Fellsman Hike 9th May 2009

What a monster !! 61 miles ' of very hard and rugged moorland' in the Yorkshire Dales - , 8 climbs - 11,000ft in total, crossing 3 featureless -boggy moors (local knowledge a big help here !!), with 2 hours of sleet,torrential rain and gale force winds thrown in for 'a bit of a challenge'!!

26 checkpoints to keep you on track - although there are a couple of areas of route choice that are important to get right - namely across Fleet Moss and Blea Moor. The event starts with a huge climb up to the summit of Ingleborough at 724m (quite intimidating for a rooky) which quickly stretches out the field and puts a marker down for whats ahead!! The terrain is 'black toenail' and 'quad trashing' (hills) for half the time and feet freezing and ankle breaking (moorland) for the rest - definitely a tough combination.

The organisation and logistics were superb, a mammoth operation executed with real efficiency and enthusiasm from start to finish - what a pleasure. The 'menu' on offer at the 9 refreshment stops was very impressive and a definite highlight - I got caught in the storm on the way up to Blea Moor and the Hot Pasta at the next roadside checkpoint was very welcome as I had to strip off (apologies to those in the tent at the time !!) and put all my spare gear on to keep warm and dry !! I have to admit to sitting there for a good 20 minutes listening to the torrential rain wondering why oh why I ever thought this was going to be fun !!

However, hot tea and pasta gives a renewed perspective and off I went into the rain. It was really quite a lucky event for me in terms of route choices, at Fleet Moss I happened on someone who had done a reccy of the route the week before and when darkness fell at Park Rash I was grouped with Colin - a Fellsman Veteran who knew the route home like the back of his hand (although the flashing orange beacons outlining the route helped a bit !!)

Conditions were not kind this year, high winds, sleet, heavy rain, temperature on the fell tops was close to freezing - this probably accounts for the 142 'retirements' this year (some 38% of starters). There is no doubt the biggest talking point in the 'recovery areas after the events ' was 'where were you when the storms hit - wherever it was, it probably was not comfortable.

'The terrain is tough, with most of the Yorkshire Dales’ peaks crossed, along with energy-sapping peat bogs, add in the difficulty of night navigation for all but the fastest runners, and you have an event that tests the stamina, fitness, mental strength and all-round fellrunning and walking abilities of even the toughest competitors.' Huge respect to all who braved the weather and finished the route.

You have to work really hard on the one, dig deep when needed and have the resolve to just keep going - just look at the picture opposite!! - worth it ? - absolutely - oh, and another three points towards the Ultra trail du Mont Blanc.

If you're wondering about the hair !! The wig, bottle and top are in support of the Muscular Dystrophy - the charity I am running the grand slam for - oh alright then - I like to be noticed !!