What a race that was!

Probably went off a bit too hard, but having never done the distance, and with the generally runnable terrain, I found it hard to judge the pace, so I thought I'd make good time while I felt good.

Started to feel the pace around the halfway mark, luckily the climb up Stoodley Pike came at just the right time for me as it broke things up, and a quick stretch at the summit and I was back moving reasonably well again.

After unwisely running most of the hill up to Heptonstall and arriving there in 4hrs25, I smelt a sub 6hr finish. However I died a death on the final 8 miles which seemed to go on forever, finally finishing in 6hrs11.

Happy with my time but not so happy the way I capitulated, but my first time at the distance and I hung on.

Thanks to all the marshals at the checkpoints, which were superbly stocked with food, though to be honest just looking at doughnuts and hotdogs had me heaving, and I stuck to my trusty Kendal Mint Cake. Would imagine I'll be back next year with more training in the legs, hoping to get well under 6hrs.

Hello to Stolly who I chatted briefly to at the first reservoir before he rocketed off into the distance.

Pete