Edale Skyline Fell Race

[Stagger]

The more I think about it the more I fancy having a go at the 'down and up' return to Ringing Roger from Grindslow Knoll but don't fancy being the only foolhardy soul (idiot) to try it.

I wonder if I can persuade enough 'middle pack' forumites to join me and have a go at it?

It may or may not be 5 or 10 minutes quicker or slower - to be honest 10 mins either way is not going to affect my position much - I just think it would be good to say I'd tried it...

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MH

I also fancy this route MH, I am hoping to save 6 to 8 minutes but as you say being lower than middle order its worth the risk. All the best for the race.

[bill]

Recce'd second half this afternoon.
Logic says down-and-up should be quicker, if I think how long it'll take to run two level-ish miles at that stage of the race, compared with 2/3rds mile downhill followed by a bit of re-ascent. Only ... that "bit of a re-ascent" looks awfully daunting from below. However, provisional plan is to take the direct route but will wait until short climb to the cairn on Grindslow before making decision.

[Rudolph Hooker]

I think that we should all keep to the spirit of the race and remember that it is a SKYLINE. Doing a short cut when you're so close to completing a run around a classic route like that is just ... well, instant gratification. If you ask me!

[Marvin]

Why all this debate about whether to take the direct route or not? Get out there and try out both to see which is the quickest.

I bet it isn't the same answer for everyone - I can't see myself wanting to descend and re-ascend almost 300 metres that close to the end of the race!

[Joe]

Why all this debate about whether to take the direct route or not? Get out there and try out both to see which is the quickest.

I've been to Edale 8 times this year so far - think I've become a bit adicted. There's a heck of a lot of route choice on this race to try out, but mostly I've just got to quite enjoy running there!

It's a bit late for a reccie now so it will be a gamble.

I went out again last night - left work early and finished in the dark.
I'm still wondering about doing Jacob's Ladder - Grindslow direct. I know it's 650 feet more ascent more, but it's more runable. Honest.

[Mountain Hare]

Hi Mountain Hare ( or should that be MAD MARCH HARE )
Good to see some runners taking a bit of a risk/adventure. The route choice seems to be a big decision. It's a bit late for a reccie now so it will be a gamble.
Last year only 6-8 runners tried it and of those most were in the top 30-40. There may have been one or two others that slipped past that i didn't notice in the clag but I admire your ambition.

I will be on Grindslow (as I was last year) so I will keep a tally and report back after the event.

Watch this space....

Cheers Ian,

Maybe you can point me/push me in the right direction off the top of Grindslow?

I've done 3 recce's in the last year - on 2 I went 'around the rim' and on one I went 'up and down'. Not convinced as to which is quicker.

I just fancy doing something a bit different rather than following the herd around the top. The way I look at it whether I finish 300th or 320th makes little odds - getting out and enjoying the adventure is what it's all about for me

I await your race stats with interest...

MH

[Mountain Hare]

And another thing while we're on the subject...

Can anyone local recommend a good pub for eating at on Saturday night? I'll have Mrs MH and 2 harelets in tow - we'll be staying in Bamford so somewhere close to that would be good.

Thanks in advance

MH

[IanDarkpeak]

I've been to Edale 8 times this year so far - think I've become a bit adicted. There's a heck of a lot of route choice on this race to try out, but mostly I've just got to quite enjoy running there!

I went out again last night - left work early and finished in the dark.
I'm still wondering about doing Jacob's Ladder - Grindslow direct. I know it's 650 feet more ascent more, but it's more runable. Honest.

Not heard any one else think of that but then when you look at the stats you can see why...
I think you'll find that it's nearer 1000ft and 3/4 mile further as you will have to go to Upper Booth. I think that is a no brainer. Nice thought though but that really is going off the skyline.

Ian

[Stagger]

Not heard any one else think of that but then when you look at the stats you can see why...
I think you'll find that it's nearer 1000ft and 3/4 mile further as you will have to go to Upper Booth. I think that is a no brainer. Nice thought though but that really is going off the skyline.

Ian

Your correct Ian 1000ft ascent and 1.05 miles in length, it saves 1.08 miles of skyline running.

I was under the impression that it was a checkpoint race with only a couple of sections flaged, which suggests the route choice is optional?

Surely everyone will have put the ground work in and choose the route that suits their strengths?

[Gambatte]

Swoop, what's your schedule for Edale ? (driving, back home, etc...)
I haven't got permission from my wife (yet) but I would fancy coming along to have a look at the race, perhaps we can travel together .... ?