At least tackle the issue in hand - the race records correlate far better with 500 feet per mile than 660, so it seems from those figures the elite fell runners are crap climbers compared to naismith too.Originally Posted by Wylie Coyote
Maybe you are!!
Just back from supporting leg #2 on a clockwise round in very misty/murky conditions ( < 50m visibility for most of the leg) but otherwise mild with only a light shower or two.
Interesting to note that the direct route up Clough Head has developed a well defined trod and one or two cairns now. Certainly wasn't like that four years ago. The contender mentioned that the trods in the back o' Skiddaw were similarly well defined, particularly those on Great Calva. She took the line down by the fence on the East Ridge off Great Calva.
Five contenders/teams had set off at midnight and at least one descended Doddick Fell rather than Halls Fell. I didn't notice if any teams took a different line.
Also, between Dollywagon Pike and Fairfield, all five teams descended via the old fence and traversed round Grizedale Tarn rather than the zig-zags and the direct line up Fairfield from the outflow.
The main navigational error we (read I) made was to veer too far left coming off Seat Sandal and ending up descending slippy, rocky ground around 100m left of where the good trod is. (Note to self - don't be influenced by other teams!)
Apparently there were two teams setting off at 1am and another 2 at 2am. I saw one of these leaving Dunmail Raise but not sure which one.
I was with one of the 2am teams and I think we passed most people enroute. I crossed the well worn trod onto Clough Head, but there are no cairns on the route I take, we had to double back for Watsons as I'd put my compass away and the clag was pretty thick (my lame excuse). We passed the last group(s) somewhere during Fairfield as they appeared out of the gloom behind us at the foot of Seat Sandal. We crossed the outlet and climbed towards Cofa for more grip and descended via the screes. Glad to see the cloud lifted for the next sections. Good running to all still going and thanks to the crew who gave us tea in Threlkeld before we started and commiserations to their chap who had to retire at Dunmail.
Team of three, one wearing a white T-shirt? Must be on a pretty quick schedule to take out two hours so soon in the round.
Yes, I think he's on a 21 hour schedule (I was on my limit), one of the pacers had to miss out SS but we still beat him down to the change over. Just off to see if anyone's at Honister.
Oh no you didn't
The lad I was pacing was the first of the midnight starters to finish, did it in 22:07 and was very strong towards the end also someone finished about 10-15 minutes after us and they had started at midnight as well.
Bill
Sounds like that could be GeoffB then?
No it wasn't GeoffB but a few people came in later (could hear the cheers) but as is tradition we were on the beer
Bill
50m visibility! what I would have gave for 50m visibility on Kirkfell!Just back from supporting leg #2 on a clockwise round in very misty/murky conditions ( < 50m visibility for most of the leg) but otherwise mild with only a light shower or two.
I lost the path coming off Kirkfell and lost us a couple of minutes
Note to self a quick look at the compass to get the right line can be handy sometimes
Bill
Last edited by Baggins; 24-06-2007 at 06:56 PM.
Oops! ApologiesOh no you didn't
The lad I was pacing was the first of the midnight starters to finish, did it in 22:07 and was very strong towards the end also someone finished about 10-15 minutes after us and they had started at midnight as well.
Billand congratulations! I think our chap really suffered coming into Honister and could only walk from Robinson on the last leg, ending up with a 22.15.
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