Rowbothams Round Rotherham '12

[BritNick]

It's not that flat, Mike. More undulating I'd say, though I'd agree with the runnability and potential trashing of self.

Rach FR, here's my report to expand your information banks before taking the plunge. I'll be there again this year. I hope you make it and enjoy it, though don't bank on similarly nice weather; it surely can't last. ;-)

[RachFR]

Well I've pressed the big shiny enter button - hopefully see some of you in October!

[that_fjell_guy]

I read Mike D-H's report and it seems like its not quite what I thought it was!? I was under the impression it was footpaths, roads and tow-paths...all very steady away. What are the field crossings like as a rule, and the navigation (I know theres a nifty map!). Its just my mates doing it and he seems to think like me. I'm wondering if he's going to be in for a bit of a surprise if it rains etc.

[Mike D-H]

I read Mike D-H's report and it seems like its not quite what I thought it was!? I was under the impression it was footpaths, roads and tow-paths...all very steady away. What are the field crossings like as a rule, and the navigation (I know theres a nifty map!). Its just my mates doing it and he seems to think like me. I'm wondering if he's going to be in for a bit of a surprise if it rains etc.

Well, field crossings are heavily dependent upon the weather, some of the spud fields are about a yard deep! ok if you running in the direction of the harrow rest of them are grass fields and go on, and on, and on, .... once after half way that is. First half is a bit urban, last mile or so the same but plenty of fields `tween ... a real mix really. It's my manor so to speak and I was pleasantly surprised by the route. ... Henry Marstons strip maps are just great, they do the job perfectly! never used owt like that afore but they get you round no probs at all.

[HelenSkelton]

I did this last year and I was really worried it wouldn't be my cup of tea, but it is surprisingly likeable....sure there's no big hills to plod/have a rest on, but the organisation and support, from the start to the finish is excellent, and for such a modest fee The fact it's listed in the LDWA Strider magazine speaks volumes, and the support is what you would expect from such-like events. I really like the way it's set up, with the walkers going off first, then the runners, then the relay runners, last year I had company for probably 70% of the route..the relay runners are really supportive because they like your mad doing all of it. Henry's strip maps are great, I never got to recce the route before the race, but got round unscathed. The weather was favourable last year (road shoes for me), some of the fields have the potential to be a bit claggy if it's wet, but nothing terrible. I think of it as a cross-county ultra. There are a few bits that are not so nice (industrial estates etc), and some of the tracks trails can be tedious, but they don't last long and the areas such as Roach Abbey are lovely.

[BritNick]

Here are my photos from 2009, 2010 and 2011. Shall we all put our hands together and pray for good weather once again in 2012, the keep the record going since it was brought forward to October?

[JohnK]

Personally I would like to see it go back to December and have the horizontal rain, mud and general good fun that more challenging conditions create.

[No vice]

Well to try to help me decide if I am up for this, last weekend I did the Elsecar Skelter, on 2 days notice and with 12miles being my longest run for a considerable time. I guess I wanted to see how I felt when I was completely knackered? Well I got completely knackered, gained 2 massive blisters and they've got to heal before Belper 30k on Sunday!
Am I any closer to making a decision?
... Maybe, probably

There is a nice little book by Ray Matthews called 'Me and My Shadow' about his double round. He co-ordinated his first round to finish about the start of the race proper then went round again. Privately published but non the worse for that. It is nice because it has a very local feel and Ray is no spring chicken- quite a feat.

Bit of info - Rays on about making it 3 circuits this year!

Question. Looking at the pics, the majority of the runners had rucksack type hydration systems. Are they needed/recommended?
Though I knew I'd be out for a while in hot weather at Elsecar, I figured there were plenty of checkpoints, so just took a belt, with a waterbottle and space for a couple of gels. Partook of a bit of the offerred food en route.
That not recommended for 50 milers?

[PaulE]

No Vice, that sounds ok to me. I carried similar last year and was fine

[karen nash]

I used bottles- easier to fill, i think and also I struggle to 'suck' and breathe when running. Plenty of chaces to fill and plenty of food- but as always have a bit with you fo a bad patch in between checkpoints or if you don't fancy what they have on offer when you get there. I had a sack- but only because a bumbag hurts my stomach on long runs.