Burbage Skyline

Burbage Skyline on Tue 7th May 2019

Burbage Skyline remains a very popular race, drawing runners from far and wide. There were over 50 clubs represented, and over a third of the 320 participants were female. The 400 race entries sold out pretty quick, and although 20% didn’t show up on the night, that’s not such a big figure, especially given the hailstorm in town, the Blades' promotion procession, the Liverpool-Barca game – and indeed, potential encounters with Highland Cattle (no incident were reported).

And 319 runners crossed the finish line, so just one drop out during the race itself, which is less than usual. Perhaps the firm going helped. I knew it was going to be a fast one and as such wasn't wholly surprised when Steve Franklin came in 2 minutes ahead of Nathan Lawson's course record (set last year - the first run on the new route).

Alas it turned out that Steve, and also Dark Peak's own Ben Rothery in second place, had inadvertently taken the direct route between Higger Tor and Winyard’s Nick - whereas the new (fixed) race route veers to the south west, before making a sharp left turn eastwards to take in an extra climb before crossing over the Winyards Nick path. This is an easy mistake to make, and in fact the line Steve and Ben took is truer to the actual ridge - or skyline. It is however also the route of the Tigger Tor race, and in devising the new Burbage Skyline route I was keen to avoid overlap where possible, as well as build in as many short climbs as I could - hence the difference. As the route they took cut off a significant corner I had no choice but to withdraw their results. Needless to say, the guys had absolutely no idea of their error until I had the unenviable task of informing them; and also needless to say they both took it on the chin most graciously. Fellas, that was still an incredible run and I really hope you can come back next year and give it another crack. I'll also make sure the route is better flagged next time.

After Steve and Ben the first back, and race winners, were Lee Kemp and Joseph Oldfield – both with 39:23, whilst the Ladies race was won by Ellen Downs of Sheffield University Orienteering Society - in a new course record (both overall and U23) of 45:20 - Congratulations Ellen! Full results can be seen on the website results page - but there were course records for almost all categories as can be seen in the table below:

I was a bit disappointed that although we opened the race to juniors aged 16 and 17 we only had 2 entrants and neither showed up on the night. We'll do more to spread the word next year - please also do the same

A huge thanks to:

• Most importantly, the massive team of volunteers who made the race possible. You all play a really important role so please congratulate yourself on doing a brilliant job and feel good about that!
• The wonderful team at the Fox House for accommodating such a huge group of sweaty and muddy athletes - good show!
• Matt and the Edale Mountain Rescue team. We're so grateful to having you there - but also very grateful that ultimately your services weren't required this year.
• Danny, Katherine, Jo and the team at Eastern Moors Partnership and National Trust for all the help with regards to the necessary race consents and licence.
• Jane Littlefield for the wonderful glass coaster prizes - they looked fantastic - and it makes a nice change from traditional cake and beer. They went down really well.
• SI Entries, especially for the prompt and helpful support when needed

And finally thank you to all runners - looked like you enjoyed it - and what a beautiful sunset to round things off.

As ever, any constructive feedback is very welcome indeed. Please like the race FaceBook page for info about next year’s race - as and when I get around to it!

Cheers

Paul Fauset