Hi Irish- yes you were grouped with me, athough we had run 'together' for some time anyway. The grouping certainly made it for me- very friendly and supportive, even when I bonked on Gt Wernside and then was so cold I couldn't undo buckles or function properly. It was over an hour slowe than 2010 for me but with the wind and the dodgy ankle I was not disappointed,
I'll be back- maybe next year.
I understand Carole's frustration. There must be walkers who were carrying lots and would have been OK but the organisers did what they felt best and it's their call.