Spire Ultra
Saturday 14 May 2022
32.9 miles (53.0 km); 3,986 feet (1,215 m) of ascent (approximate figures although the Chesterfield Round Walk is stated as 34 miles (54.7 km) and the ultra is based on that route with some minor modifications). Some pleasant running through bluebell woods and countryside with a bit of rural circumnavigating Chesterfield.
Starters: 75
Finishers: 69
Retired: 6
First Man: Kevin Hoult; 4:45:15
First Lady: 14th overall; Sarah Challans; 5:43:05 (new ladies course record)
Ian Challans: 13th; Dark Peak Fell Runners; 5:40:22
Steven Jones: 35th; Dark Peak Fell Runners; 7:24:06
The weather started warm and got hotter as the day went on which encouraged me to walk a bit as the day progressed. However, the trail was very dry making for good progress for those able to tolerate the heat. Ian Challans had been suffering with shin splints recently so was apparently not at peak fitness. However, that didn’t stop him finishing in a personal best time for the race beating his 2019 result by 3 minutes and 3 seconds.
There were also 3 relay teams.