Wednesday 20 March 2013

The Haworth Hobble Ultramarthon

Haworth Hobble Ultramarathon

Date: Saturday 9th March, 2013

Race starting time 8:00am

The following data was recorded by Garmin Connect

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/282691147#.UUeHNXX-QJ8.email

Distance: 32.00 Miles
Total Running Time: 7:53:56
Calories Burned: 4384
Ascent: 4621 feet
Descent: 4658 feet

About the race


http://kcac.co.uk/kcac-events/haworth-hobble/

A 32 mile Ultramarathon traversing Gritstone Moors around Haworth, Todmorden and Hebden Bridge with over 4,400 ft of Ascent & Descent. Maximum time allowed 11 hours to complete the event. Refreshments provided on route at the check points and hot meals served at the end of the race.

Route information shown in Google maps


http://j.mp/w40JzB

Entry list on the day


http://kcac.co.uk/kcac-events/haworth-hobble/hobble-entry-lists/


Race results

http://kcac.co.uk/kcac-events/haworth-hobble/

Race report


Registration on the day had opened at 06:30 hrs at Haworth Primary School, where 67 paired and 302 solo runners registered and received their race numbers. The weather forecast for the day had included; sleet and blustery showers. The outside temperature was 0*C with windchill in excess of minus 5*C celsius.

The race started at the bottom of  Main Street and follows up the cobbled road. Heading along Cemetery Road towards "Far Intake and Bronte Bridge". Leading on to the  Pennine Way, passing  Widdop reservoir at Check Point (1) and Walshaw Dean reservoir. Heading west along both Burnley Way, Pennine Bridleway, passing Hurstwood and Cant Clough reservoirs. This section of the route had exposed the runners to the elements of the weather, where low hanging mist had played havoc with navigation.

After leaving Check Point (3) the route follows the "Long Causeway", passing Stiperden House Farm and Stoney Lane to Checkpoint (4). At the Check Point the runners had the opportunity to take advantage of hot food and drink that was on offer these included; Hot Dogs, Jam Doughnuts, Tea & Coffee. Then heading southeast down Stoney Lane passing the Golf Course and Cross Stone Inn. Taking  the steep, narrow footpath passing the back of the church and leading down to the main road. The footpath had proven difficult to descend safely, due to wet and slippery underfooting. 

The ascent to Mankinholes Youth Hostel had started with a steep zig zaging path, over a sty and through two fields until reaching Check Point (5). After refilling water bottles the track turned east passing water troughs on the left, taking a steep track on the right and ascending until reaching the summit of "Stoodley Pike". Then heading east along the Pennine Way down to Hebble End in Hebden Bridge. After crossing the A646 access was gained to steep steps and road, which climbed steeply into Heptonstall. Turning right and bypassing the pub at Check Point (7), following the tarmac lane down towards reaching Horse Bridge at Check Point (8).Through the car park on the left, picking up the bridleway and heading towards Crimsworth Dene at Check Point (9). Turning back on yourself back tracking the tarmac lane heading towards "Top Of Stairs" and following the track as it descends down until reaching  Leeshaw Reservoir.

This section of the route leading from "Top Of Stairs" towards the reservoir had left the runners exposed to the elements of the "deteriorating" weather.

Leaving the reservoir and heading along Lee Lane until reaching the junction of Moorside Lane. Turn left heading up the lane, taking the track on the right and across Penistone Hill country park towards the church. Leading up the cobble road and out on to Rawdon road to the finish line  back at Haworth Primary School.

Photogarphs


The starting line at the bottom of Main Street, where the runners ascend the cobble road.



Picking up "Bronte Way" track, passing "The Slack" on my left and heading towards "Lower Laithe" reservoir.





Running along the "Pennine Way towards "Walshaw Dean Lower" reservoir.






 
 


Stoodley Pike Monument



The finish of the race back at Haworth Prinary School


On behalf of all fellow runners and myself. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all Volunteers, Marshall's, Kitchen Staff. Management and Club Members. For there kind hospitality and professionalism shown throughout the entire event. This was a great day to be enjoyed by all.

A big thank you to my running friends for their company and banter during the race.

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My chosen charity for 2013
"Pawz for Thought"


“Keep on Running & Be Inspired”
Darren Barnes

Follow my running activities on Twitter @enduranceruner

Facebook "We Love A Challenge"

Monday 18 March 2013

My 2013 Ultramarathon Challenges

My 2013 Ultramarthon Challenges

My personal challenge for 2013 is to complete "6 Ultramarathon races".

This will be a tough year in my running career, where so far I have committed to 6 Ultramarathons. Kick starting the season off with the Howarth Hobble - 32 miles and building up to the "Mother" of all The West Highland Way - 95 miles. I hope to finish the season with the Hardmoors 60 - 60 miles, where I hope to beat last years time of over 16 hours of non stop running.

Training & Strategies

I have been training everyday for over 2 years this includes; Core Strength Building, Yoga, Cycling, Circuits, & Cross Country Running. My weekly training mileage varies between 20 - 50 miles per week, this includes 90% Trail, Hill Reps, Tempo and Intervals.

