I had offered to provide road support when the idea of the ladies attempting this challenge was first raised. Keeping to my word, the use of my camper, and me, for the entire challenge was provided.
The ladies had worked hard to get to this stage – training had taken place, recces undertaken and planning meetings (involving the consumption of wine) were attended. The final pairings needed to be altered as ‘Captain Kath’ was injured and very clearly, and understandably, upset at not being able to run her leg. Final decisions had to be made as the weather forecast was not great….would Sunday better….would the all the Team still be available if it were postponed….Kath kept a cool head and stuck to the mid-night Friday start.
The camper was loaded and we headed to Keswick ready to meet Ruth and Becky who were to run Leg 1. Coffee and cake were duly provided and the atmosphere in the car park was good – Becky was impressed with the lightstick which I gave her and both her and Ruth were full of enthusiasm, despite the threat of gloomy weather conditions.
Other BG attempts were also setting off at midnight although Helm was the only Team taking part in this challenge. At exactly midnight (according to Kath’s watch) the girls set-off, there was quite a crowd in Keswick, some less sober than others. The downside to supporting is that there can be a lot of waiting around but rarely long enough to have any decent sleep. A few hours was all that I managed before needing to be at Threlkeld to meet Caroline and Jayne who were to be running Leg 2 and to be there ready to provide drinks, food and warmth for the Leg 1 runners finishing their stage.
Caroline and Jayne, who had grabbed a few hours sleep in the back of their car, were set ready to go, but where were Ruth and Becky. It was an anxious wait, the weather was far from great and the occasional flash of torches on Hall’s Fell ridge told us very little. Eventually, and slightly over-due, they arrived; hastily the baton was handed over and Caroline and Jayne shot off into the gloomy dawn.
However, all was not well, Ruth had taken a serious fall and had damaged her hand badly; she looked visibly shaken and she was soon bundled into the camper for warm clothing, soup and some tlc. Her hand was bad; she had done a fantastic job descending the ridge, in dark and wet conditions, one-handed. It took some time to make her more comfortable and once back in Keswick, Becky was to take her home and ensure that she went to hospital asap.
Next stop for us was Dunmail Raise; again this was a busy place and no time for sleep. Lindsay and Ali arrived early and we eagerly awaited Jayne and Caroline’s arrival. Tim had kindly climbed Seat Sandal to offer support and encouragement, a good effort considering the early start and foul weather. We did not wait long before they came over the horizon, ahead of schedule and running well. They had done a fantastic job in poor conditions and were absolutely buzzing with excitement at the finish. Again the baton was handed over to Lindsay and Ali who charged off up Steel Fell.
Jayne and Caroline were supplied with refreshments, as was Tim when he finally caught up ( J ). Next stop for me and Kath was Keswick for breakfast….a large breakfast, a hot shower and some sleep would have been good as well but no time for this, we had to pick up Sharron and Helen and then drive to Wasdale.
This is a long and boring drive, Kath nodded off and I came close but needed to stay awake as I was the driver ! Driving fast seemed to keep me awake but later realised that Sharron and Helen, travelling in the back, did not entirely agree; Helen did not feel great on arrival at Wasdale – sorry ! The usual routine kicked-in, kettle on, drinks, food and no chance of sleep. Sandra Scott and her husband were also here to support, very loyal of her and much appreciated by all.
After not too long we could see Lindsay and Ali descending the steep scree run, they were moving well and again up on schedule despite grim conditions. Sharron and Helen were desperate to get going and we had already spent some time looking at the best line up Yewbarrow. The baton was, again, handed over and they were off. Food and drink supplied to Lindsay and Ali and then the long drive back to Keswick – at least the thought of chips kept me awake.
We met up with Yvonne, Bethan, Victoria and Ruth – she had been to hospital, was well bandaged and slinged up and was back to support – what a girl. Becky was desperately trying to get back as well but had been delayed by the traffic from the Great North Swim. Eventually we all got to Honister, again for the well rehearsed routine.
However, even less time to wait, Sharron and Helen came bursting over the skyline, well up on schedule and flying down the steep descent to the carpark – great stuff. No time wasted, Yvonne, Bethan and Victoria set-off up Dale Head on the final section. We dashed, via, Keswick to Newlands Church ready to help with the change over to road shoes. The girls did not disappoint, they were on a mission.
We had no time to waste; we needed to get to Keswick before they did ! parked up we headed to the Moot Hall and very soon they were in sight; they had run fantastically well and sprinted to the finish in an overall time of 21hrs 48mins, by far a new ladies record. What an achievement and great team work – a very good day was had by all. Off for a celebratory drink but the lack of sleep was soon catching up on me. The drive home was a struggle and bed very welcome.
Presentation, drinks and food at the Hawkshead Brewery on the Sunday was fun, a great opportunity to catch up and chat about the fantastic day and achievement – well done ladies J
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