Edale Skyline Fell Race

[Corniceman]

Is anyone coming from Nottingham or that direction or up via J29 of M1/Chesterfield? I am very happy to meet and car share with you, happy to drive. Either meet you in West Bridgford, J26, J29 or somewhere between Chesterfield and Hope. let me know. i can get 5 plus gear in.

Regards

Simon

[Dorian Grey]

I'm travelling from Leek and will be in a 4x4 with 3 spare seats if anyone needs a lift from either Leek area or on route to Edale (going through Buxton onto Edale via Sparrow Pit & Mam Nick)

[DazTheSlug]

I was thinking I could leave my car at Mam Nick if I could meet somebody to go down to Edale with...?

of course, ideally it would be somebody like me likely to take 5hrs to do the race

I could even walk down, then hope to blag a lift up afterwards...

[Alan]

Depending upon what happens tonight weatherwise, you may be better approaching via Bradwell and Hope, rather than Mam Nick - the Rushup and Sparrowpit roads can both get quite bad (don't even think about Winnats), and the Edale side of Mam Nick can often hold the snow when the other side is clear.

[barnyc]

manchester trains get there at 8.33am and 10.07am and the sheffield at 9.52. we can delay the start if lots of people come on the train and it is needed.

i'm getting the train that arrives at 8.33, was conscious that if that one's cancelled and the next one is delayed for any reason then things will get sticky. many thanks for saying you'll keep an eye on the trains - much appreciated.

[DazTheSlug]

Depending upon what happens tonight weatherwise, you may be better approaching via Bradwell and Hope, rather than Mam Nick - the Rushup and Sparrowpit roads can both get quite bad (don't even think about Winnats), and the Edale side of Mam Nick can often hold the snow when the other side is clear.

that's why I wanted to let somebody else drive me down! :wink:

I might just walk in/out (either from Mam Nick or Chapel Gate) - we can leave kit-bags in the marquee, and it's all good extra BG training :thumbup:

[Don Keycock]

Whilst everyone seems very excited at the prospect of racing (as opposed to chugging round the course) in gnarly conditions it is worth remembering that this is not just a local race, but a national one. There is considerable pressure on those likely to score points in the Championship to get to the race whatever. When the overnight temperatures are going to be considerably below zero, the obvious dangers of travelling are self evident. If I where a twitter user: #not convinced.....

I think this is a really good point which no-one seems to be addressing-I think it would be wrong for it to still be classed as an English Championship race when the conditions are this extreme and it isn't possible for runners to make it to the start. Obviously it will effect the championships if potential championship contenders cannot make it to the race. Also if we have to carry all this extra kit its more like doing a mountain marathon than a championship fell race which is not what we have all been training for.

[Chris D]

I've been watching the thread with interest and have logged on to express my admiration for all those with the ability and strength to contemplate taking part in the race in what are likely to be brutal conditions, I wish you all a memorable, safe race. Sadly I will not be racing, I think it is better to sit this one out and be realistic about my abilities. Make no mistake I have been preparing for this for many months and am desperately disappointed to miss out however my family come first and there will be other events and other years to run the Skyline.

IanDarkPeak my very best to you and all who have put in so many hours through the years to make the Skyline such a great race in the calendar, rightfully a championship race and I'm hugely impressed that it will still go ahead.

Once more can I wish everyone a safe run and a great day out.

[IanDarkpeak]

I've been watching the thread with interest and have logged on to express my admiration for all those with the ability and strength to contemplate taking part in the race in what are likely to be brutal conditions, I wish you all a memorable, safe race. Sadly I will not be racing, I think it is better to sit this one out and be realistic about my abilities. Make no mistake I have been preparing for this for many months and am desperately disappointed to miss out however my family come first and there will be other events and other years to run the Skyline.

IanDarkPeak my very best to you and all who have put in so many hours through the years to make the Skyline such a great race in the calendar, rightfully a championship race and I'm hugely impressed that it will still go ahead.

Once more can I wish everyone a safe run and a great day out.

Thanks Chris but credit is due to IanF who has done most of the work, he's the RO. I'm just one of his minions....

[IanFitz]

I think this is a really good point which no-one seems to be addressing-I think it would be wrong for it to still be classed as an English Championship race when the conditions are this extreme and it isn't possible for runners to make it to the start. Obviously it will effect the championships if potential championship contenders cannot make it to the race. Also if we have to carry all this extra kit its more like doing a mountain marathon than a championship fell race which is not what we have all been training for.

What makes you think this is not being adressed? For information I'll lay out the facts as I know them currently.

I am the Race Organiser for the Edale Skyline race, this is my sole responsibility and I'm doing everything I can to make it happen as safely as possibly. I have made it clear (after liaising with Edale MRT and others) that if the Edale valley Road is open then the event will be on.

It has been clearly communicated (both today and previously) to me that championship status should in no way interfere with my organisation of the event. I have absolute confidence in the systems and people who will be monitoring and marshalling the race.

Ultimately if the results are unrepresentative (for example 200 runners from sheffield as no one else can get over the pennines) then the FRA will have make a call on whether it can still be considered reasonable for the Edale Skyline to be 'a counter in the English championships' they could then identify another event later in the year.

So, if your local road conditions make travel risky or uncertain you should exercise personsal responsibility and NOT TRAVEL.

If, based on the MWIS forecast you do not have absolute confidence in your fitness, running ability and mountain craft you should exercise personsal responsibility and NOT TRAVEL.



lastly, if you've managed to train in mountainous conditions in this country over the winter with out carrying the amounts of kit I've specified for the race then you've been lucky!