I did it for the 1st time this year having thought about it for what must be 20 years! I absolutely loved it and can't wait for next year. As a 1st-timer, the logistics sounded like quite a faff beforehand, particularly catching a bus so early just to sit around for an hour before the start, although in reality it all worked well and just made for a nice relaxed spell before kick off. I was slightly worried about kit check despite having what I thought was a good set of kit plus alternatives, but in the end I had a lovely informed chat with the chap at kit check which allowed me to confidently make some swaps to my kit choices.

I love the traditional and low-key aspect of the event and whilst that in itself might not attract new entrants in great numbers, it's what attracted me to the event. I personally wouldn't return if it was suddenly billed as 'worlds toughest' or offered a gaudy finishers technical t-shirt/medal etc. I'm not even sure I like it being lumped in with the ultra series because I see it as a commercially driven label although i'd have to concede it's probably very helpful for entries and so an overall good thing for the event.

The road section down Wharfedale was awful, but having it in again next year wouldn't make me more or less likely to enter, it is what it is although the soles of my feet might disagree!

If the clash with the 3 Peaks is deemed to be an issue (I really don't see that it is), then lets have Fellsman last weekend of Feb next year, make the most of the weather.....!!