A group of Hartlepool Burn Road Harriers who like the rough stuff embarked on the annual pilgrimage to Reeth for the 33rd Swaledale Marathon.  The reason a regular handful of members turn up for this event year after year is simple, Stuart Pailor the well respected Burn Road stalwart and octogenarian designed the course during his time with the Swaledale outdoor club.

This year his preparation was, not mincing words, rubbish, hardly any running, mainly cycling, on the start line with a cold (getting him on the start line was a major accomplishment), not the best position to be in.  In his own mind he had already given up the thought of winning the trophy, that was, until Stuart Pailor gave him an inspirational talk five minutes before the start.  (if there was a trophy for the amount of times entering the race and not doing it Mick would have won that, he has entered 33 but only managed about 12).  Mick was unusually quiet and went past all his teammates on the extreme uphill start to Fremington Edge, he even passed his long time training partner (me) without much to say.  It was then realised, he was on a mission.

Taking in the first hill at a steady pace were Trevor Sherwood and his pace maker Jason Ellis along with Davey Lake, Dave Edwards, Karl Edwards, David Kirk and Peter Johnson.  By the time the main group of Burn Road reached the top Mick was out of sight bounding along the fast grassy section of the course, this section also saw the splits appear among the rest. 

Trevor and Jason forged on while Davey and Karl waited to regroup with club chairman Dave Edwards, what he had been doing on that hill is anybody’s guess.  The trio lasted all of five minutes when Dave waved them to push on after losing his shoe (twice) in a bog.  Just behind, David was conserving energy and also nurturing a troublesome achilles while Peter had his race plan all mapped out on his Garmin.

After the flat running came the drop off the edge, which is brilliant, a deep breath and one throws oneself down the steep grassy hillside hoping for the best, it is best not to think too much about it!  As the race progressed to the longest and highest climb of the day (1,909ft) up to Great Punchard, the scenery was brilliant and runners could see right into the distance.  This is where Davey and Karl caught up to Trevor and Jason and very steadily pulled away from them.  They then spotted Mick in black and no club vest on (that must be a flogging offence) approximately 3 minutes in front.

 At this point runners now know what they taken on, with legs tired from the climb, more agony awaits as a vast expanse of very boggy land has to be negotiated - hopefully with both shoes still on at the end of it.

One checkpoint at Level House is reached soon after the dreaded bog and this is where David Kirk sensibly pulled out after a valiant attempt, his achilles was not up to it, so he lives to fight another day.  David had hoped to be supporting Trevor with Jason but as John Lennon said “ life is what happens while you are busy making other plans”.  Mick was still making tracks up ahead even after turning his ankle quite badly, up being the operative word as another stiff climb followed.  All made it up after some sustenance from the checkpoint.

The runners are then rewarded with a downhill run in one of the most scenic valleys England has to offer, Gunnerside Gill.  On reaching Gunnerside Mick was now five minutes ahead of closest teammates Davey and Karl and was full of running, he did not want to be caught.  Trevor and Jason were making great progress with Dave Edwards and Peter Johnson working hard to maintain their respective paces.  Dave who is not 100% fit for this distance showed great determination and made himself indulge in cakes and sandwiches at every checkpoint, a true athlete who knows how to refuel.

One regular was missing from the squad today, Dot Bird, she is well known for carrying an Earl Grey tea bag in her kit just to have at Gunnerside, even the marshals look out for her now ready with a pot of boiling water.  Peter usually has a ding dong battle with Dot and at this point can get ahead while she is having her cuppa.  This year he seemed relaxed with no pressure, we hope Dot is back next year to keep Peter on his toes.

With sixteen and a half hard miles done, the hardest climb of the day awaits around the corner.  It is a heartbreaker, the hill seems to go on forever and saps any strength that remains in the legs.  Once on the top and legs moving again Davey Lake was in good shape while Karl’s fuel tank was nearly empty, Davey, after some persuasion by Karl went ahead to catch a few more rivals on the way to Surrender Bridge, another checkpoint.  He continued his good form over the last three miles even after the tricky sharp gulley to contend with.  Karl, Jason, Trevor, Dave and Peter kept their positions over the last section and all felt the rigours of the day. 

Trevor had made the most improvement knocking 18 minutes off last year’s time, Jason who helped in this task by pace making did a brilliant job, considering he ran 50 miles the week before supporting another runner on the 110m Hardmoors Challenge.  The Swaledale race is very tough but is made worthwhile by the people who man the checkpoints dishing out food and drink, then with the tumultuous welcome from all spectators when runners arrive back in Reeth lifting the weariest of spirits.

It was Karl’s 19th Swaledale, Peter’s 13th and counting on one hand covers the rest.

Results: Mick Ludgate 20th (3.56), Davey Lake 28th (4.03), Karl Edwards 33rd (4.09), Trevor Sherwood 41st (4.20), Jason Ellis 42nd (4.20), Dave Edwards 83rd (4.46), Peter Johnson 176th (5.31).

It has to be said that apart from Trevor the rest of the squad were not in tip top shape for this event for one reason or another, so hopefully if we can get a fit squad out we could make Stuart really happy by lifting the team trophy which he has been waiting to see for many years.  We have come close but never quite made it, this time next year might be a different story, so no pressure Davey, Jason!

Link to Official Results

Link to photos courtesy of Dave Edwards