This was another of the UK Sky Running events this time based on the Lakes classic of the 3000ft hills. After having had such a dry few weeks you knew that when the rains came it would make up for lost time. By the time we gathered for the 5am start it had been raining continuously in the Lakes for the last 24 hrs the result being paths were now streams and streams were now rivers as the rain flashed off the otherwise dry ground. It made for interesting going at the start and added to the overall character of the day. The route out to Seathwaite is predominantly valley based and was characterised by lots of “sploshing” and wading by headtorch through water. The rain stopped around first light as we arrived on the way up to Sty Head though organisers had already made the call not to do Scafell Pike summit and re-routed us to Esk Hause. The traverse to High Raise and subsequent decent to Wythburn was heavy going underfoot in the upper sections and having plumped for more trail type shoes I was wishing for a bit more grip coming down as I scored several 9.8 pirouettes. A short stop to load up on food, adjust clothes and it was off for the pull up Helvellyn to get to some nice high level misty going to Threlkeld. My knees didn’t like the steep BG descent off Clough Head and I descended like a fanny until it levelled out a bit to where we made our way on the old railway and paths to Latrigg. By the time I set off on the final loop of Skiddaw the sun was out and good views were to be had which always helps while away the hours. Having been persevering to keep it going I’d been thinking the track seems endless but was soon wishing I was back on it after leaving the ironically named check point of Dash Falls (must be the organisers sense of humour) as I crawled steeply up to Bakestall to get onto the north ridge. As is usually the case on Skiddaw the wind was whipping up on the summit and a brief hail shower ushered me off as if I wasn’t supposed to be there. All that remained was the long, long descent to Keswick which usually I would have looked forward to – but not this year with my dodgy knees. I managed to limit my losses to one person catching me. So happy with my day out given my indifference to running this summer, managed to get back in daylight and home in time for dinner. Highly recommend the route / race which has a bit of everything and one I’ve been meaning to do for a long time. The next event is in the Mourne & is full unfortunately, oh dear what a shame I’ll have to go to my mates 50th instead and drink my weight in beer.
http://results.sportident.co.uk/home/event.html?eventid=e1a4d164-857b-4456-90ad-caf6537c1569
and here’s a more eloquent write up from Ian Corless:-
http://skyrunninguk.com/2014/10/06/3×3-race-report/
Matt Davis