So me and Russ are back on the Mountain Marathon circuit. This time it is local, starting and finishing at Chapel Stile, this means a leisurely set-off on Saturday morning. We have a late start time (09:54) so have plenty of time to sort our kit before walking to the start.
I decide to pack light, the forecast is good and it is summer after all. Get away with a 20litre pack and room to spare. The courses this year have been planned and set by good friend Charlie of the Outdoor Warehouse and he does not disappoint.
Our first control is at a re-entrant just down from Lang Howe and Silver Howe, we pick this ups easily although were a little surprised at how we got there. Then on to Far Easedale, a long section which goes to plan. A little indecision after this as our next control a long way away. between Allen Crags and Glaramara. We decide to head up to Sergeant Man, across towards Raise and then down to the top of Stake Pass. From there to Angle Tarn and towards Esk Hause but we pick up a good contour which takes us round Allen Crags to the checkpoint at the small tarn.
It is hot and hard going, from here we follow the Borrowdale route in reverse towards Rosthwaite Fell and our next control. We are going well but have no idea of position, we were one of the last teams to start but we don't seem to have over-taken many.
We have a steep descent into the fantastic Langstrath valley and then a punishing climb to the side of Eagle Crag - Russ is not enjoying this. We contour below a line of crags and pick up the next control to the south of Ullscarf. From there a short distance north to the next and then start to head down to the finish.
We follow the stream and easily pick-up the control at the sheepfold. A short climb and then horrible descent brings us down to the Wythburn valley and a run in to the campsite at Steel End Farm. We are out for 6hrs and later learn that we are 2nd in the Bowfell class.
The overnight camp is good, we are with Garry & Caroline who also had a tough day. We chat with Charlie and Nicola bout the day and enjoy beer and curry.
Sunday starts very damp and cool but it is not long before the sun hits the valley bottom and starts to heat up; it is going to be another hot and tough day.
We are in the chasing start and set-off at 07:48, little chance of catching the leaders, they have about a 40 minute lead but can we maintain our position.
The first climb is tough, towards Steel Fell but the conditions are great and the views fantastic. Then to a knoll between Calf Crag and Helm Crag, a steep bracken descent but only a short climb. But then another steep bracken descent with plenty of hidden boulders, I am cursing Charlie !
Round to Eaedale Tarn, what a great place to be on a day like this. Towards the Langdales, then towards High Raise and a tough section over the the Band on Bowfell. The climbing, distance and heat are taking there toll on Russ, he is finding this hard - quieter than usual !
A steep climb from the valley bottom (more bad language aimed at Charlie :-) ) takes us to a small tarn on an outlying spur of Pike O'Blisco and then down to the road by Blea Tarn. A few more controls to go, these are scattered around Lingmoor and progress seems frustratingly slow.
Finally the end is in sight but running is not easy, we make it in in 6hrs 30mins, a longer day than day 1 which is unusual, but why should this be a problem.
We finish in 2nd place and are kit checked which is not a problem. Although we are awarded and announced 2nd overall this later drops to 3rd but the prize of an engraved tumbler stays the same.
A great weekend, excellent courses, glorious weather and good company - we're be back for more next year.
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