Hardmoors Wainstones - 8 May
Report by Andy Purll
This weekend saw the return of the Hardmoors 26.2 series. For those unfamiliar with the series, it’s a number of races across North Yorkshire, where runners can enter either a 10k, half marathon or full marathon. Being Hardmoors however, John and Shirley like to offer just a little more, and tradition dictates that the distances are just a “smidge” longer. At Wainstones, this meant races of 9.3, 16.75, 28.75 miles! Not only that, but the elevation in each race was 1,965, 3,477 and 5,407 ft!
It’s fair to say, that while the route and terrain is tricky, the views and scenery are superb. All contestants start off at Chop Gate, and in the half marathon, you climb straight away to Wether Hill and Scugdale head before a short and pleasing road section, takes you to the Cleveland Way across Round Hill to the climb of Carlton bank.
Some magnificent(!) views across Teeside to Roseberry topping (much better!) make the climb worthwhile, but no rest at the Lordstones Cafe, as you tread further along the slippy flags, up more hills through a rocky outcrop to Wainstones. Catching my breath and the views again, a steep descent to Clay Bank follows, and it was here I came across Nicole, Kelly, Jo and the effervescent Mrs Cadman, enjoying the 10k route, before, yet another climb onto Urra Moor, turning off the Cleveland Way.
I was dreading this bit, as the half marathon had also been run the previous day, and I had read reports of never-ending bog and headwinds, the reports were not wrong, it was awful! Tired legs made it up a couple of smaller climbs and eventually I hit the firmer terrain along the ridge, but i can’t say my legs appreciated this too much, as they had begun to go on strike. Relief was soon at hand though, as a sharp right turn, sent us back down hill, and a nice path, back to the finish at Chop Gate.
Kim Holden ran the half marathon distance on the Saturday, and despite atrocious weather including rain and strong winds, still managed to win the female over 60s category in 4 hrs 12 mins.
I managed to enjoy somewhat better weather, in a time of 4 hrs 21 mins.
As I mentioned earlier, Nicole Sutton, Jo Thwaites, Kelly Dunkley and Linda Cadman completed the 10k in 3 hrs 8 minutes. Their route varied a little as it started from Chop Gate and followed paths over Cold Moor to join the Cleveland way and main route onwards to Wainstones and the finish.
Helen Kristine also completed the 10k, despite a fear of heights (not the right race for vertigo sufferers!) in a superb time of 2 hrs 13 mins, finishing with a proud flourish at the end.
Saving the best for last, Lucy Smith completed the full marathon in 7 hrs and 17 minutes, adding on Cod Beck, Square Corner, and Osmotherly to the half marathon distance. So much respect for Lucy, as this was a brutal race.
Finally, a word for the marshals (known as Hardshals!), the whole organisation was amazing from start to finish, extremely safe and Covid secure. Every one of them was encouraging and the Haribo (and Nicole’s peanuts) got us round.
If this “perks” your interest, check out the various races Hardmoors offer, something for everyone!