The 15th episode of this well-known 20-mile challenge event (FRA cat B Long) organised by Edale Mountain Rescue Team is a fundraiser to support the vital work of their volunteer mountain rescue team. Due to high demand this year and limited places available, this year’s place allocation was based around pre-registration and subsequent name draw.
118 ran, 3 Wirksworth runners made it to the starting pen, one a multiple veteran of the course and two first-timers. With the promise of rough moorland and far-reaching views along the 9 gritstone edges of Derwent, Stanage, Burbage Upper, Burbage Lower, Froggatt, Curbar, Baslow, Gardom’s and, Birchen we awaited the starting gun.
From the off, runners faced a squeezed climb up the steps to the right of the Derwent Dam, followed almost immediately by a leg sapping hike up to the first edge Derwent…that’s 655ft ascent out of the way in the first mile.
Weather conditions on top were ideal on the day, mostly cloudy and a comfortable 19°C, feeling a shade cooler with the light wind. The course comprised mainly of causey flagstones, sandy gritstone trails, with well-established paths over the moorland making for very manageable navigation along the way between checkpoints. Underfoot conditions were mostly dry with some boggy bits over the earlier portions, giving way to some more technical sections through boulders requiring some quick and fancy footwork.
Chris Sleath (UA) was first overall in 2:33 and Helen Elmore (Dark Peak FR) made it back first out of the field of ladies in 03:03. For Wirksworth, Adam Leighton just sneaked over the line first in 3:19:09 (24th pos), hot on his heels and just a few seconds behind was Oliver Pratten in 3:20:25 (26th pos), and third home for WRC was Brian Clements in 05:06:27 (109th pos). Also present on the day were 2 ex-members of Wirksworth; Steph Soloman and Harry Holmes. Steph (Horsforth Fell & Dale) completed the course in 03:42:30 (57th pos). Harry wasn’t running in the event but was spotted along the route leaping from boulder to boulder with words of encouragement.
Well done to all that ran, superb effort!
In summary, this was a really relaxed, sociable, fun and well organised event. I strongly encourage everyone to consider entry to next year’s event (walking/climbing challenges also available). Huge thanks to Edale MRT!