High Cup Nick Fell Race

[Mark G]

Reccied it today - top part of the snow slope out of the Nick itself was banked up steep and frozen hard, mixture of ice and snow - decided it wasn't on in fell shoes (too hard frozen to kick steps) and it was a long slide back down over steep snow covered grass to the nasty sharp boulders at the bottom. This was just the top 20 or 30' where it steepens and steps up through the rocky ledges, - it was thawing as we ran back out the way we came so it might improve as the week goes on. I've reccied it in snow a couple of times before - always managed to get out of the top, even if it meant using a rock to cut a few steps, I dont think it was on today without an ice axe. But it was a nice change to run across the frozen bog instead of sinking in to it!

[IanDarkpeak]

Reccied it today - top part of the snow slope out of the Nick itself was banked up steep and frozen hard, mixture of ice and snow - decided it wasn't on in fell shoes (too hard frozen to kick steps) and it was a long slide back down over steep snow covered grass to the nasty sharp boulders at the bottom. This was just the top 20 or 30' where it steepens and steps up through the rocky ledges, - it was thawing as we ran back out the way we came so it might improve as the week goes on. I've reccied it in snow a couple of times before - always managed to get out of the top, even if it meant using a rock to cut a few steps, I dont think it was on today without an ice axe. But it was a nice change to run across the frozen bog instead of sinking in to it!

I don't suppose you fancy going up on thursday or friday and cuting big bucket steps with an axe do you?

[Mark G]

There were a couple walking up as we ran down - they had some ice tools, I nearly asked him..........

[TheReverand]

anyone heard anymore about this? is it still likely to be on, i can only assume that they will be lots more snow up there now? I hope its on otherwise i might end up doing 10 x 800s round the park

[Morgz]

Hi Folks,
Its Morgan here, I organise this race. At the moment (despite a sprinkling of snow over night) we are still intending to hold the race on Saturday. A few of us went round the course on Sunday morning and although slow up the snow bank, it was fine with care.

For those that know the course intimately, the final route up the Nic will be tweaked slightly (further right to bring everyone out right in the centre of the Nic). This does mean dealing with a few small boulders etc, but the upside is that the snow slope to get through to the small boulders is not as steep. Having said that, there is a slightly steeper section of snow going this way, which I may cut some large steps into on Friday. I'll be running out flags or a length of red/white warning tape to take all the runners along this slight route tweak and the Marshals will move a little also. In fact, if the wind direction stays out of th east, the Marshalls will be sheltering on the inside of the Nic.

Its also worth noting that our local roads are always treated and so far its always been possible to get to our village during the day.

Please also remember that there are kids races on before the main race.

Cheers,
Morgan
ps Prize for the 1st womens team will comprise unique bottles of specially labelled High Cup wine (yes Wine is made a stones throw from the course, and the wine makers will be marshalling the gate near where they make the wine!).
pps Please also remember that this race gets a 2 cake rating!

[IanDarkpeak]

Cheers Morgz. There's more snow heading your way so if you could give us an update on Friday Pm that would be useful. I'm setting off early from Sheffield but will check the forum before I set off.

[Toreador]

Hi Folks,
Its also worth noting that our local roads are always treated and so far its always been possible to get to our village during the day.

The A66 is closed today...

[sparrowsankles]

I hope it is still on - fingers crossed! I've done this race as a birthday treat the past 2 years and am planning to do it again. I'm guessing with the weather we still won't see the amazing scenery but scrambling up an ice wall will more than make up for that I'm sure!

[Morgz]

Hi Folks,
I cycled up to High Cup Nick during my lunch break yesterday and cut/dug a load of steps up the bank of established snow a the head of the Nick. Although there has been fresh snow since Sunday, most of this has melted aleady, and other patches of established snow along the route have become soft.

More snow may arrive today, but its unlikely to prevent the race from happening. Having said that I'll update this post/thread tonight. In the meantime the forcast for tomorrow is looking good.
Cheers
Morgan

[Old Whippet]

Hi Folks,
I cycled up to High Cup Nick during my lunch break yesterday and cut/dug a load of steps up the bank of established snow a the head of the Nick. Although there has been fresh snow since Sunday, most of this has melted aleady, and other patches of established snow along the route have become soft.

More snow may arrive today, but its unlikely to prevent the race from happening. Having said that I'll update this post/thread tonight. In the meantime the forcast for tomorrow is looking good.
Cheers
Morgan

Heroic effort Morgan! Looking forward to the race.