Race Reports

Dalby’s Inferno – 16th June 2023

Back in June I ran the Dalby’s Inferno race, over at Dalby Forest in the North Yorks Moors, as a relatively early season short Ultra. The Inferno is a 50km (31 mile) Ultra, split down into 10 alternating clockwise/anticlockwise ‘Circles’, themed loosely on Dante’s Inferno – It’s also a fundraiser for Scarborough & Ryedale Mountain Rescue. You start the first lap at 9am, and run a 5km trail loop on the hour, every hour, for 10 hours. You can skip a lap by choice or if you are over an hour for a lap, but if you do so you can’t run the final Centre of Hell lap, which is the only actual ‘race’ (at least if you want it to be).

We were in a minor heatwave so it was definitely going to be an inferno of some sort. Priority one was staying the right way up and making sure I was in a fit state to keep moving forward rather than wobbling around dehydrated and punch-drunk: Been there, done that before, would not recommend…
I took things steady and opted for a pace I felt I could maintain all day, setting some fixed mental markers on the harder parts of “I start walking *here*; I start running again *there*” that would come in useful later in the day. A leisurely 41:29 lap later, the first little paw print lap stamp on my race number, and back to base with more than enough time to eat, drink, stretch, nip to the loo without any stress!

I won’t recap every single lap, but there were definitely a few little moments of joy in each Circle. My laps times varied very little, between 41:00 and 41:30 for all nine qualifier laps, despite just running by feel, and the run-rest-run-rest format meant I never felt properly dire.

With Lap 9 done, the first lady home on that lap got to choose the final ‘race’ direction. She picked anticlockwise, so we got a longer descent and steeper climb. Despite the laps in the legs already, I ran the rooty, twisty section probably the best I’d run it all day, feeling very flowy despite the choppy surface. Not quite a ‘runner’s high’ but managing to move like my feet knew where they wanted to be without me thinking about it too much, a great feeling 40-something kilometres in. While my ‘race’ lap was only a minute quicker than my previous nine, I’d definitely achieved my aims, 50km done, no injuries, and an interesting and pleasant atmosphere to do it in. I ended up 55th out of 142 runners, over 100 of whom completed all ten laps. I spoke to a few people who were treating it as a ‘safe’ way to run their first Ultra, ticking off the laps one-byone, if anyone fancies that as an aim for next year.

Carrick

Wainstones Marathon – 7th May 2023

I had never done a Hardmoors race before but they have built an amazing reputation for putting on a good range of excellent – but difficult – long distance races in North Yorkshire. The Wainstones marathon  was 28.5 miles and 5600 ft. of climb with the winner taking about 4:48 to finish compared to myself around 7:40. There were other races as well, Half marathon, and 10K but Kate Smithson and I had wanted the longer distance and ran together for the whole day.

The race was really well organised. A roomy village hall served as Race HQ , and there were plenty of toilets, parking, banter and with the routine of kit check and race number allocation done very efficiently. We were soon outside and ready to run.

After a short briefing from John Steele (Mr Hardmoors together with wife Shirley are a strong running couple) we were off. The first section was not very fast because the first 2 miles were straight uphill but after recovering from that the route was through farmland and moorland and with a steady rhythm of up hill and down dale from start to finish. After a while – and some tiny highland cattle – we were on the Cleveland Way and running down into and through Osmotherley. The next uphill seemed to last a long time – it was here we heard our first cuckoo, rather magical. Eventually we reached the three sisters (yes more hills of course) and still with startling views from the scarp northwards. Next came the Wainstones themselves where we had to thread our way through a jumble of huge boulders. Not so easy on very tired legs. The sun had come out and we were all hot and thirsty by this time – the forecast had given showers not sun – but after a while and some difficult descents we were going down to the last check point, some needed drinks and more signs to prove you still had a sense of humour ( eg ‘you thought that was bad, there is much worse to come’ or ‘isn’t it time you retired from running’)

We really were on our last legs now but the last couple of miles were a joy. Downhill all the way, some cheery Marshall’s pointing the way and a dim realisation that yes we were going to complete after all.

Again at the finish the Hardmoors organisation was impeccable; time recording , drinks and food availability, time to chat to people we had passed and re passed and been passed by on the route. And to cap it all they gave me a trophy for being the first MV70 home (and yes I was the only one!)

Altogether a great day out on the North Yorkshire Moors. This was my first Hardmoors race. It will certainly not be my last.

David Leslie

Hebden 22 – 21st January 2023

I ran The Hebden 22  thinking this an ideal target race for early in the season. I thought that if I could do 22 long and hilly trail miles this early in the year then anything later in the year should be easy. I have done the race before three times and the hardest part had always been navigation. With modern watches and a gpx file I thought that must surely be easier.

I checked in at the Church Hall in Mytholmroyd, meeting a few people I used to know from Todmorden Harriers, then walked 100 yards or so to the race start. The first mile was flat (the only flat bit in the whole race actually). Then we went into the trail race routine of ‘’follow the runner in front’’ for a series of climbs and descents on our way up to Old Town and the first Check Point (CP1). A runner at CP1 had some minor injury so in fact nobody checked us there and we went along following other runners as this proved to be a much better route guide than the GPX file.

