slowest I can remember for the Rombald's, and I've done it every year since 1993. (It's not John Sparshatt that organises it, by the way, it's the 15th Airedale Scout Group.) I don't think it was dangerous though, it was just difficult!
I was at the front at Weecher, but as soon as we hit the deep snow I seemed to suffer more than most people and by the time I reached Piper's Gate/Crag, I was down in about 15th. When the going got easier I managed to overtake about half of the runners who had got ahead.
Emma Barclay had a great run.
Conditions were interesting from Weechers up to the checkpoint on the new bit (where the yellow flag was) but nothing too drastic (though the way the whole bog moved like a trampoline under our feet as we followed the plantation wall was worrying - did it break and did anyone go in?).
Once we got onto the established footpaths everything was fine, the worst bit for me off the whole run being the track that leads into Menston - sheet ice or what, what is usually a good surface you can start to pull away on was reduced to an ice rink it was safer to jog/walk along.
Did better than I expected. Thanks to the organisers , the food and friendliness of the volunteers was on a par with the service at the KCAC Yorkshireman (Sunday 13th September 2009).
Well I did this and it was superb. The moor covered in snow with the sun out. Just fantastic! Hard work on the legs, but all good training. The food has improved immensely over recent years. Top class.