Andy Mellor reports:
Saturday 31st August saw a brace of MACs head to Castleton for the Peak District Ultras. The weekend includes the Millstone 100 (competitors starting on Friday evening), the Limestone 50 and the Peveril 33. We were running the baby of the three, the mere 33 mile short route (actually seemed to be 35 miles), with 6,000’ of elevation.
For Emma Fitzgerald this was little more than a teaser, ahead of a 50 miler in September. For me, this was going to be my longest event, made even tougher by a lack of sufficient training.
The events are well organised and the Blinding Peakers support crew at the control points are enthusiastic and efficient. So with my new non-rubbing hydration vest, a pair of borrowed waterproof trousers and a sense of trepidation, I was ready for action. My plan was to avoid exerting myself on the hills and more importantly to always keep someone in sight who looked like they knew what they were doing.
I had diligently marked out the route on my paper map, but my lack of navigation skills are legendary – I would probably still be out there somewhere if I’d had to find my way around without the comfort of a GPX route.
The route includes many stunning views, the initial stretch taking in Froggatt Edge, Curbar Edge and views from Baslow looking down over Chatsworth with the Emperor fountain clearly visible, and thousands of visitors enjoying the Country Fair. I stuck to my plan, remembering that slow and steady wins the race. It turns out that Aesop might spin a good fable but isn’t necessarily the best race tactician.
The route remained enjoyable – and steep – from Baslow to Miller’s Dale, which did at least include a nice flat stretch along the Monsal Trail. The Cressbrook and Litton tunnels providing some welcome relief from the sun.
The stretch from Miller’s Dale to Castleton was less enjoyable. My ‘take it steady’ approach was now more of a necessity than choice. The ascents were never ending, and the Limestone Way seemed determined to snap my ankles. I would have been tempted to call Mrs M to collect me and chalk up a DNF, but of course I hadn’t a clue where I was so that wasn’t really an option.
All good things must come to an end, and eventually I was back in Castleton with a very warm welcome at the finish line, and an even more welcome cool drink.
Full results available from Racetek-live.co.uk
There were 142 finishers in total, with Emma 18th female and warming up nicely for her next challenge. I managed 14th place, secretly quite pleased to be second V50 but very much put into context by the fact that the first V50 was 55 minutes ahead of me!
