Wooler trail Marathon
On Sunday, three members Claire Baker, Douglas Scott and Matthew Holt, travelled to Wooler in Northumberland, for an off road race across the Cheviot Hills in the heart of Northumberland National Park. It included many splendid uninterrupted views along many undulations along the way. The course is 28 miles long with just over 6000 feet of ascent, but the views available are well worth the effort, which was fully marked with tape and signs.
With the temperature on the start line recording –3C, the heavy snowfall on Friday had frozen, making conditions testing in places. Matthew slipped on ice during a steep ascent at 5 mile mark, dislocating his shoulder, while Dougie fell three times within a half mile section as they approached the 17 mile mark, also injuring himself. All three managed to continue to the end, finishing at Wooler Youth Hostel in 6 hours 27 minutes.