Quote Originally Posted by Graham Breeze View Post
I envy you encountering this race for the first time.

It is a great route and the most challenging Medium. I first ran it in 1988. The climb to Ard Crags clears the head, you have a wonderful descent to CP 2 knowing you have to climb all the way back up to Causey Pike which you see to your left as you descend. After a 180 degree turn you follow the path up through the heather and then from Causey follow the undulating ridge*, with splendid views to left and right up to Crag Hill. (* The ridge line is of course very exposed in foul weather and that was presumably instrumental in Brian Belfield's death). Then after Crag Hill, ensuring you get the right line to Whiteless Pike and don't drift to the right (or left),you have a wonderful descent.

It was always my favourite race, fell running doesn't get any better and when you finish Sailbeck you know you've been fell running.
I have been reading this thread as part of my preparation for this years race, which I have not done before, as it is the 4th Championships counter.

Plenty of interesting info and comment to mull over. I certainly won't be underestimating the challenge as I have not done a long Lakeland climb for many years. I am really looking forward to it and hope to post a decent time so that I can call myself a fell runner.