The route is a 22 mile loop around Hebden Bridge but meandering up and then down some of the valleys which lead into the town and skirting the shoulder of Stoodley Pike. This made for a lot of climb and descent and also some wonderful views. The first two or three hours were bright but chilly sunshine before the clouds came over so we were lucky with the weather. Last time I did this race it snowed, and I still treasure the photo of me holding hands with a magnificent snowman made by the family who looked after checkpoint 5 that year.

At CP2 most of us ignored the cold drinks and sweets, but I could not resist a great spread at CP3 with hot drinks, sandwiches, cakes and more. From there we had more ups and downs (and a photographer where I had enough energy for a heel tap) before getting to CP 5 where we could choose to run back to Mytholmroyd for the 15 mile version or else carry on for another out and back up and then down Cragg Vale on some of the most scenic parts of the route. Feeling pretty strong still I continued and found myself in the company of a lady from NLFR and a young man on his very first trail race from Oldham. With each taking turns at leading and setting the pace we gained a few places – despite a number of places where the route was not at all obvious. Then only a few hundred yards from the finish they both swept past me though the young man had the grace to ask if I minded being overtaken.

There was a great atmosphere at the finish, with most runners sat down to a hot meal and drinks, but I missed out on the substantial meal to get round and chat to some old pals. I did manage to down 2 glasses of hot mulled wine before getting back to my car, some dry clothes and the road home.

David Leslie

Hadrians Wall – Spring 2022

At the end of April and early May, straddling the Bank Holiday weekend, 10 of us – David, Laura, Simon, Alison, Mike, Tony, Alastair and myself, plus Liz and Kevin (Kirkstall Harriers First Claimers) – ran the whole 84 miles of Hadrian’s Wall over 4 days from Wallsend (good title) near Newcastle to Bowness on Solway on the West Coast. This Abbey Odyssey was one of the most amazing runs that any of us have ever done.

David’s plan to run the Wall represented a quantum leap from Sunday long runs and marathon training; a long run on steroids. Would our legs be able to handle roughly 20 miles a day over 4 days? Would we be creaking with blistered feet every morning? I can report that with hearty breakfasts, a gentle pace, lunchtime tea and flapjack, incorporating blister repair, mammoth carby evening meals washed down with isotonic alcohol, followed by deep sleeps, we all not only got through it, but enjoyed it immensely.
The route from East to West traverses some of the most beautiful and dramatic scenery on this Island. The Wall itself is amazing how it follows the contours, particularly in the middle two parts either side of Sycamore Gap. You just can’t help but feel wonder at the age, construction and sheer vision of the Wall and Vellum (a ditch running behind to capture any marauding Picts).

We all got on really well and supported each other. Any worries for any of us that we might not be able to keep up were banished by the teamwork and humour. After only 2 miles, Liz had fallen over, closely followed a bit further on by David, our Team Leader. But we all pooled plasters and sympathy and that set the template for the miles and hills to come. I thought it particularly wonderful how Simon would sprint ahead and hold gates open for the rest of us before closing them and leaping ahead to the next one. Tony regaled us throughout with ‘alternative facts’, challenging and dubious historical statements that we had to guess, true or false. For example, did you know that the Romans invented concrete? And there was me thinking it was the Flintstones. Kevin kept us entertained in the evenings with board and card games.
The middle 2 stages are the most impressive in terms of the dramatic scenery and preserved state of the Wall, Mile-Forts and other features. Sycamore Gap is awesomely beautiful and was the virtual midpoint of our efforts. We stayed at the nearby ‘Twice Brewed’ pub after Stage 2’s tough and undulating 22 miles and headed straight to the bar after some necessary post run stretching (Jasmine would have been impressed!). We were joined that night by Judith Smith who ran leg 3 with us the next day.

On day 4 many of us were flagging during what was after all a punishing 24 miler after the preceding 60 miles. But we all got to the finish point at Bowness on Solway in 3 groups within half an hour or so of each other and fell into the pub for loaded plates of ‘dirty chips’, carbo-heaven laden with cheese and much else – the perfect food at that time.

We were lucky with the weather, not too hot and only the occasional bit of drizzle. We had all the gear – trail shoes, hydration packs, gels – and used a company, Contours Holidays, who had booked great accommodation and transported our luggage between stages. But the spirit of the group, the teamwork, camaraderie and massive Abbeyness, stayed high throughout.

We all felt amazed and enthused at what we had achieved – I am still in wonder as I write this now. Hats off to David for inspiring and organising before and during. And after – we all enjoyed it so much that we’re going to do it again – it’s the Cleveland Way in 2023! And the more the merrier, particularly if any other Abbeys want to join us for a stage or two.

Paul Greene

Coniston 14 – 26th March 2022

I blame Tony Bastin who first suggested we enter the Coniston 14, a flattish 14-mile road race around Coniston Water, one of the jewels of the Lake District. I should have smelled a rat at that point – flattish, Cumbria, erm, but I fell for it. As did Katharine and Richard Ashworth, Katherine Scott, Judith Smith and Alistair White.

