From Dave Robson…
Following a few months off at the start of the year, struggling with various injuries, I have returned to my challenge of completing at least one new race per month. Having already ticked off the Austwick Amble, in May, and a couple of Yorkshire Vets Grand Prix events in June, Wednesday evening provided the opportunity to take on the newly relaunched Whernside Fell Race, 6.5 miles and 468 metres of ascent.
Using an arch of the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct as the start line, ninety-nine runners set off across a fast, flattish first mile of trail before hitting the ‘old walkers route’. A climb of 373 metres, crammed into just over a mile, straight up the front of Whernside!
With this brutal slog out of the way, it was only a short stumble to the highest point in Yorkshire, where, the sun came out, and we were rewarded with amazing views out across the dales, in all directions.
The return from the top was via the modern day 3 Peaks walking route, slightly less steep than the climb but a tricky mixture of trail and slab steps which kept it exciting as my plan was to make up as many places as possible during the descent. The plan mostly worked, with ten places gained before the route flattened out and I managed to hang onto these through the last mile or two of undulating trail to the finish at the Station pub.
I was pleased to finish in 20th place, 2nd MV50.
This is a great, mid-week fell race, in an iconic location and I would definitely recommend it.