The Dales High Way 104 miles, 7-8 May
Report by Dan Miller
Well, that was an experience!
The Dales High Way runs from Saltaire through to Appleby following a similar journey to the Leeds – Carlisle train line, however, instead of going around or through the hills, the path takes a more satanic route directly over the highest points!
The race is organised by Punk Panther Endurance Events, a local group based in Otley who offer a great selection of events throughout the year – I’ve run a few of theirs and I’d recommend them all!
There were two distances offered. The Dales High Way is 90 miles and finishes at the Moot Hall in Appleby. Those wanting to make it up to 104 miles can carry on up and around High Cup Nick.
The Ultra master himself, Javed Bhatti ran this race last year and wrote a great report, so I won’t go much further into the details, however, I’ll just share a few of my highlights: This was the furthest I have every run (almost double), and right now sat under a blanket feeling sorry for myself, I could safely say I’ll never book another again. Haha who am I kidding… it was amazing! The route is utterly brilliant, I knew the iconic Malham tops, Ingleborough and the Howgills were going to impress, but it was all the bits in-between that made it even more spectacular.
I have to say a massive thank you to Ady Warner for a crucial support role at the halfway point. I met him on the descent off Ingleborough and straight away felt more energised. He ran with me for a good few miles and later drove and waited with hot soup in Sedbergh. It could have been a whole different outcome without your help – thanks Ady! Overall, it was exactly what you would expect with a race of that distance. It had highs and lows, it was too hot and then too cold, I ate too much and then too little, and that final hour was the hardest hour of my life.
I finished the race in 30:33.00, total of 173 km and 5000 m of elevation. Out of the 13 people who opted for that distance, only 6 finished. I came in at 3rd place. My reward, a thigh sized ankle and a blister for a foot.