Heights Ultra Trail - 10 July
Report by Lucy Smith
On Saturday I took part in the inaugural Heights Ultra Trail 50 mile race. I was asked by my friend Sharon to run a 50 mile race with her this year to celebrate her 50th birthday.
After our original race got cancelled we found the Heights Ultra Trail which fitted into our schedule.
The morning of the race was foggy and rainy. We set off in from Linthwaite in steady rain. The first 4/5 miles were flat but peppered with endless stone stiles. Over the moors to Meltham and the heavens opened.
After leaving checkpoint one was the most hilly and boggy section of the race. We seemed to climb endlessly up to Black Hill through knee deep bogs and sloppy peat. The downhill saw us crossing flooded streams using ropes held by marshals.
Checkpoint 2 was a welcome sight and we were off again this time to find Ed who was crewing for us and waiting a Standedge Cutting. This was a lovely section until another flooded stream got in the way and we tentatively crossed it.
Seeing Ed at the car park was amazing. Cups of tea and sandwiches hit the spot. We set off onto Scammonden Resevoir and to meet Ed for the second time. The fog seemed to be lifting and we now had better views to take our minds off our aching legs.
Once again Ed to the rescue, dry socks and trainers were a real treat plus more sandwiches and treats.
Leaving Ed were headed to our final checkpoint, at this point Sharon began to feel ill. We eventually reached the checkpoint having escaped a herd of skittish bulls on the way. After a long rest we decided to continue but Sharon began to feel much worse and at 41 miles I called the marshals to ask for her to be picked up. Sharon insisted I finish the race and once she was whisked away I began the final 10 miles on my own. The rest of the route was tough and boggy but I pushed on. Finally I could see the floodlights of the school grounds and the downhill finish was much appreciated.
The final mileage came to 51.3 miles and total elevation 7,592 feet.
I really enjoyed the race, it was well organised and everyone was so friendly. I would definitely recommend it. Especially if you love stiles and bogs.