Race Report: Dovedale Mini Mountain Marathon 25/07/2012

On this hot and balmy Wednesday evening, 8 Sandbach Striders travelled to Thorpe Mill Farm, Dovedale, in the Peak District, to take part in a mini mountain marathon. The event was open to fell runners, road runners and strong walkers, and involved scoring as many points as possible within 2 hours.

The clock has started so it's time for frantic route planning.

Teams of one or two were allowed. However we did team up to make threes.

So our teams consisted of:

1. Chris, Jill and Paul.
2. Mik and Perry.
3. Terry, Clare and Catherine.

One final check of the maps before the off.

We were each given a dibber (an electronic device which we had to use to check in at each control). Our time of 2 hours started once we had dibbed the first control. We were given a map of the area, with approximately 15 marked checkpoints, some worth more points than others depending on their level of difficulty in getting to them. (A minor point which Mik and Perry failed to notice until the end)! Points were deducted for any time over the 2 hour cut off point.

Mik and Perry find time for a photo opportunity.

Paul and I were happy to let Chris navigate and decide our route, as he has experience in this kind of thing, thinking that we could have a bit of a breather between each point as he studied the map.. How wrong we were.

Chris’ tactic was to go for the highest controls, involving more climbing, but gaining more points. Paul and I followed, chatting.

Terry and Clare looking suspiciously like they are walking.

We immediately started running up hill, and the first few check points were in the bag. The route and running was thoroughly enjoyable, with fantastic views. As time went on, I was tiring, and Paul too I think. Midges were out in force, and nettles and thistles in abundance. We quickly realized that the chance of a breather between points was a dream, as Chris stood at the top waiting for us, tapping his watch, and telling me I could not be running  fast enough if I was still talking!.. All in jest.

Jill and Chris en route back to the finish.

We encountered some steep slopes and rocks, and a beautiful stretch along the river Dove. We only passed the other Strider teams once in the 2 hours.

With about 20 minutes before the cut off time, Chris decided that we should try and bag another couple of check points... up a steep hill before returning to the start. He looked at the map declaring that we do not need to use the footpaths, this was access land, and not out of bounds, so proceeded to take us up a vertical slope. Paul and I were huffing and puffing, and walking at this point, that by the time we got to the top, we decided that there wasn’t enough time to get to the check point, so we would go straight down the vertical slope on the other side without collecting any points. 

Catherine, Terry and Clare using the crossing stones over the River Dove.

After a short run along the lane, we arrived back 4 minutes late, and had 5 points deducted, but earning a respectable 140 points.  Perry and Mik were already there, and Terry, Clare and Catherine arrived a couple of minutes later. Terry was very disappointed not to have used his new all singing and dancing whistle, bought especially for the event.

A very enjoyable evening was had by all, rounded off with a pint in the pub.  I would definitely do it again. 

For more information visit the Dark & White Challenge Events website. 

Jill