The Three Peaks race takes place in my home county of Yorkshire over the hills of Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. I have walked over these hills many times as a kid but this was my first time running over them. The route starts out from the village of Horton-in-Ribblesdale, with a loop through the village to spread the field out, and then a quick pull up Pen-Y-Ghent. From the top it was then a long run of about 14km to go under the Ribble valley viaduct and to the bottom of the next hill, Whernside.
The three peaks is a very popular walking route with many hikers to be avoided and the scarring on the hills horrific. Here, the race route takes the direct line up Whernside and away from the walkers’ path. This was my favourite part of the course and the descent down to the final CP fun. Maybe too much fun as Ingleborough felt longer than it should have.
The final run down I found tricky as the limestone rocks forced you in to boggy sections which my tired legs could have done without. The route then goes through a back garden and pops you into the finishing field. The atmosphere at the end was fantastic with hot food and a band playing and limited edition 3 peaks beer for sale (From Northern Monk – if you are ever in Leeds I recommend a visit)
Carnethy were honourably represented by Charlotte Morgan (3:39:20; 76th place and 1st WV40) and Nigel Shekleton (3:42:44 and 89th place) and more modestly represented by me (4:38:09 and 440th).
A cracking race, Yorkshire did us proud.
Lee Murphy