Three Peaks Fell Race

[Witton Park]

I don't think it would have been too bad, other than maybe that little bit down to Sell Gill Pot after Whitber Hill, the muddy hill just as the route leaves the Pennine Way heading for High Birkwith and the swampy dip immediately prior to the assault on Whernside. (The race route cuts out all of the brilliant bogs )

As I've put on the other thread, it wasn't horrendous and I've certainly reccied in worse.

Yes it was even drier than expected - but that meant thicker mud rather than sloppy mud and it clung to the footwear.

The new section off the top of PYG, also sections of the decent from Ingleborough weren't so good, but more slippy than muddy in parts due to the wet, muddy footwear that had already gone through.

Probably the backmarkers saw the worst of it.

[Sam Harrison]

As I've put on the other thread, it wasn't horrendous and I've certainly reccied in worse.

Yes it was even drier than expected - but that meant thicker mud rather than sloppy mud and it clung to the footwear.

The new section off the top of PYG, also sections of the decent from Ingleborough weren't so good, but more slippy than muddy in parts due to the wet, muddy footwear that had already gone through.

Probably the backmarkers saw the worst of it.

Definitely agree, it was a lot better than I thought it was going to be. The ground itself wasn't too bad at all and for the front runners I can't imagine it would have caused many problems. It was starting to get ridiculously muddy in places for me, and I was running in about 300th position (maybe a bit nearer the front at the end) so I can imagine that it must have been horrendous for those at the back.

As for the descent of PYG - it's definitely an improvement! Nice runable grassy ground and no worries about ploughing into anyone. Can't say it added much more to my time but I'm not sure as I was a lot faster this year anyway.

[Maggie May]

Ahh thats the answer. Clearly I need to get meself a wife!

[alfa_scud]

It surprised me how good the going was - I fully expected the bogs to be deeper, the water to be higher & the ground to be slippier & quite frankly was dreading the paved bit off Whernside if it was wet. All in all though I don't think it was too bad, & I stuck with the decision on Harriers with no ill effects really, still enough grip for a bloke of my limited skill!

Had a good trot round trying to enjoy the day as I didn't feel anywhere near as fit as previously. Stopped for a few seconds here n there to chat to people I knew speccying and even used the customer loo at the Chapel le Dale butty van to answer a desperate and potentially messy call of nature

Surprised myself finishing only 5 minutes slower than last years time, but coincidentally in exactly the same position - 272nd. I wish I'd have put a bet on that one!

A good day out that, really enjoyed it & can't believe how good natured all the marshals were - if I'd have been stood out in that cold wind for a few hours I'd have been a seriously grumpy B'stard, so thanks to you all - it's well appreciated, & I did try to say thanks to as many as possible :thumbup:

Windermere marathon in three weeks now, better get some road training in!

[Outdoors_Junkie]

I definitely made a bad choice of shoes in Wave Harriers, I desperately needed studs.

I accidentally picked up my Wave Harriers as opposed to my planned Wave Ascends as there is a lot of hard ground on the peaks themselves so I wanted trail shoes for comfort. I normally only use Harriers for technical descent/tussocky fell races. I found my Harriers were perfect for the mud and tussocks but not quite cushioned enough for the amount of hard ground. I think studs would have been a bit too uncomfortable for me especially coming off Whernside and the hard surface on Ingleborough and beyond. Each to their own though!

Oh - I made the cut-off but only because I panic on that long section and practically kill myself to make sure I make them and then almost collapse in a heap after Hill Inn :-) It seemed too windy for me to run comfortably..... That long section bit was harder than usual with the headwind though and I'm sure a lot of people made the same mistake.

[RichK]

Yeah, definitely each to their own - I think because I'm bulky and not very stable I prefer the studs on even moderate technical ground, and I don't really mind the discomfort on the hard stuff.

Oddly I didn't notice the wind on the long run - think my mind must have cleared off to the pub...

[TheMadRunner]

Just wondered about the stiles rule. Is it legal to dive over gates/fences, taking them clean, with a forward roll dismount back onto your feet ? Just wondered like, might get some stunt training in if it is...

[Brotherton Lad]

Just wondered about the stiles rule. Is it legal to dive over gates/fences, taking them clean, with a forward roll dismount back onto your feet ? Just wondered like, might get some stunt training in if it is...

Perfectly acceptable, but you're not allowed to place any landing mats on the far side, as this could be seen as using a technical aid. Good luck.

[TheMadRunner]

What about miracle grow on the grass?..

[Paul]

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