This race is one of the most scenically attractive road races you can do. Virtually everywhere you look it is stunningly beautiful, with the Old Man looming over the Lake and pretty village of Coniston. With all the other surrounding fells it really is a visual treat. But flat? Flattish? We were going to find out.

With the race starting at 11am it was entirely possible to travel there first thing in the morning and bang on 7am, Tony turned up and we headed off to Coniston after collecting Al and Judith. The sun shone and burned off the morning chill as we sped through the Dales into Cumbria. The temperature gauge climbed as did the surrounding scenery, 18C by the time we reached Coniston. There was even talk in the car of sun cream and shades.

As we rolled into the school carpark at 9.30am it was a lovely sunny day. We headed for a stroll into the village and quickly found Team Ashworth sat outside The Black Bull; they may have been there all night. But in hindsight it was a bluff by Richard as he went on to do a brilliant time. The rest of us had a cup of tea, with Judith and Al mainlining on strong coffee.

After a bit of happy walking around in the sunshine it was time for the race. The local brass band oompahed into life and was soon banging out a jaunty tune in the sunshine while over a 1000 smiling runners strolled to the start. Richard and Tony dragged me indecently near the start-line, but I knew I’d be taking it easy, still nursing an aching glute.

Soon we were off and straight away you head up a hill, turn left out of the village and into another long slope. But quickly you are in magnificent scenery, and I found my own pace, happy to fall into a semi-trance soothed by the ever-changing vista of the lake and hills, the colours always beautiful. There are some mild ‘downs’ but always followed by another ‘up’, then another. ‘Flattish’ is a misnomer and translates to ‘undulating’ in West Yorkshire and ‘mountainous’ for East Anglia. I’m not sure there are any flat bits, or that is what my legs told me. At one point you burst, slowly in my case, from a wood and there is the Old Man majestic over the lake. I was in some mild agony at that point but didn’t really care.

I spotted Tony some way ahead looking back – did he really think I was going to catch and overhaul him? No chance. I even walked for about a mile after the last water stop at about Mile 10, but then got going again down a glorious downhill stretch leading back to Coniston. On the run-in you pass a ‘half marathon marker and realise you’ve still got some way to go. The crowds thicken as you approach Coniston and blissfully the uphill start becomes a downhill finish, even a mild sprint. In the Abbey way we counted and cheered everyone in. We all did great and hats off especially to Judith who did her longest ever run. After, we all ambled back up to the village, sat outside The Black Bull with loads of other happy runners and hikers in the sunshine and had a well-earned pint and some grub.

It was a fab day! Sunny, a tough and beautiful course and great Abbey company. I blame Tony Bastin.

Paul Greene

Temple Newsam 10 – 9th January 2022

You probably wouldn’t believe me if I say I didn’t remember I entered this race until I got the Racebest pre-race email before Christmas, I usually enter the races in a very impulsive way. This year’s calendar is already full despite having promised myself one weekend a month race free for travelling. No need to say that my return from Spain was all based on this race, to be able to make it.

I had bitter memories from the only time I ran TNT in Jan 2020, I think I had covid, but at that time covid was a joke and we were careless, so who knows. I just know I felt weak and knackered for a month. All Abbeys passed me and I struggled every single mile.

Therefore, I had that need of redeeming myself…

This race is just at the worst time of the year, cold weather, after Christmas, when we are less fit and fatter hahaha so it will never feel easy. Puddles in the car park were frozen and the grass was crunchy…

This year it felt even colder; I came back from Spain, running at 20 degrees in shorts and crop tops… I couldn’t find the right moment to get my Abbey hoddie off. I kept it till last minute, and just gave it to Donna when there was no choice (thanks Donna!!!).

From the whistle to the finish line I have very limited memories, I remember looking for Masako in the distance weighing how likely would be for me to get any closer (and giving up on that thought the second after). I also remember seeing a ginger lady walking up one hill and not believing that could be Amy Young from HPH. I finished it before her, but we all know that’s only possible if she is injured hahaha.

I remember feeling strong during most of the race, including the long hill, but I also remember feeling empty in the last tiny one, just before arriving to the field for the final sprint; for a few seconds my legs didn’t respond, my calves felt like snapping and my mind kind of gave up; luckily that happened just before the finish line.

I seriously don’t remember much, I could say the scenery was pretty and the day was lovely, but I have no idea, I could not run the same route with no map (probably not even with the map hahaha). I was just pushing myself physically and mentally, feeling my legs going well, but also fearing they could fail to keep that pace at any point.

I’d say I had a good result, perfect way of redeeming myself. 90th overall, 10th or 11th female (not sure how to filter the results and sometimes is not clear..), 5th in my age category, and surprisingly, we got the 1st female team prize!!

That was a sweet surprise, we weren’t expecting it.

Me and Masako were in the bagging area collecting our jackets, when someone came to look for us.. Sarah, Masako and myself got a nice trophy. I have to say the turquoise T-shirt was also so pretty!

Andrea