The Tour of Pendle - 17 miles and 4,500 ft of climbing up and around Pendle Hill in Lancashire. YC was back for his 4th race yesterday, in company with Paul Hainsworth and Jane Saul. Paul was running, Jane was our official support and team photographer. The overnight rain and clag mostly cleared, leaving a cool but clear day with clouds occasionally brushing the tops. There was mud and peat galore, making for a very exciting descent of "Geronimo Hill" midrace. There was a huge field of 350+ runners, no doubt attracted by the smart T shirt included in the £7 entry fee.
The Tour is a race of 2 halves. Fast running over the first half, then 3 big climbs on the second half culminating in the slog up Big End. YC finished in reasonable order in 3 hours 7 mins. Paul was just over 10 mins behind. Jane witnessed the fun and games on the descent of Geronimo to checkpoint 4, then strolled up Pendle Hill to watch us on the return leg. Over a debriefing cup of tea and bowl of soup in the village hall, the consensus was that this had been a grand day out. And what's more, the raging fellrunner's thirst was not wholly slaked by the tea...
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| pre race prep |
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| the lead runners descend Geronimo Hill |
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| YC running so fast that the camera can't keep up (possibly) |
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| Paul on the final run-in |
