The 52nd Fellsman was run this weekend from Ingleton to Threshfield in the Dales. Taking in 61miles and about 10 hills over tussocks and bog more commonly found in the highlands and islands.
Cleverly I let the fast boys go at the start thinking I would catch them up when they fell apart. Unfortunately the anticipated disintegration of Adam Perry and Kim Collinson never happened and they finished in a blistering time well under 11hrs. Instead I consoled myself with ticking off the climbs, playing hunt the shelter from the 35mph headwind and availing myself of the bountiful checkpoint food (reviews below).
My tactical bonk between miles 30 and 40 allowed me to find an expert navigator to follow for the final 20+ miles through the clag and the dark to reach Threshfield just after midnight in just outside 15hrs 41. Results here.
Food review
Checkpoint 2 (4 miles), Hill Inn, Biscuits and Squash – Bourbons my favourite 7/10
Checkpoint 4 (8 miles), Kingshouse, Flapjack – Homemade but Burnt 8/10
Checkpoint 8 (15 miles), Dent, Sausage Rolls – shop bought and lukewarm 5/10
Checkpoint 10 (20 miles), Stonehouse, Pasta, 4/10
Checkpoint 12 (30 miles), Redshaw, Hot Dogs, Couldn’t stomach one ?/10
Checkpoint 18 (40 miles), Cray, Soup, Burnt my tongue 8/10
Checkpoint 24 (55 miles), Yarnbury, Biscuits – Bourbons, we know how this one goes 10/10 (note the high score here may be due to delirium at being so close to the end after 15 hours)
Alex McVey