It was November again, the route and the handicap start times had been published and we were as ready as we could be for the 45th (?) running of the Club Championships. The start and finish were thankfully hidden from public view on the Roman Road above the woods and behind the former Snake Inn. The early runners, Barry N, Andy H and I, had assembled and were waiting the call from the starter Richard H who counted down the seconds for each of our starts. The pre-race discussions had suggested the optimum route to the first checkpoint at the Nether North Grain waterfall, was to return to the Birchin Clough car park and then up the steps to the beginning of the path towards Over Wood Moss. Exactly where to turn off this path was debatable, too far and there was a risk of ending in Upper North Grain and too early risked several grough crossings, as I found.
It is always a pleasure to get a sighting of the checkpoint especially ones mostly hidden from view as, unsurprisingly, the waterfall was. It’s an even greater pleasure to be met there by the youngest (about 5 year-olds?) Dark Peakers who had managed to walk there, well done! By now, Andy was in front climbing up from the waterfall, then following the line of shooting butts which were conveniently just about on the bearing for Miry Clough off the Alport river and then towards Ravens Clough where CP 2 was surprisingly (to me) well down the clough at a fence stream junction. Such was our speed, so I fantasised, that we saw the CP marshals, Gavin W and one other, just arriving there as we did. By now, the faster runners, such as Pete G, Tom W, were catching and passing, up the climb towards the Alport ridge. In the few moments when it was possible to see the view rather than the heather, tussocks, bilberry and bracken, the picturesque silhouette of a string of runners ahead was simultaneously, inspiring and a touch demoralising!
Approaching CP 3 (the path stream junction south east of Alport trig), it was becoming busy with yet more runners and by the time we’d crossed the Alport river and were dragging ourselves out of the very steep sided valley, it was positively crowded which prompted the thought that if the RO had finished the race half way up, the handicapper would have done his job just right! However, it was near the top of the climb, that it appeared that delirium was setting in as I began to hear an Alpine cow bell ringing in my ears. Thankfully, no imaginings but young Tom Sav bouncing up the hillside, not racing apparently, but supporting his sister Hannah as she cheerfully climbed by. It cannot be exaggerated more, to say that it was a great relief to reach the level (!) moor, to head for the final CP, number 4, at Oyster Cabin where we were welcomed by marshal Moz and partner. Following our jolly exchange, it was time to consider the dilemma of the way back to the finish, around on the fast path or up and over the nose. Although it was a short stiff climb from the path, it was a glorious descent to the finish, there were no regrets for using this line.
What a grand finish, John S and Roy S guided us in to the funnel where we met by the very popular Roger B who was handing out and, importantly, opening varieties of bottled Bradfield Brewery beer. So, it was a very relaxed return to the car park and then on to the Anglers for a yet more detailed analysis of the excellent Club Championship. Thanks to all the organisers, marshals, helpers and, of course, all the runners for a wonderful outing!
Graham