As the assigned weekend approached, the weather stood firm and colluded with the MWIS: words like ‘ferocious’ were bandied around. Carnethys commenced furious blinking. With less than 12 hours to go before start time, the Tour de Helvellyn blinked too: the course was shortened to an out-and-back 27 miles.
International jet-setter John Ryan, keen to complete his trilogy of early-winter ultramarathons spanning three nations in preparation for a race in a fourth, and I, would carry the baton for those non-blinking Carnethys.
John’s first trick was to disappear – or, more accurately, start the race before me. His second was to hide the second checkpoint at the foot of Place Fell. His disguise was flawed, however: there were not many runners wearing shorts when the forecast was this ‘ferocious’.
We turned at Swart Bridge, a mile or so short of Sticks Pass, with the weather sterner even at this altitude. I ran the last 10 miles, up to Boredale Hause, past Martindale Church and over Askham Fell, alone, with John a few minutes back and while the ground formed an icy crust.
No-one doubted it was right to shorten the day. The cold blast that swept across the exposed expanse of Askham Fell confirmed any doubts. Fell runners may be a tough breed, but we are not stupid. It is wonderful to be in the hills; sometimes, it’s wonderful to be off them.
Jonny Muir