BM/6.75m/950ft
There always has to be a 1st!!
First male, first female, first mistake (oops) etc. but this year we added to our list! It was the first time it wasn't raining - not a problem either way to the runners, but much appreciated by the 30 marshals out on the hills. It was the first time the overall winner was not around to receive his prize - we later found out he'd gone round again (probably still not coming last!!) It was the first time we gave T-shirts to the first 60 back (thanks to Smith Bros). Although it was not the first time route signs had been removed. The High Neb sign has never gone before in the dark - it could have been a lot longer fell race had we had to divert everyone back from Ladybower reservoir! It was the first time the results were out as the
final runner came back (phew), the first time the field was a majority of more than 40 males (come on ladies), and of course the first time we had to re-route around the farms (consequently new records) and tread through disinfectant troughs before and during the race.
However, with all these firsts, we must mention the things that stay the same - the beautiful setting of Hathersage, sitting below Stanage Edge
in the Peak District, know to climbers nation-wide. The varied terrain, the gradual (?) climb to the one mile peaty run along the Edge - the highlight of the Peak District, the generous gift vouchers as prizes, again donated by "Outside" and, of course, the team of 45 who marshal and manage registration and results so efficiently.
It was again a heart-warming sight to see the 68 primary school children from Hathersage Primary School completing their 2-mile run. This is not an advertised run but put on to show the children that running and fitness can be as "cool" as playstations and football! Completing
before the adults avoids any tripping up and bad feeling with the competitors but enables the
children to see what it is all about and to hopefully feel some of the atmosphere present
on the field.
Of course, as usual, the morning was finished off with senior runners, children and parents
enjoying a well-earned cup of tea (and that is the helpers!). By the way, I'm the one sitting in a
corner with exhaustion, relieved it is all safely over for another year!
Alison Hartley |