OK, here is my assessment based on Tracklogs. The route I took round the edge was 2.2 miles and 416ft climb - sounds a lot of climb, but it does go up and down a bit. The route from GK to RR via the bottom of Golden Clough is 1.1miles/630ft, and the direct line GK to RR is 1.0miles/555ft -going via the bottom of Golden Clough takes you slightly further down Grindsbrook clough than the direct line.
So how accurate is all of this????
I don't believe that the elevation model used by any of the digital mapping companies is able to accurately reflect the small ups and downs you encounter when running this sort of race. However the trackpoints recorded by the GPS are not accurate enough to position you accurately on the path - a few feet of error to the right going round the edge could easily reduce your apparent height at one point by 30 ft, and if the next one doesn't have that error, you've climbed 30ft.
I think the round the edge route I've quoted is a substantial overestimate of the climb, whereas the down and up is probably not far out. The overall distances are probably about right.
So what does everyone else think?
Right, I'm only going to race against him on steep downhill only courses from now. Although that might limit my options a bit!
After a quick scan of the results it looks as though Aengus McCullough is the king of the downhills. I think he had the fastest split for both the Win Hill descent & the Ringing Roger one as well.
You must be joking. As you know I tried it twice and decided it was right out of the question.
Hi Swoop,
I was right on the tail of a club mate (lady) at Grindslow Knoll and decided to test the direct line. It took me 8 minutes longer then her! and my legs were like jelly on the last climb up to RR. The down & up looks viable in the comfort of home but for me I'll use the other route in future.
Belated Greetings Folks (Not had internet access these last few days)
Anyway - Good to see many of you for a glorious day out at Edale. Was hoping to get inside 4:30 this time round but did start to tire rapidly after Brown knoll / Jacobs ladder, did better last years time by 12 mins though.
Performance of the day has got to be (I hope he doesn't mind me mentioning this) has got to be Swoop for meeting the cut off.
Sorry to hear you having to retire injured Stolly - will you be Ok for the 3P's ?
Great organisation & grub by Darp peak - knew I should have lifted a tray of flapjacks & a T shirt for a quid.
Congrats to you Manhar, Swoop, IanDarkPeak and PlumBum!![]()