I also help out by designing and implementing weekly & monthly tough exercise challenges for a highly focused group of athletes, who I am proud to be associated with. We started this year off with the first challenge; "January 31 days of Burpees", then followed by "February 28 days of Squats" & "March Enduro Challenge" which includes; Burpees, Squats, Crunches, Plank & Wall Squats. The group can be found on face book and its called; We Love A Challenge.

My Ultramarathon Challenges & Race  Results


 

DateUltramarathonLocationMileageTime HH/MMCompleted  PB Minutes







MarchHowarth Hobble West Yorkshire327:53Hrs9th March2
AprilHighland FlingScotland5213:23Hrs 27th April
MayCateran TrailScotland5413:44 Hrs18th May12
JuneWest Highland WayScotland6016:39 Hrs22nd June  DNF at
60 Miles due to an injury

AugustDevil O' HighlandScotland42Withdrew 
SeptemberHardmoors 60East Yorkshire60Withdrew 

October Saltergare ChallengeEast Yorkshire 245:47 Hrs5th October 
Total MileageCompleted
324

 
Race No1 - Howarth Hobble 32 Mile Ultramarathon- Garmin Connect Race Statistics & Results

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/282691147#.UUeHNXX-QJ8.email

http://kcac.co.uk/events/hobble/13_hobble.html




Race No2 - Hoka Highand Fling 54 Mile Ultramarathon - Garmin Connect Race Statistics & Results

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/305357555#.UX7knAP5jng.email

http://www.zen31010.zen.co.uk/highlandflingrace/results.htm






Race No3- The Cateran Trail 55 Mile Ultramarathon - Garmin Connect Race Statistics & Results

My watch battery ran out of power at mile 51.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/315959562#

http://cateran55ultra.webnode.com/








Race No4 - West Highland Way 95 Mile Ultramarathon - Garmin Connect Race Statistics & Results

My watch battery ran out of power at mile 51:45 after 15:39 hours of running


Due to the onset of a serious Achilles tendon injury developing in both legs. I had to make a very tough decision of withdrawing at Check Point No4 at the Bridge of Orchy. This was the 60 mile marker into the 95 mile race. Even though I was mentally focused on finishing the race due to the implemtation of a good hydration and nutrition plan. Both my Achilles tendons just did not want to pay ball and I did not want to anticipate spending any time in hospital and rehyabilition following major surgery.

Check Point No2 -Beinglas Farm (42 miles)


View of Ben Lomond



Veiw of Connic Hill from Check Point No1 - (20mile)


Race No5 - The Saltergate Circuit - 24 mile Cross Country Race.

This race was organised by the Scarborough & Ryedale Mountain Rescue Team.
 
For information of the challenge and route, then please see the below link.
http://www.srmrt.org.uk/challenge-walks/saltergate-circuit-challenge-walk/

The route that I took was the (24 mile) - long route, taking in the beauty and splendour of the North Yorkshire moors. We had arrived late that morning and by the time we registered for the race. We had missed the start by nearly 5 minutes. The weather on the day was glorious, with sunny spells and a light wind. There was some route diversions to contend with, this was due to local shoots that were taken place that very morning. Everything on the day went to according to plan except for a very small oversight in my navigation skills, which resulted in overshooting a check point by nearly 500 metres DRATT !!!!. I had finished the race in (5:47) hours, with a (PB) personal best of over (2:08) hours. At the end of the race everyone was served by local volunteers with, Pie Peas & Gravy.
 Due to the fact that I am always keen for a challenge. I meet up with friends from the Hardmoors Ultramarathon family, where I was coaxed in to performing  a series of stress test exercises within a given time limit. Thanks for that guys, as I nearly regurgitated back up my food !!! :)

My certificate


With Hardmoors Family, I'm wearing my Hardmoors 60 mile Ultramarathon "Finishers"  Tee-Shirt 


The ascent to Check Point CP No2

My racing buddy on his attempt of stepping over the river



A beautiful view of the valley below

One of 2 Self Clip Check Points



  One of many lovely tracks to run 



Mountain Rescue Check Point & Landrover






Links To The Race Websites

http://kcac.co.uk/kcac-events/haworth-hobble/

http://www.zen31010.zen.co.uk/highlandflingrace/

http://cateran55ultra.webnode.com/

http://www.westhighlandwayrace.org/

http://www.devilothehighlandsfootrace.co.uk/

http://hardmoors110.org.uk/cms/

TEAM - We Love A Challenge



My chosen charity for 2013
"Pawz for Thought"


“Keep on Running & Be Inspired”
Darren Barnes

Follow my running activities on Twitter @enduranceruner

Facebook "We Love A Challenge"




















Tuesday 5 March 2013

Gym Poster -Sunderland 4 PEAK challenge


Darren Barnes - Endurance & Ultra Running

Endurance Run #1


Sunderland 4 PEAK Challenge

20 mile cross country city run which takes in Tunstall Hill, SilkworthSki Slope,  Hastings Hill, PenshawMonument, & River Wear.

For information onthis or any other Endurance Run, then please visit my Endurance & UltraRunning Blog.




 
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Twitter @enduranceruner

   "Keep On Running & Be Inspired"