Rombald’s Stride 2022, 5 February
Report by Kim Holden
The 40th anniversary event of the LDWA Rombald’s Stride took place on Saturday, 5th February. Starting and finishing in Guiseley, the challenging 23-mile route, with just over 4000 feet of ascent, takes in Rombalds Moor, Ilkley Moor and Otley Chevin via Esholt, Baildon, Ilkley, Burley Woodhead and Menston.
I was actually double booked this weekend, having entered the Hardmoors Marathon Series, but decided to do Rombald’s because of transport issues and not wanting to leave our elderly dog home alone for a long time whilst I was running around Saltburn.
Registration for the event normally takes place in a nice warm school with good facilities, but Covid restrictions meant we were outside in a marquee behind the Scout Hut with portaloos. However, it was well organised and people were just glad to be there to take part after two year’s absence.
The weather for the first couple of hours wasn’t too bad and I was feeling a bit overdressed and gradually taking off my hat, gloves, buff etc. and wishing I hadn’t worn full leggings. However, once we got onto the moors everything changed and we were greeted with running into 45 mph winds and driving rain. This, in turn, made what is normally a difficult course underfoot into a muddy quagmire. All clothing went back on and I was glad to have it with me.
At Ilkley Bottom (!) I joined forces with a very nice lady called Wendy, who turned out to be an experienced fell runner. In turn for me helping her with navigation, as she had got lost at one point, she dragged me back up the bank when I slipped on the mud and lent me some fresh gloves when mine were wet through as a consequence.
We both finished the race in 5:36, which is about 40 minutes slower than my last attempt, but because of the conditions I was happy with that. I came 3rd out of 22 in my age category and it ticked off the 22-mile run on my training plan for the HM55 :)
Pamela Munro and Simon McCudden were also at the event but I guess had taken the sensible decision to go steady and just complete the course. They both finished in 7:08.