Pennine 39
16 July 2022
37 miles (59.5 km); 5,600 feet (1,700 m) of ascent
Starters: 60
Finishers: 60
Retired: 0
First Man: Rory Harris; 5:49
First Lady: 3rd overall: Despina Berdini; Dark Peak Fell Runners; 6:44
Steven Jones: joint 32nd; Dark Peak Fell Runners; MV50; 9:42
The event took place on a hot day with good visibility and clear blue skies.
The route follows the Pennine Way National Trail from near Bowlees which is itself a few miles northeast of Middleton-in-Teesdale to Alston. A coach usefully takes runners from Alston to Bowlees and from there a short walk to the start at the Wynch Bridge which spans the River Tees. The scenery conspires to mesmerise runners with features such as Low Force, High Force, Cauldron Snout, High Cup Nick, Great Dun Fell, Little Dun Fell, Cross Fell (the highest point on the Pennine Way), River South Tyne and various others. Initially the route is fairly flat enabling a fast start before gradually ascending before the descent to the approximate half way point at Dufton village. Thereafter the hills get steeper leading to the summit of Cross Fell and shortly after that past Greg’s Hut. A long stony path leads downhill to Garrigill and the final checkpoint. The route was fairly flat from there to the finish giving scope for more fast running for those with any energy left after the hills.